Page 64 of Every Breath

“But what if he doesn’t accept it?”

“Ben likes you. Don’t worry about it.”

“I guess this means I should tell my kids, too; otherwise they’ll find out at school tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry that it had to come out like this, but we have nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s go and have a talk with my son.”

“No. I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to be here when you talk to him. Besides, I really should be getting back to my sister’s house. I told her I would help out with my niece’s party. Lisa is already mad at me for bailing on her, but I had to see you.”

Mason ran his thumb across her bottom lip, causing her to shiver. “I’m glad you did. When can I see you again?” he asked eagerly.

“On the weekend…if you have Ben, the five of us can do something.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. I think the kids would enjoy it. Call me and we’ll make plans.”

“I will.” He gave her a long, lingering kiss before leading her to the living room where Ben sat sorting through his baseball cards as though he hadn’t witnessed her and his father in a passionate embrace.

“It was nice seeing you again,” Brandi said to the little boy.

“Yeah, okay.” He sounded less than enthusiastic, and his attitude took her by surprise. What was wrong? He seemed so friendly when she had come.

Brandi looked to Mason, who shrugged. He seemed just as confused as she was.

“I’ll talk to you this week,” she said before leaving them.

Mason saw her to the door, but she insisted that he stay with Ben. As she drove to her sister’s, she wondered if she was doing the right thing.

Mason sensed something was wrong the minute he and Brandi walked back into the living room. After seeing Brandi off, Mason wanted to know what was bothering his son.

“Ben, are you okay?” He sat down next to the boy.

“Yeah.”

“What did you want to ask me?”

“Nothing. It wasn’t important,” Ben muttered.

“If it was important to you, it’s important to me. Tell me what’s on your mind, kiddo.”

“I was going to ask how valuable you think this card is.” Ben handed it to him.

Mason examined it. “Hmm, I don’t think it’s very valuable. This guy only played one season in the majors before getting sent to the minors. This card is probably more valuable to the player and his mother than it is to you.” Mason attempted to joke, but Ben didn’t crack a smile.

“That’s not all that’s on your mind. Tell me.”

Ben’s lips pursed to a thin line, and he shook his head.

“Come on. You know you can tell me anything.”

The little boy’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t speak. Ben turned back to his baseball cards. Mason closed his eyes with disappointment. Ben obviously wasn’t happy at what he witnessed in the sitting room.

“Ben, about what you saw earlier--”

“I don’t want to talk about it!” Ben snapped.

Mason looked at the child in astonishment. Ben was usually laid back and accepting, but his attitude now was baffling.

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