Page 188 of Mr. Infuriating

But I’d bet my mortgage it wouldn’t. And why the hell was she allowing it?

It seemed like there was more to the story.

“I do, too,” she said softly.

Then it hit me, and I blurted out, “Are you getting back together with him?”

Her gaze snapped to mine, and she forcefully replied, “No!” then dialed it back. “He just stopped in to talk about a schedule for him to spend time with Jake.”

Yeah, sure.A schedule, my ass.

I wanted to shake her. She was worried Jake would be confused aboutme? What about that loser?

“Hey, bud, go get your toolbox so you can help me in the kitchen.”

Jake’s eyes got big, and a grin spread across his face. I set him down, and he tore down the hall toward the stairs.

I looked over at Brittany and said, “Can you help him?”

She knew something was up, but did as I asked, then I grabbed Gretchen’s elbow and pulled her into the kitchen.

“Are you seriously considering letting this guy back in your life?”

“He’s Jake’s dad. Jake needs his father.”

What could I say to that? I had no right to an opinion. Yet, I voiced mine anyway.

“This is a mistake, Gretchen.”

“I appreciate your concern. But we’re not your problem to worry about.”

She was right, of course. It didn’t mean I liked it. In fact, I fucking hated it.

****

Gretchen

“You feeling better?” I asked Brayden as I sat kitty-corner from him at my dining room table.

“Yeah, but now I have a ton of homework to catch up on,andI’ve got to get ready for finals next week.”

“Well, fortunately, we’re meeting tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday. We’ll get you caught up and ready for finals.”

“How are you with World History and Geography?”

“I’m certified to teach it…”

He pulled out a folder and said, “Can we start with that?”

~~

As I helped Brayden finish his Renaissance worksheet, he quietly said, “So, you and my dad.”

Shit.

I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I went with the obvious.

“Your dad is a great man.”

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