We both think of his parents as Mom and Dad instead of our own deadbeat ones. They were the ones who were always there for us. Through everything, we know they love us.
When Oliver came along, he was brought into the fold in much the same way. He’s family, and I would do absolutely anything for him.
That’s why it was such an easy decision for Linc and me to move here—it was what Oliver needed. I’m not saying the change hasn’t been good for Linc and me, but nothing else really mattered when this is what was best for Oliver.
“Well, I’d better let you all finish your shopping trip,” Abby says. She looks down at Oliver. “Can you do me a favor tomorrow?”
He nods, eyes eagerly locked on her.
Same, bud. Same.
“Maverick is with his dad this week, so can you give him a hug or maybe a fist bump for me when you see him at school tomorrow?”
His messy blond waves bounce up and down as he nods quickly.
“Thanks, bud,” she says. She looks back up, eyes looking between Linc, Kane, and me.
There’s a subtle difference in the way her gaze shifts between each of us. I can’t pinpoint the exact difference, but it’s there.
“Bye, guys,” she says with a wave before she disappears around the corner. All four of us stand there staring after her like love-sick fools.
The second the groceries are put away, and Oliver wanders off to his room, I ask the question that’s been burning in the back of my mind since the first look I saw between Abby and Kane.
“What’s the deal with you and Abby?”
Kane’s eyes widen slightly. “She’s Maverick’s mom.”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Is he fucking serious right now? “And?” I ask, imploring him to keep going.
He looks between Linc and me before he lets out a heavy exhale. “Do you remember me telling you about the long ride I went on when I was torn up about Oliver not being with me—and how I ended up here?”
Yes, I remember. That was when he met Benny, and it’s what eventually sparked the decision for our move here.
“Well, I met Abby that night.”
My eyebrows rise. I do the math in my head. “You met her three years ago?”
He nods.
“Did you sleep with her?” Linc asks.
That wasn’t my initial thought, but it actually makes sense. The connection between them was pretty evident at the grocery store.
Kane hesitates for a second. “Yeah, I did.”
Well… fuck me.
“Is she the reason you wanted to move here?” Linc continues.
Kane moves his head in a noncommittal way. “No, but I think on some level I was hoping to see her again.”
“Do you want to date her? Is that what she wants?” I ask, feeling threads of jealousy weave through me.
I have no right to feel this way. If that’s what he wants, I wouldn’t stand in his way. I couldn’t. He met her years ago.
If dibs were a thing when it came to people, then he would absolutely have it when it comes to her, the spark I feel with her be damned.
“It doesn’t matter what I want.” His words are resigned. “I can’t start a relationship with anyone right now.”
