Page 52 of Just Is Not Enough

I don’t want to give in. Tyler is not going to get away with any of this, but I also don’t want to upset and worry Kaden.

“We’re changing your phone number, today. I won’t bend on that.” I compromise, at least through his eyes.

He kisses me softly, “Thank you for wanting to protect me.”

“There’s no ‘wanting’ needed in that sentence. I protect what’s mine.” He doesn’t need to know the lengths I will go to with this, for now.

Fred decides this is the perfect time to interrupt, wedging himself between us but favoring Kaden, of course. He’s all but forgotten me when he is around.

We leave the conversation at that and go about getting ready for work. I know I have a phone call to make once Kaden leaves, though.

Brenda’s Birthday BBQ

I have been indifferent to seeing my parents since G told me they would be here today, until we pull up to Brenda and G’s house for the BBQ. Now my stomach decides to cramp with nervousness. I grab the bottle of wine from the backseat and get out before I have a chance to change my mind.

“You sure you’re okay with this? Brenda and G will understand if it’s too much.” Kaden can sense the tension in my hand when I grasp his for support.

“I’m fine. I don’t want to make a big deal out of this.” He sees right through me, squeezing my hand.

Walking into the backyard Kaden severs our connection, anticipating my parents have already arrived.

“We’re not doing that, ever.” I wrap my hand around his once more, kissing the back of it for reassurance. I know he wants to make this day as easy as possible for me, but I refuse to make him uncomfortable or hide our relationship for them.

“Kaden!” I’ve been shoved to the back burner by G now, as well, as she runs to greet him with that powerful hug of hers.

“I’ve been forgotten already,” I tease her, ready for the snarky comeback.

“I talk to you every other day. You don’t need special treatment.” She finally decides to share the love, practically squeezing the life out of me.

“G, you’ve called Kaden almost every day this week to make sure he was still coming. He spent almost an hour talking to you Monday night.”

“Leave her alone. She can call me as much as she wants. Green doesn’t look good on you, Bug.”

“Great, now I’m being ganged up on. Why am I here again?”

“Maybe to see your parents since it’s so hard to visit them at home.” The deep voice that joins the conversation instantly makes me catch my breath. I still don’t understand why I have that reaction every time I hear my father’s voice.

“Hey, dad. How’s it going?” I offer my hand to him, knowing a hug is never a greeting he partakes in.

“Same as its always been. About to retire in a few months. That’s the bonus to being an officer. Early retirement instead of working your entire life.”

The dig at me not following the family tradition of career choice doesn’t escape me.

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad you’re happy with your career choice, as am I.”

His grimace confirms I hit the mark I aimed for. He glances at Kaden and down to our connected hands. When his eyes return to mine I see exactly what I expected, displeased judgement.

“Hey pop, good to see you.” Jackson’s timing couldn’t have been planned more perfectly. The poor guy still has hope for the affection we’ve never received when he comes between us, attempting to give our father a hug. He gets a friendly tap on the shoulder from him when he turns towards the rest of the party goers behind him, walking away with only a ‘hey son’ in return. Jackson stands silently as he watches his father leave him like he was a stranger on the street. I will never understand how clueless he is to how much emotional damage he has done to us.

“C’mon boys, let’s go find a beer and some food.” G walks arm-in-arm with Jackson and I farther into the backyard. Kaden and Lanie by our sides with unwavering attention on us.

My mother approaches us, giving me a soft hug and peck on the cheek causing me to internally question her motives.

“Hi, mom. Nice to see you.”

“Hello, my boy. Glad you could make it. It’s been too long.” Her half-hearted smile is present.

“And who might this be?” Her question aimed at Kaden makes me brace myself for whatever reaction will come that I will have to avoid to not start trouble at Brenda’s party.

---