Page 251 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Yeah, over on third and Grand.” I gave a nod, pretending I understood what he meant and went back to wardrobe to get my own clothing and then to see if Gus was still around and could help me get my lashes off without tearing off my natural ones. I’d never worn feathers for eyelashes before and was not a fan, but if they made the photos pop and got me noticed, I’d gladly make them my signature look.

“You going to Randolf’s?” I asked him as I sat in the chair again. I’d done a quick internet search to discover it was just a bar with quote ‘fusion flair’, whatever that meant.

“It’s not really optional. But you’ll have fun. Now let’s see if we can get these off.” His lack of confidence had me crossing my fingers as he did his magic. They came off beautifully. Everything did and I was looking like me quickly enough. I started to get up and he put a hand on my shoulder. “Let me fix your face, you’ll thank me.”

I leaned back as he made me up, the look very non-make-up with the exception of my eyeliner which was heavy and pronounced and the highlighter, that had me shining, had an almost disco ball feel to it.

I understood why he chose the look that he did as I stepped into Randolf’s. This was not the kind of place I’d ever have just walked into before or if I had, I’d quickly changed my mind. It was industrial and trendy, but with a bit of an old school pub feel in random pockets… almost as if they put the new bar over an old one but forgot a few areas. I went to the bar to grab a drink and was completely ignored.

“You have a better chance in the wooden booths.” Gus whispered in my ear. “There’s like a… I don’t know… a set of secret rules or something.”

He grabbed me by the arm and led me to an old carved booth in the corner. It wasn’t until then that I even thought he might be flirting with me, but as I slid into the booth, his hand guiding me from its new perch on my lower back, I very much did.

Shit. This was not good.

“Do you watch?” He pointed to a television on the wall, and on it was a soccer game.

Thesoccer game I promised I’d watch with Toby.

“You okay?” Gus’s hand cupped my cheek. “Martin, are you okay?”

“What? No. No I’m not. I need to go. Cover me?”

“Yeah. Okay,” he said after a moment of hesitation.

I snuck out, or at least I hoped it was sneaking and took out my phone, calling Toby.

“Hey, Dad.” He answered on the first ring.

“Sorry, I’m late. I’m heading over now.” I didn’t want to lie to him, but saying I forgot sounded pretty shitty too and I opted with fewer details.

When had I become such a craptastic father?

“It’s fine Dad. TD and I are watching it.” It didn’t sound fine. “Gotta go. Love you.” And just like that he hung up. I didn’t blame him. I deserved it.

And I deserved what happened next when Neil called and lit into me. He should be mad. Shit, I was mad at me, too. If only I was strong enough to tell him that.

113

JUGGLING AND DROPPING ALL THE BALLS

Neil

“TD! TD!” The voice was coming from a great distance and I ignored it because I’d just fallen asleep.Go away, I said in my head. I needed quiet but the voice persisted. “Neil, Charlie’s awake. I changed his diaper but I have to get ready for school.”

“What?” I shot up. My older son was looking after my younger one while I was lounging in bed. Not exactly lounging but scrounging a few minutes of much-needed sleep.

Everyone and everything was discombobulated when I told Martin to leave. It was the best decision. The only decision that worked as we needed space and time in the hope that we could repair our relationship.

But Martin was living some distance away and was often late to pick up Toby for school. So, Nate or Daire had taken on the task of getting him there. It was either that or me getting a rideshare to school and back and taking Charlie with me. And I did that some days if my downstairs neighbors were busy.

“Sweetheart, that was so kind of you helping your little brother.”

As I said that, I repeated a mantra in my head that families can be made, and are not necessarily born.Found families. Charlie was my adored son, gifted to me under horrific circumstances, while Toby was my beloved step-son from a mate I was now separated from.Found family, I said once more.

“But next time, wake me. You shouldn’t have to do that. It’s my job.”

“It’s cool. He’s my little bro.”

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