Page 103 of The One I Hate
Connor all but rips Lila out of my arms, which takes her by surprise. “None of your concern.”
Oh…shit…
Shit, shit, shit…
“Hey Lila, remember my friend Mellie?”
“The cake lady!”
“Yup. The very one. How about we go visit her in the kitchen, and maybe she’ll let you help with the cinnamon rolls. While I’m doing that, how about your Dad and Simon go outside so we can have a nice,calm,chat when I get out there?”
I signal both of them to go outside as I take Lila from Connor. I ignore the death glare Connor shoots Simon, as well as the signature Simon Banks “fuck you” smugness he returns as the two walk out my front door.
Shit…this is going to be bad.
As soon as Lila’s feet hit the ground she’s in a full sprint to the kitchen, nearly knocking over one of the servers when she throws open the door. Normally I’d tell her not to run, but today the kid is moving at the exact pace I need. Because I need to get outside quickly. Otherwise, my restaurant opening might also be accompanied by at least a fight, not to mention probable homicide.
I’m beating myself up as I race out the back door and around the building. How did I forget to tell Connor about Simon? I mean, I know why. I’ve barely remembered my name over the past few months. And between my insanity, his work schedule, and now taking care of Lila on his own, we haven’t talked more than a few texts a day. Which means he doesn’t know a lot of things.
Like that I don’t hate Simon anymore.
And that he’s about to be an uncle.
And that Simon is the father of why he’s about to be an uncle.
As soon as I turn the corner, my body instinctively bends over as a gulp for breath. Though I quickly realize I don’t have time for that.
“I saw you in there.” Connor points his finger into Simon’s chest. “Who the fuck do you think you are touching my sister?”
“First, don’t fucking touch me. Second, who the fuck are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”
“I’m her brother, you asshole.”
“Oh! Well, nice to officially meet you. Simon Banks.”
Simon’s sarcastic enthusiasm doesn’t go over well with Connor, who’s just staring at the hand Simon extended to him.
No, not staring. Scowling.
“I know who you are, asshole. Which is why I’ve been waiting years to do this.”
Connor cocks back his arm and I run over just in time to stop him.
“Stop! Both of you!”
Connor’s arm tenses in my hands, but luckily he doesn’t budge. Then there’s Simon, who’s standing there with a conceited smirk.
“Okay, let’s cool down,” I say, putting myself between the two men. “Connor, there are things you need to know.”
“Please, Charlie, because I feel like I’m missing a whole hell of a lot.”
I happen to turn toward the restaurant, where I can see every set of eyes glued to the window. I want to die of embarrassment, especially when I see someone literally holding their plate so they can continue eating while they watch.
I wanted a memorable first day. I just should have been more specific in my wish.
“Connor, I know you hate Simon. And for what we thought was a good reason.”
“Itisa good reason, Charlie. He hurt you.”
