Hustle and Heart

by Alison Mello

  “The only bitch I have to report to is Melinda, and I don’t even report to her. When I tell you I’m going to do something, I mean it. You should have waited at the field for me.” I’m taken aback by his attitude, but I’m not going to tolerate it. I hang up the phone, pissed off that he’s demanding me to do anything. I let out a slow, calming breath. I’m so furious right now. I can’t even go into the house.

  “What did he say?” Jesse asks, leaning against his truck with his arms crossed over his chest.

  “Can you believe that bastard demanded that if he tells me he is picking Jason up, I’m to wait for him.” I’m raising my voice the farther I go into the sentence. “He says he doesn’t need to report to me.” I run my fingers through my hair. “How was I such a fool to marry this man? He is so frustrating.”

  He backs me against his truck. “You need to stop referring to yourself as a fool. You are not a fool.” He looks me in the eye, his blue eyes fixed on mine. “Don’t let him get to you. He has no control over you anymore, and you do not need to wait around for him.” My phone rings again from my pocket. I pull it out to see Brian’s name.

  Jesse pulls the phone from my hand. “May I?”

  “By all means.”

  He presses the green button and answers very calmly. “Hey, Brian.”

  “Why the fuck are you answering my wife’s phone?” He’s so loud I can hear him clear as day.

  Jesse bursts into laughter. “Dude, she stopped being your wife the second you started fucking another woman. She’s mine now, and I don’t take kindly to you yelling at her and making demands.”

  “You have no right to get in our business.”

  “Oh but I do, and I’m going to tell something right now. You screw with Jason the way you did tonight and her lawyer will be in touch to notify you that you will not see your kid until you come to an agreement on the divorce.”

  “You can’t do that,” he screams so loud that Jesse pulls the phone away from his ear.

  “Watch me.” He hits the end button and hands me my phone.

  “Let him stew on that for a bit.” Jesse winks at me. “Come on, we need to get the kids settled for the night.”

  By the time we get inside, Grace is in bed and both boys are showered and hanging in Gabe’s room. We thank Josephine for once again taking care of the kids, and we head to Jesse’s room to settle in. It’s been a long week, and we’re both tired.

  I’m thrilled for date night with Karen. We’re heading out for dinner and dancing. My girl used to love to go dancing when we were younger and if I recall, she’s quite good at it. While Karen is getting ready, I’m checking to make sure the kids are squared away. It appears Mom has caught a cold hanging at the field with us, and I want her night to go smoothly. I offered to stay home, but she demanded that we go out, and my mama is not someone you want to mess with. “Hey, boys.”

  They both look up from the game they’re playing. “Hey.”

  “Grammy isn’t feeling well, so I’ve ordered pizza to be delivered shortly. I want you two to make sure you put the leftovers in the fridge and then keep it down so she can relax.”

  “Yes, sir,” they both respond with a groan. I grin and walk out of the room. I know what they’re thinking, but being the oldest has its privileges and responsibilities.

  Next I’m off to Grace’s room. “Hey, little lady.” I take a seat on her bed where she sits playing with her dolls. “What’s Barbie up to tonight?”

  She giggles. “She’s going on a date.” She smiles holding her Ken doll. My daughter’s smile could light the darkest of nights.

  “Really? Where are they going?”

  “Out to dinner,” she says matter-of-factly.

  “That sounds fun.”

  “It will be. You see, Ken can’t cook, he burns everything, so he has to take her out to eat,” she explains.

  “Can Barbie cook?”

  She frowns. “No, she’s not allowed to.”

  I chuckle. “I’m sure she’ll start learning in due time. In the meantime, do you think you can get into PJs before their date. Grammy isn’t feeling too well tonight, and I want to be sure she has very little to do. You both have to be at the field tomorrow, and she’s very excited for it, so I want her to rest.”

  She nods dramatically. “Can I wear my princess pajamas?”

  “Of course you can. You’re a princess, after all.” I kiss her on the head, and when I look back at her I can see the wheels spinning. “What is it, princess?”

  “Are you still my prince?” I’ve never heard my little girl sound so bashful.

  “You better believe it.”

  She jumps in my lap. “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you too, princess.” I squeeze my girl tight. “Now, let’s get those PJs on.”

