Page 52 of Bastard Bartender

“We were hoping to go with him to his appointment, but we both have work on Monday, so we need to head back home.”

I can tell this upsets her, and it breaks my heart. I can imagine, once you have a child, it doesn’t matter how old they get; they’ll always be a worry for you.

“Do you go to all of his scans?” I ask.

Nic turns to me with a groan. “They’re here once a month to do their own visual scan.”

I ignore his grumpy face. “When is your appointment?”

“Next Friday,” Nic says as he opens the refrigerator, pulling out two beers and offering me one.

I nod as he pops the top and sets it in front of me. “I don’t mind going with you.” I turn to his mother and explain, “Then, I can let you know if there’s anything this tough guy is trying to keep from you.”

Isabel’s eyes light up. “Oh, could you?”

I look to Nic to make sure I didn’t overstep my boundaries.

He shrugs. “I’m cool with that. It will keep her off my back,” he jokes as he wraps his arms around Isabel.

“Thank you, mija. That will make me feel much better since I can’t be here physically.”

“I’m glad to help.” I smile before I take another bite of my soup as Nic stares at me with a wistful gaze, seeming almost happy that I’ll be the one at his side.