Love You Anyways

by Mj Fields

  Chapter 6

  Playoffs

  It was a colder than usual February day and my boy and I were in New Jersey so that we could watch the playoffs together. My college buddy, Jose, was coaching the Giants and I hadn’t seen him in years. We were at Dad’s place, packing up the car to head closer to New York City because a storm was coming up through and neither of us wanted to miss the big game.

  Ava had surprised us and came home for the weekend. I wasn’t there, and Ashley was never there. I felt bad but called Jade to see if she’d keep her busy. Jade let me know she was with Harper so the guilt subsided and I set out to enjoy the weekend with my boy.

  “You really gonna wear a Cowboys Jersey to Giants stadium?”

  “Hell yes I am,” Logan laughed.

  “You trying to get your old man in a fight?”

  “Will your buddy be pissed?”

  “Jose? Hell no, he’s one of the coolest guys you’ll ever meet. But you have NFL hopes and you wanna piss off my NFL coach friend boy?”

  “My team’s playing. No band wagon jumper here Dad.” I laughed as he continued, “When the Giants are paying me I’ll still be wearing blue, white, and silver, just not on the field.”

  The phone rang as I was pulling out onto the highway. It was one of my guys telling me he had overheard something about Ava getting in a fight.

  “You’re on speaker Bones so give me the rest in PG please.”

  “Dad I’m almost eighteen,” Logan huffed.

  “Hey Logan,” Bones laughed.

  “Sup Bones?”

  “Not much, when you talk to Ava tell her I saw her on TV and she hits like a girl.”

  Logan laughed, “She hit someone?”

  “Self-defense little Links,” Bones chuckled.

  “I got your little swinging between my thighs Bones. Why don’t you send your girl over to check it out?”

  “Logan!”

  Bones was laughing, “Let him be the ‘other’ little Links.”

  “Yeah little, that’s not what your sister said.” I busted on him.

  “Shit’s old school stuff you’re bringing up Lucas, you sure you wanna go there?”

  “Shit! I’m sorry man I forgot…”

  “Digging that hole deeper Lucas.”

  Logan busted up laughing.

  “Sorry man. Thanks for the heads up.” I hung up and looked at Logan, “I was inappropriate, and so were you.”

  “Nothing wrong with sharing the love Dad.”

  “It was a long time ago…”

  “In a galaxy far far away?”

  “Absolutely.”

  We laughed and then were silent for a while.

  “Dad?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Mom say’s Harper is a bad influence on Ava. She’s gonna be upset.”

  “What else does your Mom say Logan?” I hadn’t meant to snap.

  “Nothing.” He looked out the window.

  I couldn’t believe that bitch had said that to him. Mind fucking whore! Playing games with my kids was not a part of the deal between her and me. She can fuck whoever she wants, max out credit cards buying lingerie every damn month to try to get under my skin, talk on the cell phone I pay for every night before she goes to bed and now not even stop the conversation when I walk in the room to push me further. Fuck with me all you want but do not fuck with my kids head!

  “Do you think Harper’s a bad influence on her?”

  He shrugged; my snapping had pushed him back into a corner, distancing himself again.

  “I think your sister and Harper have been friends for years and they balance each other out pretty well. But that’s my opinion Logan I won’t force it on you bud okay?”

  “Yeah okay.”

  “Should we go check on her?”

  “Yeah.” Logan put his head against the window and closed his eyes.

  “Tired bud?”

  “I am.”

  “Take a nap then, I’ll wake you when we get close.”

  There was nothing as disheartening as pulling into the underground parking lot of the hotel Athenee with Logan sulking beside me. My son reminded me so much of my younger self over the past year. He was angry or was distant. He would act out at school or just not talk. I knew it was because of the confusion his mother and my relationship was causing him. I was sure it was all her fault.

