Page 127 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Also, Clarklovedme? I wasn’t ready to say it back, but it warmed me to my very core.
“That makes me so happy. You both mean so much to me.” I sobbed again as memories of that gunfight assaulted me. What happened with Officer Jones hurt me even more than being kidnapped by Lucius.
“It’s okay,” Clark soothed, tucking me back into his arms. “Do you want to go back to the room?”
“I didn’t want to upset you. I’m sorry. All I wanted was a chance to tell you some things–and the kids will want to see you,” Matty told me.
“I…” It was an ugly sob.
“I know. You’ve been through so much.” Matty held out his hand. “Let’s get some drinks and catch up? Lenny told me about your breakup. Also, if you haven’t figured it out, I’m the one he sells your shit to, so when you’re ready, you can have everything back.”
“You’re shitting my dick. That knotwaffle. I don’t need their money.” I flinched. The betrayal cut deep. Though part of me was happy that I could get my Maria Barilla rookie card back.
“Who’s Lenny?” Clark asked.
“Did your siblings ever have a friend that pretty much lived at your house? That’s Lenny, Matty’s bestie. He’s a procurer of things and I fence shit through him,” I replied.
“You make him sound nefarious,” Matty chuckled. “He authenticates art for a living and comes to New York a lot. I never asked him to find you or buy your things. Idomake my own money–that’s the money you got. Working for the dads doesn’t make me a sock puppet.”
I made a face. “Yes, it does.”
He shook his head. “No. But I understand you wanting to be completely independent. I was only trying to help.”
“I know.” My brother tried to help me. Usually I shut him down and I’d get mad at him for doing so.
I’d be angrier if he stopped offering and I think he understood that.
“So…” Matty asked.
Clark turned us, so his back was to Matty. “What he says about trying to fix things with your dads, since they’re old, is valid. So is staying no-contact, because some hurts never heal. Getting an update on their health might help you gauge things though?”
“You’re right. That’s probably what he wanted to talk about.” I nodded.It’s not all about you, Gwen.
“Do you want us to stay, or go? I don’t mind either way,” Tenzin told me, getting close to us.
It felt selfish to ask them to stay. According to the wedding schedule, there was a funanimals and cocktailswalk before the dinner tonight.
“I’ll catch up? I’m sure you’re both really confused and I promise I’ll fill you in eventually, just perhaps not tonight.” My belly twisted as I pulled them both in for a hug.
“Only if you want to,” Tenzin assured me. “Text us if you need us.”
I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears. “Matty, let’s go have that talk.”
It was time.
Matty took a bite of burger. “Mmmm. So good. With the dads having health problems, Flavie is after me to eat better.”
“Are the dads okay?” I asked, as we sat at a picnic table by the lake. I had fries and a beer. If I was being honest with myself, one thought I’d had when I’d seen the dads last was that they lookedolder.
I might think they’re assholes, but I’d be sad if something happened to them.
“Papa had a heart attack and had to make some lifestyle changes. It’s making him reconsider his life,” Matty replied. “He’s been thinking about you all summer, debating coming to one of your games when the season starts, then asking you to dinner.”
“Oh, is he okay? Papa? Not Babo?” I frowned. Papa was head alpha, and we clashed a lot over the years–mostly over things like hockey, academic performance, and activities. We’d had some good times, but he wasn’t the cuddly dad. Or that dad that relented on things.
“Fortunately, he’s okay. I told Lenny in case he talked to you. But I know you don’t always want to know.” He took another bite.
I usually didn’t. Guilt shot through me. Still, it wasn’t like I’d rush to the hospital to see him unless it was dire.
