Page 66 of The Manny

He glanced over. “This morning Mia said I’m a grump.”

“She’s five.”

“Yes, but that’s not why she said that.”

“I told you, you’re much better lately.”

Not counting right now. You’re definitely a grump right now.

A muscle worked in his cheek. “My guys at work think they have to walk on eggshells around me.”

“Really?” I frowned. “Since when?”

“Apparently since forever.” He scowled. “Am I really that bad?”

I hesitated. “What makes you think that about them?”

“Just something Brody said. He implied I lose my temper a lot.” He stared at his beer bottle, looking dejected.

“Well, do you?”

He moved his arm away from my hand. “I’m no saint. But I’m also not an asshole. I treat those guys great. I pay well and I give them benefits.” He scowled. “If they want to know what a real asshole is like, they should have met my old man.”

Intrigued, I could barely contain my interest. I made sure to keep my voice even as I asked, “What was he like?”

He glanced over warily. “Who cares?”

“I do. I… I care. You brought him up. What was he like?” I suspected he’d been awful, judging by how closed off Jack was. Aiden had told me a little, but I wanted to hear it from Jack’s lips. I didn’t want rumors or guesses, I wanted the truth.

“I’m not like him,” he said softly, but there was a hint of doubt.

“I believe you. I think you try very hard to be a good man.”

He swallowed. “I’d never do anything to hurt Mia. I’d never touch one hair on her head in anger.”

A chill went through me. “Was your dad abusive?”

He didn’t respond.

“Aiden told me a few things, but I’d rather hear the story from you.”

His eyes flashed angrily as he turned his head. “Aiden. Why the hell is he talking about me at all? How would he have any information about me? I’ve never met him.”

My face warmed. “His father-in-law handled the purchase of your business.”

“Oh, really?” he rasped. “That guy was his father-in-law?”

“Apparently.”

“I’m sure Aiden was only too happy to tell you about what a horrible person I am.”

“It wasn’t like that. He just thought I should know something about the man I live with.” I grimaced. “To be perfectly honest, I egged him on because I wanted to know more about you. You wouldn’t tell me anything, and I really wanted to know more.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

“Because the more I understand you, the better we’ll get along.” That was the safe answer. Truthfully, I also just wanted to know about Jack because he interested me.

“How does rehashing the mistakes of the past do that?” He gave a hard laugh. “In my experience, it drives people away. When people find out about my time in prison they think I’m some lowlife.”

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