doesn’t have an exact date, but maybe six to eight weeks.”
“Okay, but think of what a great influence this Violet chick can be in that time? And really, what timing!”
“What do you mean?”
“Dude, you can’t be this clueless,” Kyle said with a little disgust. “Melissa leaves, and now there’s Violet!”
“Who is also going to leave,” Hunter reminded him. “If anything, it’s not particularly helpful. Eli will develop a relationship with Violet and then she’ll be gone. And don’t even get me started on what’s going to happen while Katie’s on maternity leave.”
“I thought you put in for personal time off during that time?”
“I did, but I told them I’d be on call if they really need me. Dad said he’d come and stay at the house if I need him…”
“And you know I’ll do it if Dad can’t.”
“Thanks. Scarlett said she’d be willing to watch him too since she works from home. Plus, she said it would be a great way for Eli and Asher to bond.”
“She realizes Asher’s still a baby, right? How much bonding could they do?”
“How the hell should I know? She offered, and I was so relieved that I just let her ramble on.”
“Smart move.”
“Yeah, so…Eli’s going to have his world turned upside down again for the month he doesn’t go to Katie’s.”
“And he doesn’t see Violet.”
“Exactly.”
“And then you don’t get to see Violet.”
“I know,” he said miserably.
“Ha! I knew it! I knew it wasn’t all about Eli! You’re into this girl!”
Great.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant…”
“You’re attracted to this woman. What’s the big deal?”
“It’s not a big deal because you’re way off base. I admire her because she did something nice for my son. That’s all. So whatever it is you’re thinking, forget it.”
“Fine.”
“Fine,” Hunter mimicked.
And immediately knew that was all too easy. Kyle was usually like a dog with a bone when he thought he was right. So why did he give up so fast? And did he really want to push his luck and argue it out with him?
Hell. No.
Luckily, they were pulling up to his house and had to unload all the boxes and furniture in the garage so they could meet up with the rest of the family back at Dean’s.
“I think we should put the furniture in the garage and the boxes in my room so I can go through them later and sort it all out. For all I know, there’s broken toys or duplicates of ones he already has here.”
“If you have any duplicates, you should give them to Dad to keep at his place. You know, for when Eli sleeps over and stuff.”
“Wow. Color me impressed,” Hunter said as he climbed down from the truck.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that it was a logical and practical suggestion.”
“I’m not a complete moron, you know.”
“Yeah, I know. But you’re usually a bit of a dufus, so…”
Groaning, Kyle opened the truck hatch and began pulling out parts to Eli’s bed. Hunter grabbed a few of the boxes and carried them into the house. They met back up at the truck and repeated their tasks. On the third trip, they moved the small dresser together, and then they were done.
Hunter locked everything up and met Kyle back in the truck. “What’s Dean making for dinner? Any idea?”
“I think I heard him saying Courtney decided on Italian,” Kyle replied. “Personally, I was hoping for some steaks on the grill, but…I’m just happy I’m not the one cooking.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Hey! I happen to be a decent cook!”
“Sure. If by cooking you mean frozen pizzas or macaroni and cheese.”
Frowning, Kyle came back with, “I happen to be a whiz with the grill. My friends have even called me the grill master!”
“And how many beers did they have before they called you that?” he teased, laughing.
“You’re an ass. Just…shut up and drive.”
“Gladly.” Luckily, Dean lived right up the road so they were there in a matter of minutes. Kyle was out of the truck without a word, and Hunter knew he was going to pout for a little while because he hated to be picked on.
And yet…he made it so easy!
Laughing to himself, Hunter walked into Dean’s house and made his way around saying hello to Dean and his wife Courtney, his sister Scarlett and her husband Mason, his father, and his grandfather. When he turned around, Kyle handed him a beer, and he figured they were all right.
“Hey, everyone,” Kyle called out. “Hunter’s got a crush on a gymnast who’s Katie’s