Page 122 of Broken Grump

Without missing a beat, she says, “It’s Addie, isn’t it?”

My mouth hangs open.

“I may be old, young man, but I’m far from stupid. You forget, I was Sal’s right-hand woman for decades. And I saw how the two of you used to drool over each other. Now, out with it. What can I do to help?”

The old me would’ve gone on and on and insisted she was wrong about me and Addie, but I quite frankly just don’t have the energy.

“Could you please have flowers delivered to her house every hour, on the hour, until I can get her to answer the phone?”

“Oh, boy. You must’ve screwed up big time.”

“You have no idea.”

She’s quiet again before saying, “Okay. I’ll do it. But only if you promise me that you didn’t cheat on her. I cannot act like a fool on behalf of adultery.”

“Absolutely not.”

“And you didn’t hurt or strike her or anything like that?”

“Oh, God! No!” I know raising my voice wasn’t the best look, but I could never in a million years stomach physically hurting her.

“Good. Then, I’ll do it. Does she still like tulips?”

“Um—” I feel like an asshole for not knowing her favorite.

“I’ll bet she does. Never mind. I will take care of everything.”

“Thank you so much.”

That conversation helped me feel about fifty pounds lighter, but then I rounded the corner and saw Randall standing all stoic on the property.

Immediately, the weight came piling back on. And I swear, my shoulders actually hurt as I got out of the vehicle, closed the door, and buttoned my jacket back up.

“Hayden, good morning.” He takes his hand out of his pocket and shakes my jittery one.

“Morning.” I clear my throat and then hold my breath as I wait for whatever is about to come out of his mouth next.

“I made a decision,” he announces.

I almost choke on the spit sliding down my throat. “Um, wow. Okay? Uh . . .”

“But then Addie changed my mind.”

Oh.My eyes are darting, and my heart is racing.

“She told me all about the man you are, Hayden Cohen. She told me about the scared yet courageous little boy you were, and the person you are today who has really stepped up and been there for her and Luna.”

It isn’t my back that feels like it’s collapsing under a two-ton boulder. It’s my heart. I’m not worthy of any of that praise. Not even close.

My mind is now swirling, and nothing looks better than the patch of smooth, dark dirt before my feet. I would love to curl up and assume the fetal position in it.

Randall continues talking, but I can’t make out his words. Besides, they don’t matter.

Eventually, we shake hands. For what? I can’t be sure.

But after saying my goodbyes to him, I climb into my compact car and peel off. I feel foolish for ever coming here in the first place when the future of my family—mylife—hangs in the balance like this.

Chapter thirty-five

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