Page 28 of Scooter's Endgame
“Is that why he never hugs me or plays with me?”
Jesus. This fucking idiot has done a real number on Luke. Something I can understand, since my father was just as bad. “Exactly. Because he doesn’t know how to show you how much he loves you. Does that make sense?”
“Because he’s broken?”
“Yeah, champ. Because he’s broken.”
The noise and hubbub of people moving around us highlights the silence as Luke mulls over our conversation. His intense study of me, as if to divine whether I’m telling the truth or bullshitting him, is a little uncomfortable.
Finally he nods, releasing me from his scrutiny. “I hope they can fix him. I don’t want him to be angry or sad anymore.”
The generosity of spirit this boy displays is something Gonzo could learn a lot from. Despite the fact that his father turned his back on him and walked away without so much as a backward glance, I’m betting, Luke is still more concerned about the man than himself.
To be honest, I think we can all learn from Luke.
13
KATHLEEN
Is it wrong of me to wish that someone other than Jeff were Luke’s father? That I would give almost anything for it to be Beckett instead? If it is, I can’t find it in my heart to be sorry for feeling that way.
Watching the two of them walk away from me earlier, the yearning for it to be so hit me square in the solar plexus. It’s heartbreaking that a man who is nothing more than a friend seems to care more about my son than his own father does.
I haven’t been able to shake the thought the entire time I’ve been shopping, despite trying my best to stay focused on the objective – finding birthday gifts for Indigo. The fruitless trekking from one store to another was really starting to grate on me. Until I found this cute place that stocks all kinds of trinkets and knickknacks.
Now, purchases made, I’m making my way over to the arcade in search of Beckett and Luke. Not expecting to find them so easily, my heart skips a beat when I spot them sitting at a table in the food court outside the arcade. Luke, a serious expression on his face, is talking, and Beckett – bless him – for his part appears to be taking my child seriously.
Jeff could never be bothered to pay enough attention to Luke long enough for them to have any kind of meaningful interaction. As I watch, Beckett leans forward, looking the child in his eyes, a hand on his shoulder, obviously replying to whatever was said.
Out of nowhere, with the brute force of a jolt of electricity, I realize that I’m in love with the man. And if I’m being honest with myself, I have been for some time. I’ve always been drawn to him. For the most part, it’s been work-related gatherings, but there’ve been a few birthdays and holiday get-togethers we’ve attended. And I always find myself wherever he is.
I chalked it up to coincidence. Now I know, it was me subconsciously moving into his orbit. Wanting to be near him. The comprehension leaves me a little shaken and off-center. Putting my best game face on, I walk up to their table. “Mind if I join you handsome gentlemen?”
“Mama.” Luke’s excitement is contagious as he spots me.
“Why, ma’am, we would be delighted to welcome you to our table, wouldn’t we, young master Luke?”
“You’re talking funny, Uncle Beckett,” Luke replies, giggling at Beckett’s shenanigans.
Having gotten to his feet, the man pulls a chair out for me, making my feminine heart sigh at the gentlemanly gesture.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks. I’m good. Ready to head for home any time you are. I’m all shopped out for a while now.”
“That’s why I like online shopping. A few clicks of the mouse, and it all comes to you.”
“Agreed. Best invention ever, in my opinion.”
Laughing, he nods, then turns to Luke. “Ready to head for home, bud?”
“Yeah.” My child hops out of his chair like the thing is spring-loaded.
By the time we reach home, Luke is yawning like he hasn’t slept in a week. Thankfully, there’s enough time for him to grab a nap before we head out again. Otherwise, we’re going to be stuck with a cranky youngster, and nobody wants that.
“I’m going to get slugger here down for a nap. What time do we need to be ready to leave?”
Beckett checks his watch. “I’ll come get you in a couple hours. That enough time?”
