Page 40 of Returning to Everton

16

Declan

It’s been a pretty quiet day today. Hudson opened the bakery early this morning, so he’s been gone all day. The twins are working at the garage, and Nate went to help Rowen unpack. So, it’s just been Logan and me all day. He’ll occasionally ask me if it’s time to go to the park yet, but for the most part, he’s been playing in his room waiting.

I got a text from Hudson saying he’s having dinner with his parents tonight, so we don’t need to cook for him. That’s good to know, even though I have no idea what we’re gonna have for dinner tonight. I guess it’ll just be me, Logan, and the twins since Nate has to work tonight. I’ll have to ask the twins when they get home. My phone goes off and pulls me out of my wandering thoughts.

Rowen:Hey Declan. The movers are gone, and I don’t feel like unpacking all of this crap right now. Lol You wanna meet at the park in a few mins?

Yes. I’ve been waiting all day for that message. “Logan! Get your shoes, it's about time to go!” I holler up the stairs for Logan.

Me:Absolutely. Logan’s been asking when we were going to the park all day. Lol Meet you there?

Rowen:Awww Yeah we’ll be there in a few mins. Might have Nate with us. He won’t leave lol jk he’s been a big help and he wants to hang out until he has to go to work tonight. Btw why didn’t you tell me you knew the guys???

Me:Ummmm It didn’t come up?:)

Rowen:mmhmm

Me:You’re not mad are you? I didn’t withhold that info on purpose or anything... Promise

Rowen:*sigh* fine I guess I’m not mad. But if you want to make sure of that you should stop by the bakery and get me a treat from Hudson. Tell him I’m mad at you and you want to make it up to me. He’ll know what to give you.

Me:lol Ok I can do that. It’ll be a while til we get to the park though.

Rowen:We’ll wait. Let me know when you’re almost to the park and we’ll leave then. See you soon.

Logan comes running down the stairs. “What’s up, Dad? Is it time to go to the park?” he asks.

“Yup, just gotta make a pit stop at the bakery. Let’s take the car. I’m not sure how much food Hudson is going to send with us,” I tell him.

“Okay, Dad.”

We get in the car and head to the bakery. When we get inside, I see Britney at the counter trying to hit on Hudson, and debate going over there to try to save him or hiding myself before she turns her attention on me. The woman is married for god’s sake! She shouldn’t be constantly hitting on us.

Hudson looks over at that moment and catches my eye. Damn that magical alert he set on the door. Now I can’t hide. I inwardly groan as Logan and I walk over to the counter. Hudson mentally thanks me for coming in, even though he has no idea why I’m here. He thinks I can save him from Britney. God knows why he thinks that.

“Hey Declan, Logan. What are you two up to?” he asks.

I grab Logan’s hand before he can answer and when he looks up at me, I discreetly shake my head.

“I’ve got an emergency I need to take care of and I can’t find anyone to watch Logan. I know you’re working, but do you have anyone that can cover for you for a while?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I’m sure Mikey would come in for a few extra hours today. Let me go call him real quick.” he tells me, then looks at Britney, “Sorry to cut this short, but I gotta go Britney. I hope you enjoy your muffin. Come on guys we’ll go to the back and I’ll make that call,” he waves us back.

We wave at a stunned Britney, as we walk back to the kitchen. Seems she wasn’t expecting such an abrupt brush off. Once we’re safely in the back of the bakery, Hudson lets out his breath.

“Oh thank you, man! She wouldnotleave! She’s had her muffins and her drink for ten minutes already but she wouldn’t leave me alone. I’m surprised she didn’t ask for another drink before she left. I’m sure hers is empty by now,” he grumbles.

“Well, you did kinda run off without even letting her say anything,” I chuckle.

“Oh well. I’m just so glad to be away from her. So whatever you want the answer is yes,” he proclaims.

“Well, I may be in a little bit of trouble with Rowen for not telling her I knew y’all. So I was told if I wanted to make it up to her, to come here and tell you and you would know what to give me to get back in her good graces. So please tell me you know,” I plead.

He laughs at me. “Yeah, I can get you out of the dog house. I’m sure she’s not really mad at you anyway. It was just an excuse for you to bring her goodies. Her favorite baked good is coffee cake. If you can find one of those left in my display she’ll probably love you forever,” he tells me. “Hey Logan go check and see if Britney is gone yet please. I’ll let you pick out a snack,” he bribes him.

Logan runs off toward the front of the bakery and Hudson and I both laugh. That boy can always be bought with food. Logan comes back and lets us know the coast is clear.

---