Page 74 of Happenstance
I snickered at her grumpy tone. “I packed some snacks in your bag.”
“Pickles?”
“Of course.”
“And those granola bars I like.”
I nodded. “Got those too.”
“What about…”
“Don’t worry,” I placed my lips on her forehead and carefully passed her to Luke, “I didn’t forget the blueberries.”
And there it was. That happy little spark in her cheek that made my life worth living.
I leaned against the SUV and watched Luke guide her into school. A few months ago, I’d wanted to kill the asshole, and now… The three of us played a couple more times, but the more he came over, the closer we got, and physical attraction gave way to friendship. Luke was one of the few people I trusted to take care of my wife when I wasn’t around. Silas was too grumpy and Mase was… well… Mase.
My phone dinged, drawing my attention from my wife’s retreating form.
Mase: You coming?
Me: Don’t you have exams?
Mase: Got pulled out. Order business trumps school.
I could practically see his head shake while he mocked his father’s words. To say Mase liked rebelling against Lou’s rules was an understatement. I think he got off on jerking his old man’s chain.
Me: Why are you texting me?
Mase: Got no car remember.
Ah, yes I forgot about Lou’s conditions to his youngest son getting out of rehab. No parties, no late nights, and no driving were just a few.
Me: And you need me to pick you up?
Mase: You get a gold star.
Asshole.
Me: Give me twenty to swap out the kid mobile and I’ll be there.
Mase: Ten four, but hurry up. The teas getting cold.
My brows furrowed at my phone. Tea? Was Mase high again?
Thirty minuteslater and I was standing in Oakleigh Manor staring out at the backyard with my head cocked in confusion.
What the fuck?
My eyes wandered from the little blonde girl–who I assumed to be Shelby’s sister–and over to Mase, sitting in a tiny pink chair with a big flowery hat on his head. Around the table sat various stuffed animals and a rather unamused Junior. Each one of them had a tiny pink tea cup placed in front of them on the table and what looked like a fake scone. The little girl walked over to Mase and tipped the teapot in her hand. Whatever she said caused him to throw his head back with a loud laugh and point at a stuffed brown dog.
Seriously, what the fuck?
With a shake of my head, I made my way to the backyard. Which I immediately regretted when Junior looked at me. The kid didn’t need to say anything, the warning was written all over his face.Run man. Get the fuck out of here while you still can.
Unfortunately, I didn’t see Finn standing by the bushes, holding a tray, until he called my name.
“Parker!” he jumped up and excitedly bounded over. “Look! I’m playing butler!”
