Page 160 of Mr. Infuriating

I looked over at Gretchen when I reached back into the cooler for my Coke Zero and saw her watching me with a soft expression. She leaned over and cupped my face while she kissed my cheek, then whispered, “You’re pretty great.”

Popping the top of my soda as I leaned back in my chair, I murmured, “Yeah, I know,” with a cocky grin.

That prompted an eyeroll from her, but she was still smiling.

“I talked to Henry. He was able to make it over to your house today and says it’s an easy fix.”

“Oh… good. So, we can—”

I cut her off before she finished her question. “Unfortunately, the part is on back order everywhere he checked. He thinks he can have it by Wednesday or Thursday of next week.”

She bit the corner of her lip as she digested what I’d just told her.

“I can call my mom and see if we can—”

I interrupted her again.

“Don’t be silly. Jake has a bed at my place now, so he’s comfortable.” I felt the side of my mouth hitch. “And you have a comfortable bed. What’s another week?”

****

Gretchen

Right.

What’s another week watching him with his kids and my son and falling deeper in love with him? Letting him take care of us.

No problem.

Yeah, sure.

~~

Jake was perched on Gabe’s lap with a big smile as Gabe pointed out which player was Brayden.

Brittany chose that opportune time to yell, “Wahoo! Go, Brayden!” and Jake eagerly followed suit with his own encouragement. “Go, Bay-den!”

Brayden didn’t look over at us, but he wore a grin as he continued to warm up.

A pretty light-brunette with blonde highlights that framed her face approached us with a tight smile. Judging by Gabe’s sigh and “Oh, geez,” that he muttered under his breath, I had a pretty good idea who she was.

When she stood in front of us, he looked up and acted like he hadn’t noticed her until just that moment.

“Oh, hey! What’s up, Becky?” at the same time Brittany called out, “Hey, Mom!”

“I just wanted to come over and meet your guests that Brittany can’t stop talking about.” She held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Becky. Brayden and Brittany’s mom.”

I shook her hand and replied with a polite smile, “I’m Gretchen,” then tilted my head at my son, still in Gabe’s lap. “Jake’s mom.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you. The kids can’t say enough good things about you.”

I wasn’t sure if she was being genuine but then decided to give her the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

“They’re awesome kids. You and Gabe are obviously great parents.”

She stole a look at Gabe whose chest was doubling as a pillow for Jake, who stared at the woman like he was unsure of her.

“We try.”

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