  Now as I sat next to Logan, I knew I was hurting him. I didn’t know how to stop that hurt. I tried my damndest to keep things normal. But now without Ashley even trying to hide the shit from me, and telling my son Harper was a negative influence on Ava; well she was crossing fucking lines.

  ~

  Logan and I weren’t even there for two hours before NYPD came knocking at the door. My girl was in trouble. She was defending a friend, exactly what I would have done but she couldn’t do that shit.

  Four cops showed up and Maddox’s father, Brody, and I both stood between the ladies and the cops. Tessa came up and got in front of us.

  “You two,” Tessa pointed between me and Brody, “Don’t act like a couple of asses. Let them talk. Ava and Harper, just be honest, you’ll be fine.”

  “Good evening, we’d like to speak to Ava Links and Harper Abraham.” The front cop said.

  “That’s us,” Ava smiled and waved them in. “Would you like some pizza officers?”

  “No thank you ma’am.”

  “Now do I look like a ma’am, isn’t it more like Miss?”

  “Ava,” I growled. She was batting her eyes at the whole situation.

  “Ladies, please step out in the hall with us,” one of the four officers nodded to the door.

  “No, they stay,” I tried to stay calm.

  “You Lucas Links?”

  “Yes I am.”

  “We were warned about your temper and about these two,” he pointed to Maddox and Brody. “Ladies step outside in the hall please.”

  Tessa stood in front of me and put her hand on my chest, “Play the game Links.”

  Maddox walked to the doorway and I behind him, watching them. “Step back into the room Hines.” One of the fuckers snapped at him.

  “No.”

  “Fine, ladies you’ll be coming downtown with us.”

  “What? You have got to be kidding me! I have a black eye and I’m getting arrested.” Harper said nervously.

  Maddox started to walk out in the hall and Brody grabbed his shoulder. “Stay back Maddox.”

  “They aren’t taking her!”

  “We aren’t arresting you. We’re taking you back to the precinct to interview you. This appears to be a hostile environment.”

  “You’re fucking kidding me right! You four are armed for fuck sake,” I couldn’t keep it shut even with Tessa’s hand on me. Fuck!

  “Tell me your three G men aren’t,” the oldest officer laughed.

  “Are you gonna cuff me?” Ava smiled and held her arms out.

  “Do we need to?” the youngest officer smiled.

  “Watch how you talk to my daughter, fuck stick!” Control lost and I couldn’t help it.

  “Lucas, shut up.” Tessa stood in front of me and leaned back against me ensuring I wouldn’t move. “Officers this is unnecessary, can’t you all just go down in the lobby and chat?”

  “Sorry ma’am,” he tipped his hat.

  “Harper and Ava, we’ll be right behind you,” Tessa’s voice quivered.

  “With an ass load of lawyers and a fucking lawsuit or at least media coverage talking about what pussies NYPD is!”

  “Hey Maddox, it’s alright,” Harper smiled trying to calm him.

  “You’ve been through enough!” Maddox’s voice boomed.

  “She has me. Oh and by the way boys, unless your cuffs are pink and fuzzy I would prefer they not be put on me.” Ava smiled and took Harper’s hand. “Come on, we’re just going on an adventure.”

  “If anything happens to them I will…” Maddox started.

  Tessa jumped in front of him. “Not another
word or you’ll be joining them and not for questioning.”

  The elevator doors opened and I heard Ava. “Did you guys know I’m a law student?”

  “No ma’am.”

  “Well technically, I’m a third year student, concentrating on criminal law. So I know we are cooperating nicely with you and am sure you’ll treat us as such. Harper is …”

  The door shut on the elevator and we all scrambled to get our shit together and head down to the police station.

  Maddox turned and pointed his finger at me. “I want that fucker Sam’s address!”

  “Maddox, don’t worry. I think Ava…”

  “Fuck! She better control herself.” I crouched down.

  “Give her some credit Lucas,” Tessa patted my head. “Come on let’s get a move on.”

