Page 52 of Mr. Broody

This woman is really something.

“Do you need the address?” I decide not to make a big deal of this and talk to Bodhi when I hang up.

“No, I’m not even sure he can make it. We made plans since I knew nothing about this party. And now I’ll have to go into a toy store on a Saturday. This is a big inconvenience.”

My head rocks back. How do teachers deal with these parents?

“Bodhi doesn’t need a gift. I apologize for whatever the mix-up was, and I hope Micha can still make the party.” I think my reply is more than nice.

“I’ll have to make sure he’s there, won’t I? I’ll be a monster of a parent to him if his entire class goes, and he doesn’t. You really put me in a bind here, Henry. I understand that you’re a single dad, but it’s bad enough that because you play hockey, you use that to bribe the teachers into accommodating your schedule. Now this? We aren’t all impressed that you play for the Falcons, you know.”

I run my hand down my face before winding it around and cupping the back of my neck, squeezing. I’m ready to tell this woman off, but then she’ll probably think I didn’t invite Micha in the first place. Rumors and gossip are not my thing, especially when it affects Bodhi.

“I’m sorry for the confusion. I have to go get ready. I hope you can make it.”

She’s talking still when I click End on the call.

I walk out to the kitchen again. “Mack, you made enough invites for every kid in Bodhi’s class, right?”

He’s working on the last goodie bag. Seriously, this guy has skills I’ll never possess.

“Yeah, and I put them in Bodhi’s bag. He told me he handed them out to everyone.” He stands from the table and places the goodie bags into a bin he brought over. “We need to go soon so I can blow up the balloons there with the helium tank I… well… you bought.”

I gave Mack a credit card to use when I hired him, so I assume he used that for the decorations. Although I think he’s keeping the Starbucks points for himself.

“You bought a helium tank?”

“You only turn seven once.” He picks up the box and walks toward the door. “I parked in the alley, and Ruby said she’ll tow me if she finds me there again, so we gotta go. Bodhi!”

“She’s not going to tow you.” I grab my jacket and wallet. “Bod?—”

“I’m right here,” he says, coming out of his room. He’s dressed in the outfit I gave him, but he’s not wearing the T-shirt I bought him that says, “This is what an awesome seven-year-old looks like.”

“Where’s the shirt I got you?”

“Dad…”

When did I become Dad? I was Daddy just yesterday.

“I’ll be outside while you two figure this out.” Mack waves his finger back and forth. “And if I have a boot on my tire, you’re paying.”

I roll my eyes, let the door shut, and crouch down to Bodhi’s level. “You don’t like the shirt?”

He shakes his head.

Bodhi doesn’t like to disappoint people, which I imagine comes from before I met him, when he learned that if he did something wrong, bad things happen. It’s a work in progress, but it hurts my heart to even think about.

“Tell me,” I say.

He hems and haws, and his shoulders slouch, and he kicks out his feet.

“Bodhi,” I try again.

“It’s kiddish. My friends will make fun of me. No one wears those shirts with sayings on them.” His eyes never meet mine but remain fixated on the floor.

“Okay.” I nod and stand, taking his jacket off the hook and handing it to him.

He looks up at me. “Really?”

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