Page 39 of Brews & Bartenders

“Is everything okay?”

No, not even a little bit, but he doesn’t need to be dragged into whatever is going on. “Yeah. I’ll call you later.” I lean over the table and give him a quick peck on the cheek.

He does have a point about me running out. This time, it’s for good reason. Whatever Nathan wants, it can’t be anything good. Especially with this timing.

It’s a good thing the shop isn’t too far from the bar. I didn’t bother telling Kate I was on my way. That gives him time to prepare whatever the hell he wants with me. No, I need the element of surprise.

Kate is behind the counter with her arms crossed, not at all pleased to be talking to him. He’s leaning on the counter with his back to the front door. The only warning he has is the bell above the door as I charge through it. “What are you doing here?”

“Woah,” he holds his hands up in surrender. “You’re fired up for no reason.”

“You’re here harassing my friends about where I am, of course I’m angry. You don’t call about David in months and miss your days with him, and now you all of a sudden want to talk. What are you playing at?”

Kate waves at me from behind Nathan, silently asking me if I want her to stay for support. I shake my head and she leaves the counter area, but she doesn’t leave completely. I see her shadow against the door at the end of the hallway. Even though she isn’t listening, I appreciate the gesture just the same.

“I’m not playing at anything. I merely came by to ask for David’s football schedule.”

“How did you even know about that?”

“I may have heard your brother talking about it when I got my oil changed.” Ugh, of course. Reaf was probably telling his coworkers all about it. I can’t blame him, though. He couldn’t have known this asshole was listening in.

“And that required a visit? I could have easily text you the schedule.”

He shrugs, “maybe I wanted to see you.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“How serious are you and the bartender?” That wasn’t a question I was expecting.

“That’s not any of your business, Nathan.” Of all the things for him to question me on, it’s this? “You walked out on me and David a long time ago. You have no right to ask about my personal life. The only reason you have any access to my son at all is because it’s required by the law.”

“I think I have the right to know who is going to be around our son.” He straightens the sleeves of his dress shirt. “And I don’t know that having that man around is a good idea.”

“Let’s face it, you only care because I’m not miserable.” I’m not going to tell him that Carlos and David haven’t met. It’s none of his business. “You need to leave. I’ll text you David’s schedule for his games and practices. It’d be nice if you showed up to something for our son every once in a while.”

He smirks and walks toward the door. I move out of the way, putting as much distance as I can between us in the small store front. “I expect the schedule today.”

He walks out with not a care in the world. I don’t think I’ve ever hated someone as much as I do him right now. I wasn’t this angry when he left all those years ago. But now that I’m showing one ounce of having a life outside of being a mom, he wants to show up and throw a wrench in everything.

As soon as he’s gone Kate comes out of the hallway and stands beside me. “Are you okay?”

I collapse into her, letting her wrap me in a hug. It’s not the same as the ones Carlos gives, but I’ll take it. “Nope. Nothing good can come of this.”

She leans back, giving me a look over to see if I’m about to fall apart. “Take the rest of the day off. The three of us can handle whatever walk-ins come by.”

“I’m fine.” Tears flow down my face. Not because of what he said, but because of how angry I am. How he finds a way to make me feel small and like a failure by simply using his words.

“No, you’re not. Go home, or go see your mom. Either way I’m texting her to let her know what happened.”

“Fine.” There’s no point in arguing. “And don’t worry about texting my mom. I’ll go talk to her. Maybe she’ll help me find some way out of this mess.”

18

Carlos

It takeseverything in me not to run after her. To make sure everything is okay. Her face turned ash white when she read the message. The kiss on the cheek is the only reason I know it’s not something I said.

“I think I’m going to name her runaway girlfriend.” Eric comes to the table and helps me pick up what’s left of my lunch with Caroline. “Every time I look up, all I see is her back rushing out the door.”

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