  Tessa hugged Maddox. “She’ll be fine.”

  Maddox looked like he was going to blow. I heard shit about that boy and Harper needed him to keep his shit together. “They both will be. Hey Logan, you hang here.”

  “No Dad…”

  “Logan it wasn’t a question and for God’s sake don’t call your mother!” I clenched my eyes and then looked at Maddox. “We got this.”

  “I want his number.”

  “I have a better idea. Besides he’s probably padding the pockets of half the city officials. Trust me on this one; he’ll back down or I’ll fucking ruin him. Let’s get going.”

  ~

  I walked into the precinct holding Tessa’s hand. When she started to lose it I stepped up, just like she needed me to. Who the fuck am I kidding, I needed to do that for her.

  “Trust me Tessa?”

  “What are you up to?”

  “Trust me Tessa.” This time it wasn’t a question. “Tell Hines to call whoever his publicist is and have her ready if I don’t get anywhere. But sit back and watch this shit. No worries okay?”

  She nodded. Game on.

  A female officer walked through the door. “Hey gotta minute?”

  “Oh my God, are you Lucas Links?”

  I tried not to smile but had to see if Tessa noticed, she rolled her eyes so I knew she did.

  I gave her my best smile, “I am. Do I know you?”

  I heard Tessa grumble and decided it best I tone it down.

  “No, but my dad still watches the game you played against the Giants when they messed you up.”

  Shit, I heard Tessa snort and I turned around and rolled my eyes at her. “That was Karma, I deserved it. Those two girls back there, they don’t deserve this shit.”

  “You know I agree. I was just coming out here to call one of the detectives to straighten it out. Ava Links?”

  “Mine.” I turned and motioned for Tessa to join, “Harper Abraham is hers.”

  “She’s good. I’ll keep checking on her. I will make sure she’s okay.” She looked down at her phone. “Won’t be long.”

  “Dirty cops?”

  She looked at me and smiled. “You walked off the field that day. I have no clue why or how but you did. I have admired that for years now. Here’s my card Links, if you need anything, anything, let me know.”

  “Ma’am I am going to check on your daughter again.” She turned and walked away.

  I didn’t even want to see Tessa’s face right now.

  “How do I get ma’am and you get anything,” she purred and nudged me.

  I looked at her, “I’ll do anything I can for the girls Tessa…”

  “The girls?” She laughed.

  “No not THE GIRLS, our girls.” I smiled and she did too. “They’re both good. You good?”

  “I’m good,” she looked down and those blonde curls fell in her face.

  I pushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear. Tears were filling those baby blues. “Don’t cry baby, you’ll miss the British invasion.”

  My hand had been on her face too long and I willed it back.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The British Tessa,” I nodded towards Maddox and Brody. “I heard they’re hot heads. I think we should go tell them the girls.” I stopped and winked, “Meaning Ava and Harper will be fine.”

  “Yeah maybe we should.” She let out a breath and looked up at me. “Thanks Lucas.”

  ~

  When we finally got back to the hotel, Logan was not a happy camper. Ava looked at me, “He’s pissed Dad.”

  “I made him stay here.”

  Tessa smacked me when she walked by, “How would that have gone over with you when you were his age?”

  “What?” I gasped.

  “Don’t what me Lucas,” she laughed and gave Ava a hug and kiss. “Glad it worked out. And thank you for sticking up for my girl.”

  I walked up and looked at Logan, “You ready to head back to our room?”

  “Sure Dad. By the way, Mom called three times. I didn’t answer. You wanna handle it or do you want me too?”

  “No, I got it. Sorry Logan.”

  “She’s my sister Dad. Do you understand that?” He hit his chest, “My sister.”

  “Okay Logan.”

  “Don’t pull that shit on me. I’m not a little kid anymore.” He was livid.

  “Logan wanna hit the gym with me and burn off some steam?”

  He gave me a look of disgust and shook his head back and forth, “No I’ll pass.”

