Page 17 of Loving You

Dallas looked furious as he complied, and then he dropped his phone on the table. “Who the fuck does he think he is? He thinks he’s going to get any kind of custody after what he did?”

Bronx held up a hand. “Relax. He’s doing this to get to me. He doesn’t want Lucas, and Lucas is almost a legal adult. The most he can do is drag me back for some pointless hearing.”

Dallas still looked pissed. “Do you think he’s calling Luke?”

Bronx shrugged, feeling suddenly exhausted. He wanted something—anything—that could take his mind off Jules and their shitshow of a split. He just wanted toforget for a little while, but everywhere he turned, he was faced with it.

There was no escape.

“I think Luke blocked him months ago. Except now he wasn’t sure. Now, he was worried that Lucas’s entire night was about to be ruined. He needed to cancel this outing and go check on his son. “You know, maybe I should take off and?—”

“No,” Dallas cut him off, slashing his hand through the hair. “Absolutely fucking not.”

Bronx narrowed his eyes. “You don’t know what I was going to say.”

“Yes I do. You were going to say you should go to Adele’s to warn him, but we both know Luke can handle himself. I was just panicking, and so were you.”

That was fair, and he knew it. Lucas wanted nothing to do with Jules, and no one was going to force his hand. But losing his son was his one irrational fear.

“Come out, have one drink, meet Monty,” Kylen said quietly, far calmer than Dallas. “He’s a really good guy. You’ll like him. It’ll take your mind off things, and if you’re still stressed about it in a little while, then you can go.”

Bronx nodded. It was enough of a compromise. Besides, it couldn’t hurt to try and make new friends. Not a relationship, but maybe meeting people other than his brother and Kylen would do him some good. He didn’t really think this Monty guy was going to be life-changing, but maybe if he could get this right, it would give him the push he needed to branch out.

“Okay. Let’s do this,” Bronx said softly.

Dallas let out a short breath, then offered his hand. Bronx took a small comfort as their palms met, and hereminded himself that no matter how alone he felt, he had a small team at his back.

Bronx was a short ways behind Kylen and Dallas’s car after taking a few moments to call Lucas before he left. His son was annoyed to get a call and even more annoyed that Jules was causing drama. But he confirmed to Bronx that he’d blocked Jules a long time ago and there was nothing to worry about.

“I wouldn’t go with him if he paid me. If some judge told me I had to live with him, I’d flee to the French countryside and live in some cottage by a river.”

Bronx laughed softly. “And I’d be right there with you. I’m heading out now, but call me if you need me.”

“Call me if it’s a real emergency,” Lucas said, then paused. “I hope you have fun, Dad. I love you.”

The words warmed him like no others could. “I love you too. Have fun.” He felt better as he hung up and hopped on the road, heading to the spot his brother had picked.

Bronx was familiar with the place. It was the restaurant Lane owned. It was casual fare with a large sports bar area. Bronx appreciated the spot because in the few times he’d visited, it hadn’t been very loud. They could carry on conversation wherever they were sitting, and the place had a good vibe.

A lot like Lane, actually. Bronx liked having another person closer to his age in the group. He also appreciated that both Lane and Adele had taken on the dad role so there wasn’t some empty space they expected him to fill where they dumped their problems on him to solve. He’d already screwed up his own life enough with bad advice andterrible choices. He didn’t want to be responsible for failing anyone else.

Pulling up next to Dallas’s car, Bronx got out, smiling at his brother as he attempted to settle his nerves. He didn’t want to be the weird hanger-on again, and he was hoping this Monty guy was a relaxed sort of guy. Bronx could not handle someone high-strung right now. His nerves were shot.

“Unclench,” Dallas murmured as his stride matched his brother’s. “You’re not going on trial.”

“I hate you,” Bronx muttered.

Dallas laughed. “No, you don’t.”

When they made it inside, Bronx scanned the room, then saw a man near the back wall at a four-top table waving at them. He was so striking it almost took Bronx’s breath away. He couldn’t gauge how tall the guy was, but he had broad shoulders, neatly trimmed, gently curled dark hair, the hint of a beard, and deep-set eyes that made him feel like the guy could see straight into his soul.

He was dressed casually in a sweater, and he was smiling sweetly as they approached.

“Hey. I hope you weren’t waiting long,” Dallas said. He leaned down and kissed the guy on the cheek.

Bronx’s chest twisted, but then Kylen did the same before taking a seat.

The guy—Monty—grinned at him as Bronx stood there awkwardly. “Don’t worry. I don’t kiss strangers on the first night we meet.” He had a very light but distinct accent—French, if Bronx was guessing correctly. Monty stuck out his hand. “You must be the brother Dallas won’t stop talking about.”

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