Page 15 of Hart Breaker

“Only thing to do where we came from was play sports and fuck. Couldn’t afford anything else.”

“They go to college?”

He nods. “All of them took some time off, then realized they didn’t like working full time for the ranchers in our area and coming home to work at ours. Mom’s family owned it, so the old man didn’t get shit. Now the twins are in their last year at Bama; Bishop and Blane are playing for the Gators.”

I scratch my head, “Had no clue your old man wasn’t in your life.”

“He’s cut out of our lives, and they’re doing good.”

“They have a shot at pros?” Riley asks.

He nods. “Logan asked me about the twins, so they’ve been on someone’s radar.”

“Must suck to miss their games,” Sydney says and takes a drink.

“It does, but my time off is Lily’s. They get that.”

“Brooksie, you want water or soda?” I ask, realizing she’s without a drink.

“I’m good.”

“You in a hurry to get back to your man?” I ask.

“He’s in bed by nine; it’s a school night,” Sydney answers for her.

“Oh, that’s right; he’s going to be a lawyer.” When he grows up, I think but don’t say as I walk to the fridge. “You afraid Ivy League’s gonna be pissed you’re out? Can’t even have a drink of water?”

“He’s my fiancé, not my father,” she retorts.

I open the door, grab a bottle of water, and head back to hand it to her.

“Thanks.” She rolls her eyes.

“So,” Sydney interrupts the silence, “how long is Lily here in Blue Valley?”

“Trying to get her mom to let her stay until Monday so she can be at the game, but I’m not sure that will happen.”

“Which is bullshit,” I point out. “It’s not like she’s got to get back for school.”

He’d typically react to this and agree, but he doesn’t. “She’s, um, trying to work with me.”

“How does someone try to work with the father of her child?” Sydney asks.

He scrubs a hand over his face. “Lindsey’s a good girl, just has controlling parents and an asshole boyfriend. She’s seeing that more clearly now.”

Something about the way he says that causes me to ask, “She talking about moving closer again?”

He nods. “She’s talking about it, yeah.”

“Her asshole boyfriend going to be okay with it?” Sydney asks.

“Good chance he’ll be an ex in the next day or two.”

I take a drink to ensure I keep my mouth shut. We’ve been here before, but I’m not going to say that in front of the girls. Doesn’t piss me off any less that she gets his hopes up then fucks it all up. Twice since I’ve known him in two fucking years.

“It’s all good, Hart.” He chuckles as I set my empty on the counter.

“You don’t like her?” Sydney asks.

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