Page 80 of Darkest Retribution

After that, time seems to fly. Before I know it, my backyard is crawling with little kids and their parents. I’m just thinking that the pizza will show up before the plates when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

“Oh, thank goodness, I—oh. Hi, Jackson.”

Jackson is one of the many parents here today. I don’t mind most of them, although I usually prefer handling them in smaller chunks of time. Jackson is the exception to that rule. He’s the type of guy who thinks he knows everything when, in fact, he knows jack shit.

Unfortunately, he also happens to have a thing for me.

“Just wanted to tell you this is a great party. The kids seem to love it.”

“Thanks.” My tone is flat and uninterested, but Jackson doesn’t seem to notice.

“I saw the ‘Happy Birthday’ banner on your kitchen counter. Did you have trouble hanging it? I know it was probably a lot, handling all the setup by yourself.” Jackson’s hand slides from my shoulder to my lower back.

I’m not the type to be polite when a man infringes on my personal space. Could I gently remove Jackson’s hand from my body? Absolutely. Do I? No, I shove my elbow into his arm, knocking it away from me.

“Whoops, looks like I’m your way.” He chuckles nervously, stepping back, and I roll my eyes.

If this wasn’t Rosie’s birthday party, I’d give him an earful. But I don’t want anything else ruining her day. So I give Jackson as condescending of a smile as I can manage. “Guess so.”

Fuck this guy. I managed the setup just fine by myself.

As I turn and walk away, I spot Dominic standing on the porch, a plastic bag in his hand. He’s giving Jackson a dark look that’s giving off the exactoppositevibe I want to have for this party.

“If you’re going to be your usual grumpy self, then you can leave,” I say, taking the bag from him. “I want Rosie to be happy today. She likes you, but if you bring down her mood any more, I’ll end you.”

Dominic’s frown deepens. “Any more? What’s going on?”

I sigh. “She wanted her dad to come. And he didn’t show. Typical.”

“What an asshole,” Dominic mutters.

“Agreed. My brother is a dick. Now, please smile. Or at least don’t look like you’re about to kill someone. I wasn’t joking when I said I’d throw you out.”

Amusement spreads across his face, his eyes sparkling. “Oh, I’m well aware.”

For the rest of the party, Dom keeps up a cheery mood. Not only that, but he helps me keep Rosie distracted whenever she gets that sad, disappointed look on her face. It’s a huge relief, because running a party takes up a lot of time and energy, and I can’t focus on Rosie nearly as much as I want to.

By the time we’re inside and she’s opening presents, I’m exhausted and my feet are killing me. A couple of the moms are hovering over Rosie and handing her presents, and I welcome the break. Everything is so loud, and I’m so sick of all the parents trying to make small talk.

Quietly, I exit the living room and slip onto the back porch. I just need a few minutes of peace and quiet.

There are a few parents who are still outside, hovering next to the cake table. Thankfully, they pay little attention as I lower myself onto one of the chairs on the porch. My feet are killing me, so sitting down feels like heaven, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

I hear Jackson’s laugh from somewhere in the backyard and slouch into my chair. The last thing I want right now is for him to spot me and try to flirt with me again.

After a few minutes, the sliding door opens, and Dominic steps onto the porch.

“Hey. You okay?” He comes to stand next to my chair, leaning against the railing of the porch.

“I’ll be fine. Just... god. Why did I invite so many stupid people to this party? I love Rosie’s friends. But their parents? Ugh.”

Dominic snorts. “Yeah. I just had some guy brag to me about how good his son is at soccer. Says he’s gonna go professional. But the kid’seight.Give him a chance to be a kid, you know?”

I roll my eyes. “That was probably Jackson. He’s overbearing in the worst way.”

For a split second, something dark flickers in Dominic’s eyes. “I noticed. He likes you, huh?”

I wince. “That’s putting it lightly.”

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