  When we got in the room, I stopped him before he walked into the bathroom. “Big game day tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, sure, big day and now you’ve invited all them. How do you think Mom’s gonna feel about that?”

  I wanted to tell him it didn’t matter what the fuck she said. But that was the shit my father would have played. I wasn’t my father.

  “She’ll be fine. Look this wasn’t planned but I promise to make it up to you.”

  “How’s that?”

  “Me. You. Spring break. Mexico. Just you and I.”

  He smirked, “Sounds good.”

  Chapter 7

  Fix this shit

  After Logan fell asleep, I called down to the front desk and asked if the fitness center was still open, and it was. Thank God.

  I threw on some shorts, a tee shirt, and headed down out the door. I rode the elevator down to the first floor and walked into the empty gym. I started on the elliptical and made my way around the circuit three times before I even felt a twinge of fatigue.

  I knew what was going on here. I was sexually frustrated. It had been almost two months since I’d gotten laid. And the last time was some serious revenge fucking. Bitch! Un-fucking real.

  I was back on the elliptical because if I wasn’t dog ass tired by the time I went up to our room, I was probably going to need to jerk off in the shower and my kid was in the room.

  Jerk off! Bitch! I seriously was having a hard time with this shit but I would not let it be about hurt feelings. Fuck that, it was now strictly because I needed to come. Married for over twenty years, never cheated, provided very well for my family, and I was gonna have to either jerk off or make nice with Ash so I could get off in her ass.

  I jumped off the elliptical and looked at the clock. I had been down here for an hour and a half thinking about my cheating ass wife, masturbating, and not making a phone call to get some, strange? What the hell is with me?

  I pulled my shirt off, looked in the mirror and popped my pecks, because I could, as I wiped the sweat out of my hair with it. Man I loved mirrored rooms. I loved looking at my body; it hadn’t changed much in twenty years. My ass was still where it should be, still had a six pack, and Adonis belt. I was a good looking dude.

  Ash. I walked out the door to the elevator thinking about what she had left me for. The bastard had a five-head. You know, major receding hairline so you couldn’t call it a forehead because it’s just too damn big. He was a boring as hell douche bag who had no personality and his body certainly wasn’t like mine. Fucking worm. He didn’t even carry a normal briefcase; the bitch had a man purse.

  The elevator arrived on
my floor and I walked out of it and past the vending machines. I had to step back because I was sure I saw someone sitting in the corner next to the soda machine.

  “Tessa?”

  She nodded and covered her mouth so I didn’t see the food in it. “Hey Lucas.”

  I walked over and reached out my hand. “Need some help up?”

  She took another bite of the candy bar she was eating. “I’m good thanks.”

  I kneeled down in front of her. “Care to talk?”

  “Nope.”

  “Care if I sit here and watch you eat the rest of that candy bar?”

  “You want some?” She held it out to me.

  I chuckled to myself, do I want some. Hell yeah I want some. “Don’t you know it’s not polite to ask a starving man a question like that?”

  “Here,” she pulled another out from under her knee and handed it me.

  “If you’re hungry you should eat some real food. Let me get you something.”

  “Nope. I’m going to eat this Baby Ruth and go to bed. After I crash from the sugar high.”

  “Well I’m still coming down from my adrenaline high, so I’m gonna hang here with you.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “I want to.”

  “Yeah I’m sure that’s just what you want to do is watch me shove junk in my mouth after you just went to the gym.” She smiled and threw the other bar in her bag. “You suck you know.”

  “That’s not very nice.” I laughed.

  “You make the rest of us feel like idiots. You still workout all the time?”

  “I do, and you still eat chocolate when you’re stressed.” I laughed when she pushed me.

  “It’s good to workout. Keeps you healthy.” She stood up and offered me a hand.

  “I don’t do it to stay healthy.”

  “Why then?” She laughed as she tried to pull me up.