  “Okay.” She jumps down and skips over to her bureau. She opens the drawer containing her pajamas and pulls out the ones she wants. She slips off her clothes, placing them in her laundry basket, and puts on her pajamas. When she’s done, she spins around and shouts, “Tada!”

  I can’t help but laugh. “Good job, princess. You can go back to playing until dinner gets here. I’ve ordered you and the boys pizza. You are to listen and be on your best behavior. I’ve already told the boys to clean up after you eat.”

  “Okay, Daddy.” She climbs up on her bed and continues playing.

  Next stop is my room to see if Karen is almost ready. She’s coming out of the room as I’m about to step in. “Are you almost ready?”

  “Yeah. I just want to say goodnight to Jason.” I link my fingers with hers, and we make our way to the boys’ room. “Jason, we’re getting ready to go.” He gasps and throws his phone on the bed. “Jason, what’s wrong?” He bites his lip. Karen crosses her arms over her chest. “Speak or I’m not leaving.”

  He sighs. “Dad started texting me.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Stupid stuff like, no matter what you say he is getting his visitation. He wants to see me, but he sounds angry in his text messages.”

  Karen holds her hand out. “Give me your phone.”

  She unlocks it and opens the text window.

  Dad: I’m going to see you.

  Jason: You said that last night and didn’t show up.

  Dad: I was running late from work. Your mother is an asshole for not waiting.

  Jason: Don’t talk about Mom that way. She didn’t know you were running late because you never called.

  Dad: I don’t need to report to her just like I don’t need to report to you. Be ready because I’m picking you up next Friday.

  Jason: You sound angry. Not sure I want to go over.

  Dad: I am angry. My own son doesn’t want to see me.

  Jason: Because you left us.

  Dad: You are too fucking young to understand, and it’s none of your business. I’m picking you up on Friday night so be prepared.

  Karen is seething with anger as we read these messages between Jason and Brian. He shouldn’t be talking to his son this way, and it’s only making the situation worse. She screenshots the messages and sends them to herself, then she forwards it to her attorney.

  She picks up the phone and calls Brian. When he doesn’t answer, she leaves him a message. “Brian, this is Karen. If I catch you texting our son in the tone you did this evening, I will change his number and be sure you never get the new one. You want to make arrangements to see him, you go through me.” She cuts the call and hands Jason the phone. “If he texts you again, I want to know.”

  “Okay, Mom.” He puts the phone back on the bed.

  “Have good night, boys.” She starts out the door until Jason calls out.

  “You too, Mom.” Karen turns back with a smile. “Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  I wink at him, and we both make our way down to my truck. He’s a good kid, and I’m proud of how well he’s handling the issue with his father. I think it helps that he has Gabe, but it makes me all the
happier that he and my son get along so well.

  “So where are we going?” Karen asks as I pull out of my driveway.

  “I thought we’d go to The Red Lion. We can have dinner and then they have a DJ that starts playing around eight.”

  “They have really yummy nachos.” She wiggles her brows.

  “I’m down for some nachos. You know me, I love food.”

  “That makes two of us. Maybe that’s why we get along so well.”

  When we pull up to the pub, we circle the lot looking for a spot. It’s already getting busy. I pull into a spot that’s just been vacated, and we hurry inside. There’s one bar table left so we hurry over and take a seat. I wanted a bar table versus eating on the restaurant side because we won’t be expected to eat and leave like if we were at a regular table.

  A waitress comes over. “Good evening, folks. I’m Dawn, and I’ll be your waitress for the evening. What can I get you to drink?”

  “I’ll have a glass of Merlot please,” Karen says with a smile. She looks so happy to be out.

  “I’ll have a Yuengling Light please.”

  “You got it. I’ll be right back with your drinks.” She places two menus down in front of us and heads over to the bar.

  “What do you want besides nachos?” I ask her.

  She shrugs. “I don’t know, their nachos are pretty big. Maybe we should start with that and then we can get something else in a little bit.”

  “They are, but I really want wings. I’ll order some wings and fries too, and we can pick at both.”

  “Sounds good as long as you order the wings mild.” She looks so hopeful how can I say no.

