Page 20 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

It takes up the time we need it to, in any case. By mid-afternoon, Ellen and Mike are still out, so Bella and I make some sandwiches and decide to eat on the beach.

The dark clouds have dissipated, and the heat of the day makes everything feel just a little muggy. The breeze off the lake is refreshing.

Steven lingers around outside, watching us every time we step out of the cabin. We head up along the path to a playground park where we claim a picnic table.

“I wish he’d stop watching us,” Bella murmurs as we sit down.

“I could have a talk with him,” I offer. “Maybe mention his fashion choices? Those cargo shorts aren’t doing him any favors.”

Bella laughs and shakes her head. “I don’t want things to escalate.”

As much as I’d like to do something to help her, I have to respect her wishes. I won’t confront Steven.

We begin to eat while gulls circle overhead, waiting for a chance to steal our food.

“If those birds swoop in, I’m throwing my sandwich as a distraction,” I say. “They can fight over it while we make our escape!”

A sudden scream makes both of us jump. The handful of kids on the playground gather around in a circle, yelling. I stand up. There are two boys in the middle of the circle, whaling on each other.

I glance around but there are no other adults in sight.

Bella hurries toward the fighting children. “That is enough!” she shouts. “Stop fighting this minute!”

She sounds just like a teacher breaking up a schoolyard fight. The circle of children jumps and moves away from each other. The two tussling boys hold onto each other as they turn to frown at her.

I follow after her. The boys glare at Bella and me.

Bella puts her hands on her hips. “Let go of each other right now.”

They release one another reluctantly. The two look so similar I figure they must be brothers.

“Where are your parents?” Bella asks.

The boys scowl. The one on the left starts to point, and the one on the right knocks his hand away.

“Don’t tell them anything,” the right-hand boy hisses.

“If you don’t tell us where your parents are, we’re going to have to take care of this ourselves,” I say, folding my arms. When they still don’t answer, I crouch to be at eye level. “What was this fight about, boys?”

The boy on the left twitches. “He called my mom ugly.”

“He said he wishes I was never born,” the boy on the right cries.

Hmmm. Interesting. “Are you two brothers? Do you have the same dad but different moms?”

The boys nod.

“That’s gotta be a bit confusing, huh?” I say, keeping my voice gentle. I focus on the left-hand boy. “Your mom and dad aren’t together anymore, are they?”

His lip trembles as he shakes his head.

“You know it’s not because of you, right? And it’s not because of your brother, either. Do you really wish he wasn’t born, or do you just wish your parents were together?”

The boy hangs his head. “I wish my parents were still together.”

“My parents broke up, too. It hurts, but that isn’t a reason to be mean to your brother. And you,” I turn to the other boy, “insulting his mother isn’t how you deal with it, either. Now, where’s your dad? I think he should come get you.”

They tell me where to find him. Bella stays back to make sure that they don’t start fighting again while I find their father. I explain the situation briefly, and he rubs his forehead as we head toward the park.

---