Page 68 of Viper

Viper: I’m not happy about that, but I get it. How about I call you later after I’m done at Church, and Archer home and in bed.

Eden: Alright. I’ll talk to you later.

Viper: Bye, baby girl.

Eden: Bye, Daddy.

I smile at my phone and then put it away when I hear the passenger door open and Archer climbs in. “Hi, Dad,” he says excitedly.

“Hey, buddy,” I say with a smile as I look over and nod at Twigs, who has finally put his attention back to the task at hand. “How was school?”

“Kind of boring, but I handed in my book report and my teacher was pretty impressed with it,” he says with a proud grin.

“That’s great, son,” I say proudly as I pull out of the pick up line and head toward the exit.

“Are we seeing Eden tonight?” Archer asks.

“Probably not tonight. She’s working late so she can get caught up at work since she had such a busy day.”

“Oh,” he says, a small pout pulling at his lips. “You’re sure she’s not avoiding us?” he asks after another moment. “Maybe she’s changed her mind?”

That gives me pause and I look over at him in surprise. He’s not looking at me, just looking out the passenger window, but I can see the worry on his face in his reflection. “Archer, Eden definitely hasn’t changed her mind,” I assure him. “But Eden and I aren’t like your Mom and Tony. We aren’t at the point where we’re ready to live together and spend all our time together. We both work, and sometimes that means there are going to be times we don’t see each other, and by extension, she won’t see you. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to.”

Archer digests that. “Okay,” he finally replies, sounding far more relaxed. “Do you think she’d be okay with me texting her once in a while?”

“We can ask her, but I don’t see why she wouldn’t be. Just as long as you realize if she doesn’t answer right away, it’s only because she’s probably busy, not ignoring you.”

“I will.” And with that, he launches into a detailed account of his day, perfectly content with the end of our discussion. When we reach the clubhouse, Archer has finally worn himself out and is ready to get inside. “I need to kick Uncle Timber’s ass again. Do you think he’ll cry like a baby today?”

I chuckle. “I don’t know if he’s back yet, but I think if anyone can, it’s you, kid.”

He grins wickedly. “I’ll have time to practice then before he gets here.”

“Don’t spend all your time on the game though, huh? We’ve been working on updating one of the rooms, and you can help us.”

He nods. “I like working with that stuff.” Then he’s out of the truck and taking off inside. Everything’s back together now so I don’t have to worry about him seeing anything he shouldn’t. I follow a bit slower, and glance at my truck sitting with all the bikes. I miss riding my bike, but with Archer with me this week, I’ve only gotten to take it our a couple of times, because I can’t risk having Archer on the back with everything going on, or with Eden being seen on it either.

Speaking of which, I pull out my phone and send Eden another text.

Viper: Archer is worried that you won’t want to spend too much time with him, so he was wondering if he could text you.

Surprisingly, Eden texts back only a couple minutes later.

Eden: Of course he can. Tell him I’m sorry I can’t see him tonight, but hopefully tomorrow. When does he go back to his mother’s?

I lose the smile on my face at the mention of Archer being away from me for a week, and a lead feeling settles in my gut. Being around Maggie, I worry about what she might say to him. But that also reminds me that I need to talk to him about keeping the fact that Eden and I are together to himself.

Viper: He has to be back Sunday at six.

Eden: Then how about tomorrow you bring me to your place and we all hang out to watch a movie?

Viper: I think that will make his day. And after he goes to bed, I can give you a personal tour.

Eden: I’m not having sex with you with your son sleeping in the next room.

Viper: My kid is a heavy sleeper, and I’m sure I can keep you quiet.

Eden: I’m rolling my eyes at you. We’ll argue about it later. I need to get back to work or I’ll be here all night.

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