Page 63 of Mr. Broody

I have to release Bodhi’s hand to put my coat on, and I swing my purse crossways over my body. As soon as I’m ready to go, Bodhi lifts his arm, joining our hands again.

We walk out of the room, Mack telling the workers to keep the balloon arch all day for the rest of the kids to enjoy.

Once we’re outside, I notice Bodhi’s free hand slide into Henry’s, so he’s walking in the middle of us as if we’re a family. My chest squeezes at what could have been.

I glance at Henry over Bodhi’s head, and my shoulders fall. I can’t break their hearts, but it feels almost impossible to fight this growing feeling inside me that really likes this too.

Henry’s smile is soft, but I see his worry there.

Bodhi tips his head back, smiling at both of us.

Oh god, my heart almost stops, skipping a few beats.

I’m not sure what Henry wants to talk about, but one thing is clear—we need to figure out our shit before Bodhi is the collateral damage.

Twenty-Eight

Henry

This isn’t good.

On the way to Mack’s car, we looked like a family, and I didn’t miss Mack’s raised eyebrows when I slid into the front seat of his car.

I glance at the back seat, buckling my seat belt and making sure Bodhi is putting his on. He’s staring at Jade with big wide eyes. Fuck. I’m supposed to be protecting him, making sure his heart doesn’t get broken.

“You’re going to have to talk to Ruby because I’m parking in the alley.” Mack pulls away from the curb.

Parking is a nightmare near us, and there isn’t really anywhere on the street for Mack to park. I don’t actually think Ruby minds. She just likes to give him a hard time.

“I’ll talk to her,” I say.

“Miss Jade, do you have your camera here?” Bodhi asks.

“Oh, no. I don’t.”

“I want you to show me how you take pretty pictures,” he says.

I feel Mack’s eyes on the side of my head as he turns right, and I try to act as if this is an everyday conversation. That my son isn’t completely smitten with the same woman I am.

“I can bring it to school one day,” she says.

“I want to be with you when you take pictures,” Bodhi presses. “Daddy, can we go with Miss Jade when she takes pictures?”

Mack clears his throat.

“That depends on Miss Jade, bud.”

“Well… um… I guess we could set a date, sure.” But Jade sounds anything but sure.

“A date?” The excitement in Bodhi’s voice is obvious.

Mack clears his throat again and side-eyes me at the excitement in Bodhi’s tone.

“Well…” I’m not sure Jade knows how to address him.

“It just means we’ll figure out a time to get together.” I glance back and see Bodhi put his hand in hers again.

It’s over. She’s won him over too.

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