“Hi,” I answer back, jamming my hands in my jean pockets.
“You just get in?” he asks formally, like his tongue hasn’t eaten my ass like it was his last meal. Like he hasn’t stuck his cock so far down my throat and had me seeing stars.
“Yup,” I answer, popping the ‘p’.
“Nice.” He nods, looking over at Paislee.
What the fuck? That’s fucking it? That’s all he’s got?
“How’ve you been?” I ask, testing the waters. I’m not sure what I’m expecting him to say, especially in front of mom, but this cold, nonchalant attitude is twisting my stomach.
His eyes narrow at me before he flicks his eyes to Mom and Paislee.
“Good. Busy. You know, a baby and all,” he says, walking over.
I suck in a breath and move out of the way as he strides over, picking up Paislee and giving her a few kisses on the cheek.
I remember when his kisses wereall mine. Promises inside each one.
I clench my fist watching the exchange. Is this how older siblings feel when their parents have a new baby? If so, I give them my sympathies.
“Yeah. Makes sense.” I finally breathe out.
“Brad, it’s a good thing you’re here,” Mom speaks up. “Noah’s going to work with you at the new job site.”
My brain short circuits.
“What!?” We both say in unison.
Mom looks at me. “What? You thought you were just going to stay here and skate on by doing nothing?”
“I’m not planning on doingnothing. I’m going to go looking for a job. Like, tomorrow.” I insist.
“Why would you waste time job hunting when Brad has a perfectly good job for you? Don’t be ridiculous. Right, Brad?” she asks, tilting her head back to the man who fucked my heart up.
Hisjaw clenches. “Vee, that’s not a good idea. I shouldn’t be his boss.” Well, it’s nice to see a little reaction from him, even if it’s small.
Her eyes narrow as she skips them between the two of us. “I think you can suck it up and spend a few hours a day together,” she bites, standing up. “You do these sorts of things for family,” she grabs Paislee back and sits her on her hip before heading towards the door. “You two okay with pizza tonight?”
I quickly rack my brain to think of something,anything, to get me out of this job with him. Eight hours a day with him? With him looking at me with such…indifference? I won’t last. I’ll flip out, I know it.
His jaw ticks before he answers. “Fine,” he mutters, not looking at me this time. “I’m coming inside, too.” He does just that, following mom inside with their child. Their baby. Their perfect little family.
I’m fucking seething.
He can’t even last two seconds near me. Great. Fucking wonderful.
Is this seriously it?
I built the whole thing up in my head, and now that’s that?
Whatever.
Maybe last summer really did mean nothing to him. MaybeImeant nothing to him.
If that’s how he wants to play it—we’ll play.
22
