“Screw it.” I down the rest of the drink in one large gulp then slam it on the table.
“Total badass.” My sister grins, and I laugh.
Four
Gareth
“I TALKED TO your aunt last night,” Mom says casually as she wipes down the counters in my kitchen like I haven’t done it in ages, when I just did it this morning after cooking the boys breakfast.
“And?”
“She mentioned a girl who came in last night to get a tattoo. Who was she?”
“No one.”
“Seriously, Gareth?” She shakes her head, looking frustrated, and I glance over my shoulder at my sons to make sure they’re still preoccupied with the video game they’re playing. I should have planned for this. I knew when my aunt witnessed my reaction to seeing December again that she would be all too happy to tell my mom about that interaction and that my mom would be curious.
“Mom.” I sigh.
“Honey, you haven’t dated since—”
“Don’t. Do not bring her up,” I growl. I don’t even like thinking that woman’s name, let alone hearing it. “I have two boys to raise and two jobs. I don’t exactly have a lot of free time for dating anyone.”
“Blossom said she’s really pretty and sweet. She also said you seemed a little annoyed seeing her but could tell there was something between you two.”
Fuck, my aunt is observant, and she has a big mouth. I jerk my fingers through my hair. If I’m honest, I was completely thrown off guard when I saw December, and struck stupid by just how beautiful she looked without even trying.
“So who is she?” Mom questions again quietly this time.
Who is she?
The woman who’s taken over my every thought, the woman who rocked my world with an apology she didn’t really owe me but still gave me anyway, in which she sounded sincere and like she really hoped I got that she regretted leaving. The woman who would probably want nothing to do with me if she knew I had two boys I’m raising on my own, and a crazy ex who shows up out of the blue from time to time just to fuck with me and my kids.
“So?”
I look at my mom, the woman who gave birth to me, the woman who raised me and my sisters on her own, doing it and never once complaining. Just like she’s never complained when I’ve needed her to help with her grandsons. I wish I could give her something, something to make her stop worrying about me, but I can’t. Even if I want to be the asshole who storms into December’s life and forces her to take a chance on me.
“It doesn’t matter,” I tell her, and her eyes narrow. “She’s a nice woman, but she’s not for me.” Why the fuck does my chest suddenly hurt at that bit of self-truth?
Mom studies me for a moment then her eyes fill with a disappointed light. “All right, honey.”
Thank fuck. I know my mom can be persistent when she gets something in her head, and if she thinks for one second I’m missing out on something, she will make it her mission to get me what she thinks I need.
“You staying for dinner?” I ask, needing to change the subject.
“It depends. What are you making?”
“The boys want lasagna, so I picked up the stuff yesterday.”
“Are you making your cheesy garlic bread?”
“What do you think?” I raise one brow.
She grins. “Right. Then I’m definitely staying.”
I grin back before looking toward the couch, where both Max and Mitchell are sprawled out. “Boys, I’m gonna start dinner soon and Grandma is staying.” I get a “Cool” and a “Right on” before I continue. “I hope you both got your homework done, because it’s your turn to do dishes and it’s Yahtzee night.” I listen to both of them groan and turn off the game along with the TV before heading for their rooms without a word. When I look back at my mom, she’s got an odd look on her face. “What?”
“Nothing.” She shakes her head, still watching me closely.
“What?” I repeat, curious now.
“You,” she whispers.
“What about me?”
“You’re an amazing dad. Those boys are lucky.”
My throat gets tight, but I swallow through it. “I learned from the best.”
“I might have had a hand in you becoming the type of parent you are, but the hardworking, loyal, loving, and protective man you’ve grown into is all you. You’re stronger and more determined than anyone I know. Hell, most people given the hand you were dealt