Page 89 of Waiting for Redemption

“Yes,” he admits, making Ruby sit up a little straighter.

“Who was it?” she demands, her mama bear coming out, ready to show her claws.

“Tommy,” he mumbles.

“The Halloway kid? I thought you two were friends.” Her tone drops from anger to disappointment while dots begin connecting in my mind.

“Wait, what did you say his name was?” I frown, looking over at Ruby.

“Tommy Halloway, why?” I can’t help but let out a humorless laugh.

“Do you know his parent’s names?”

“Um, Jim and…” I don’t even let her get the other name out before I turn back to Hendrix.

“Hendrix, look at me.” He looks up with anticipation in his eyes. “How many times has this happened?”

“I don’t know. Like every day last week.” I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm while the more untamed part of my mind is telling me to look this asshole up immediately and let him know just who he’s dealing with.

“I am about to tell you two very important things and I need to know you’re listening, okay?”

“Yes, sir.” He shakes his head, never breaking eye contact with me.

“Just because you grew up without a dad around, doesn’t mean you were any less loved. Your mama loved you enough to know your life would be better this way. You are the coolest, smartest, happiest kid I know and I don’t ever want you to change. Especially not because some kid is being an asshole.”

“Tank,” Ruby scolds me as Hendrix snickers.

“It felt necessary to get the point across.” I shrug.

“What’s the second thing?” he asks, looking up like he’s hanging onto every single word I say.

“Next time Tommy picks on you, you tell him I’m gonna put his dad in a trash can again.”

“Again?” Ruby inquires. I smirk over at her but don’t bother explaining.

“Can I watch?” He leans in with his voice low like we’re trying to be sneaky.

“You two are going to be the death of me.” Ruby shakes her head in disapproval.

“You bet.” I lean in and wink at him.

“Hendrix, baby, come here,” Ruby says, opening her arms for Hendrix to sit in her lap. “Do you want to know the reason you didn’t grow up with a dad? I know we’ve never talked about it before and I think you’re old enough now that I can tell you why it’s always just been me and you.” He nods before resting his head on her arm, looking up at her as she continues, “The man that helped me make you, wasnota nice man. He was very mean, and he said really bad things to mommy. I didn’t know that when we made you though.Sowhile you were still growing in my tummy, I made sure we moved very far away from him. I wanted to make sure you grew up around nice people, who would help me take very good care of you.” I can see her fighting back the tears, but one slips past anyway quickly rolling down her cheek. I go to swipe it away, but Hendrix beats me to it.

God, I love this kid.

“It’s okay, Mommy, we’re safe now.”

“I know, baby.” When she smiles at him a lump forms in my throat at their interaction.

“Because we have nice people in our life. Like Tank, he’ll take care of us. Won’t you Tank?” He looks over at me and dammit if I’m not crying now too.

“Always.” I choke out.

“I love you, Hendrix. More than anything in the world. You keep being you, and don’t you ever let mean people bring your spirit down. You hear me?”

“Yes ma’am. I won’t.” He smiles. “Because Tank will put their dad in a trash can.” Hewinksat me, making me bark out a laugh.

“Okay, trash man, why don’t you go get your pj’s on?” She shakes her head as he hops off her lap.

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