Page 6 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

Stacey grabbed Geena’s phone from her hands and eyed the text. She lifted her stare to Brody. “This isnotappropriate family meal conversation.”

“When have weeverbeen appropriate?” Geena asked.

Brody chuckled. “Why not tell me how the two of you have been?”

Stacey regaled him with her new promotion at the university library and their upcoming vacation plans. Geena grumbled about the hospital and how she was getting too old for the long hours she pulled as an RN. They asked him how business was at the club, which was booming. By the time he was done, their food arrived.

He glanced down at his plate. “Is this safe for me to eat?”

Their waiter put one hand on his hip and smiled. “Probably.”

Brody eyed the guy, lifting one brow.

The waiter ambled closer and whispered. “Look, I’mnotlosing my job because some jerk forgot me after I rocked his world. Give me a real big tip and we can forget it, hmm?” He paused. “Oryou can buy me a couple of drinks… and maybe I can remind you,daddy.I’m off tomorrow.”

Daddy.That word never really worked on him, especially considering his past. He narrowed his eyes, but thought better of saying anything. “Tomorrow we’re having a huge luau—I’ll be busy with setting that up and managing the crowd.” He paused, noting the sharp arch in the waiter’s eyebrow. “I’m heading back after dinner tonight if you want to stop by after work,” Brody replied. He’d buy the guy a drink or two if it ensured his food was safe… but he wasn’t sure there would be anythingbutdrinks.

If the guy hadn’t been memorable… what was the point of a round two?

“You got it. Tonight.” The waiter winked and walked off.

Brody sighed with relief.

“Oh no… he’s not flirting,” Stacey stated. “Not flirtingat all.”

“Eat your dinner,” Brody said before lifting all his shrimp and checking under them, for safe measure.

They all dug in. Once they were done eating, the waiter was back, asking about dessert.

“We brought a cake,” Stacey said. “We gave it to the hostess.”

“I’ll have it out with some plates and silverware in a moment,” the waiter replied happily. He was back moments later with a full crew. They sang a hearty rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and lowered the flaming cake before Parker. Parker beamed before making his wish and blowing out his candles.

Another waiter placed a stack of plates, forks, and a cake knife on the table.

They dug into the cake.

“Ladies, I apologize. I just noticed a lone cupcake was also in the box. Am I too late?” Their waiter placed a lit cupcake in the center of the table.

Brody stiffened, immediately realizing who it was for.

Stacey snatched the cupcake and quickly blew it out. “We can take that home with the leftovers of the cake,” she replied, her jaw tight.

The waiter smiled, but Brody could see the man’s confusion. “Is it your birthday, too?”

“No,” Stacey murmured before resting the cupcake back on the table.

The waiter’s frown deepened before searching Brody’s face. “Is there anything else I can get you guys?”

“No,” Geena smiled solemnly. “We’re fine.”

He walked away, still frowning. The table was quiet for a few moments, focused on Stacey. Her pain was palpable as she eyed the cupcake.

“Mom?” Parker whispered hoarsely. “I’m sorry you’re sad.”

Stacey grasped Parker’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m not sad, baby. It’s a happy night,” she obviously lied.

Brody could see how much pain she was in. It happened every year. Parker’s birthday just so happened to be two days after Noah’s—and every single year, Stacey and Geena remembered the son ripped from their arms in some small way.

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