Page 67 of Taking What Was His

“How are you doing?”

She turned toward the door where Roman leaned against the doorjamb with his arms crossed over his chest. “I’m trying to figure out what to say to Jayden.”

He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. “Anything you say to him will upset him, but from what I know about him, he’s a strong, intelligent kid, and he has you and me. He’s going to be just fine.”

Beth closed her eyes and tightened her hold around his lean waist. “Thank you.”

“I’m here for you both, forever.”

“I love you.”

Roman sighed. “Oh, baby, you have no idea how much I love you. You and Jayden mean everything to me.”

They reluctantly pulled apart when the back door slammed.

“Mom,” Jayden yelled from the kitchen.

“Hey, buddy. I’m in your room.”

“Do you want me to give you two some time?”

She shook her head. “No, this is a family matter, and you’re part of our family.”

“You’re killing me here, woman.”

She laughed.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Jayden asked as he stood just inside the door to his bedroom.

She turned to the door, and Roman moved to the side to see the boy.

“Hi, honey. We’ve got a situation we need to tell you about. It can’t go any further than us.”

Jayden’s eyes were wide. “Okay.”

Beth grabbed his hand and pulled him down onto his mattress to sit beside her.

“You know how Evan has been coming around a lot to check on the water heater?”

“Yeah, I think it’s bogus,” he replied.

“You’re right, it was. He somehow made a hiding place in the wall.” She swallowed. “There was money, drugs, and a gun in a plastic bag.”

“Oh, wow.” Jayden stared down at his hands and then looked up at his mom. “I’m sorry, Mom. I know this has to hurt.”

She squeezed him. “I’m more worried about you.”

“Don’t be. I used to enjoy being with him, but for the last few years, he’s acted weird at times, and all he does is ask me questions about you.”

“What kind of questions?” Roman asked.

Jayden looked up at Roman. “Before you were around, it was where she would go, did she spend time with friends, was she seeing anyone ... stuff like that.”

Beth was shocked and sad she hadn’t known about the way Jayden felt. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He shrugged. “I didn’t think about it. I knew the guy was hot for you...”

Beth sputtered out a laugh.