Page 105 of Hollow Heart

How he and Bobby became “friends.”

Although he answers every question thoughtfully and politely, I notice how Bobby responds to every answer of his. How he watches the way Brendan smiles, tells his stories.

No one prepares you for moments like these. The ones where you realize your kids are really growing up.

Forging relationships.

Falling in love.

I can’t discern if the feelings are mutual, though. It’s clear my son is smitten with Brendan, but I can’t ascertain if this sweet boy is going to break his heart or not.

I also know I can’t protect him forever.

Not from things like this. All I can do is be here for him, for whatever he needs.

A part of me aches, knowing I might miss some of those firsts, being on tour for the next couple months.

But I also know that at the end of this tour, Bobby will be able to go wherever his heart desires because money won’t be an issue.

When dinner is over, I clean up while Bobby gives his friend a tour of the house, and I do my best to not hover, even though I desperately want to know how things are going.

They retire to the lounge to study, and I finish up with the dishes. I try to keep myself busy, but I’m antsy.

After an hour of complete silence, I give in. I head toward the lounge to see if they need anything to find they aren’t in the lounge. But Bobby’s door is shut.

I don’t think, I just act.

I push open his door, calling out his name, and immediately, regret it.

“Oh my God, Dad!” he yelps, jumping up from his bed, face flushed.

Brendan laughs a little, awkward laugh, his hands in his lap, shaking his head.

“Doors remain open in this house!” I bite out, averting my gaze.

“Yes, sir,” Brendan says as Bobby curses.

I’ll let the language go for now.

“I think I should probably head out anyway. Gotta get a good night’s rest so I can pass the test, right?” he says softly, trying to diffuse the tension.

I nod, my gaze catching Bobby’s. “Right, it is a school night and all.”

I am the worst Dad ever. Bobby is going to hate me for this.

“Walk me out?” Brendan asks, his eyebrows furrowing together, and I can see one hundred percent why Bobby has his knickers in a twist over this kid.

I know that look. The pleading, sweet gaze that would send a man to his knees.

Then I notice the prominenthickeyon my son’s neck.

I clear my throat, as Bobby nods. “Yeah, of course,” he replies as he glares at me.

I step back from the doorway to let them leave.

“It was nice meeting you,” I say with a fake smile, feeling like I need a damn drink.

Brendan looks me dead in the eye and says, “Pleasure was mine, Mr. McKay.”

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