thought Jay was going to piss himself. I laughed right along with him, thanking the universe for this conversation and the wonderful man who made it happen.
“Okay, okay,” he said, wiping his eyes. “We should probably talk about more serious shit.”
“Okay, well...do you still work for Lewis & Taylor?”
“God, you’re such a stalker,” he teased and I snorted again. “Yeah, I’ve been with the firm for nearly four years. I really like it.”
“I’m glad you’re happy.” He gave me a full fledged smile. “Did Noah tell you about my job?”
“Yeah, he did. Sorry about your back; that fucking sucks, man.”
Most dads would scold their sons for the kind of language Jay used, but it made me smile; he was so much like me. “Yeah, it really does. The worst of it’s over, though. And Noah used to work in massage therapy; he’s been treating me and it’s helped so much.”
“Damn, how did you luck out with him?”
“If I ever figure that out, I’ll let you know.” Jay laughed, but I was serious. “Did Noah tell you about his other job?”
“You mean the singing? Yeah. I’d really like to hear him sometime.”
“You should; he’s fucking incredible.” I sighed. “If he ever lets me around him again, I’d love to take you with me to watch him perform.”
“I’d like that too.” We smiled at each other and my heart swelled. “And he’ll forgive you. I know my stepdad; he’s a good dude.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I rolled my eyes as Jay laughed again. He was such a little shit and I loved it. I also loved the sound of Noah’s title of ‘stepdad’; it linked us all three together as a family. Sure, it was a joke, but I could secretly enjoy it.
“So, now that I know you’re not fucking Noah...” I paused when Jay barked a surprised laugh. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“Nah, not really. I’ve dated a few women casually, but it’s never led to anything. Still looking for the right one, I guess.”
“You’re young; you’ve got time. Hell, it took me forty five years to find the one.”
“Was that supposed to be a pep talk?”
I laughed and shook my head. I couldn’t believe how well we meshed together. I was thoroughly enjoying the first real conversation I’d had with Jay. He was sarcastic and foul-mouthed and perfect.
“We’ll be there in about five minutes,” I announced as I took the exit that led to Noah’s old apartment building.
“You’re not gonna show up empty handed, are you?” He looked at me like I was a complete idiot, which right now I’d agree with.
“Um...no?”
“Oh my god.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “You’re lucky I’m here. Come on, Brooks; you’re trying to win him back! You’ve got to romance the shit out of him! I’m talking flowers, candy, the whole nine yards!”
“Damn, you’re right.”
“Duh.”
I snorted for what seemed like the millionth time since Jay entered my SUV. We passed a florist, but it was closed for the evening. I kept driving until I saw a Wal-Mart, and pulled into the parking lot.
Jay slowly panned his gaze to me. “You’re such a cheap ass.”
“What? The florist was closed! This is my only option!”
“I can’t believe my dad is a fucking Wal-Mart shopper,” he grumbled under his breath. He looked at me and narrowed his eyes at the goofy grin I was surely wearing. “What’s wrong with you?”
“You called me Dad.” My heart ached from trying to hold in all of my happiness, and my eyes stung with moisture.
“This is the weirdest night of my life,” Jay mumbled, but I swear I saw a shimmer in his eyes too. “Come on, let’s go see what cheap shit we can find.”
Chapter Fourteen
Noah
I lay on my old couch, crying into the cushions while holding the photo of Brooks and me close to my chest. It was all I had left of him; well, that and his sweatshirt I was currently wearing. I stole it when I collected my own clothing from the closet we used to share. Used to. I sobbed harder at the thought.
I knew I shouldn’t have kept the fact that I’d been talking to Jay a secret from Brooks, but I never thought he’d react the way he did. I was just trying to help him connect with his son! I wouldn’t hurt him for the world, but that’s exactly what I did. I betrayed his trust, and now I was alone.
It felt so wrong being in my old apartment. The walls were