  “Anything for you.” I take her hand in mine and rub her knuckles with my thumb. “How did I get so lucky?” I look into her eyes.

  She chuckles. “On the contrary, I think I’m the one who should be saying that. I’m lucky the one.”

  The waitress comes back over with our drinks. We tell her what we want, and she hurries off to put the order in. The bar is filling up, and there’s music playing over the speakers while the DJ is busy setting up at the end of the bar. I slip from my stool and take a seat next to her instead of across from her. “I want to be next to you, plus it’s going to get loud in here soon and it’ll make it hard to talk.”

  “Are you excited for the game tomorrow?” Her eyes are full of excitement.

  “I am. I’m also excited for the cookout we have planned afterward. I still can’t believe you won that bet.” I’m trying to sound mad, but I can’t help the smile on my face. I’m thrilled to have a night out with her, and I can’t wait to see what she requests for winning.

  “I’m kind of glad I won because as much as I would love to spend more time at your house, I don’t know how that would work out with Jason being in another school. It’s not like he can get on the bus at your house, and I don’t have time to bring him to school and get to work on time.”

  I literally pout. “I wanted to win, but I agree that would be hard for you to manage.”

  “What do we do?” she asks, sounding unsure of herself.

  “You mean as far as you staying at my house?” I pause. “That’s up to you. I understand why you don’t, and I hope at some point our relationship goes to the next level. When it does, we’ll have to decide who moves in with who.”

  She nods. “Your schools are better, and I may have a better time negotiating with Brian if I offer to sell the house, but I’m not sure we’re there yet.”

  “I agree, but how would Jason feel about moving here?” I sip my beer.

  “Well, to be honest, I already mentioned it to him. He seemed pretty excited about it. He likes having Gabe to hang with.” She chuckles taking a large sip of her wine as the waitress drops off our food.

  “You know, you can do what you want as far as Brian is concerned.” I put some nachos on my plate.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that I’ll always take care of you and Jason. If he continues to be a dick and you want to settle just to get rid of him, go for it. We’ll be a family, and I’ll take care of Jason like he’s my own.”

  “Jesse, that’s incredibly sweet of you, and I love that you are so caring toward Jason, but Brian is his father. He needs to man up and be responsible. That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t be there for him and to teach him how to be a man because I sure as hell don’t see my ex-husband doing it.”

  I shrug. “It’s all good. Someday Jason will have a decision to make as far as his father goes. In the meantime, I will absolutely be there for him.”

  “Thank you.” She leans over to kiss me as the waitress comes back over.

  “How are the nachos and wings?”

  “They are delicious, thank you.”

  “Can I get you two another round of drinks?”

  “Yes, please.” I thank her.

  When I look back at Karen, she presses her lips to mine, finishing what she was about to start. The music gets a little louder as the bar is filling up.

  “What are you two doing here?” We hear someone yelling at us, breaking our moment. We look up and see Arien standing at our table with a guy.

  “Hey, Arien. What’s going on?”

  “Not much. Grabbing a bite to eat. This is my boyfriend, Sawyer.” She links her arm through his. “Sawyer, these are my friends, Karen, and her boyfriend, Jesse.”

  “Nice to meet you.” I hold my hand out to him. He shakes with me and then shakes with Karen. “Have you guys eaten yet?”

  “No. We were hoping to get one of the bar top tables, but there aren’t anymore so we’re going to try to grab a seat at the bar,” Sawyer explains.

  “Nonsense. Join us,” Karen offers.

  “Are you sure?” Arien looks at me.

  “Absolutely. We’re already eating, but I’m sure our waitress can order you guys some food.”

  The waitress comes over when she sees them take a seat at our table. They place their drink order and grab more appetizers. When she leaves, Karen asks her, “How long have you two been dating?”

  “Only a few months. He’s a client in our office.” She smiles shyly. It’s nice to see her happy.

  “How’d Noah take it?”

  “He’s great. They’ve only spent a little bit of time together, but they get along.” Arien shrugs. “Noah’s with his father on the weekends, so it gives us a chance to get to know each other and spend some time together.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  Karen and Arien start talking girl talk while Sawyer and I are talking sports. He’s big into basketball and football. He’s thrilled to watch the game tomorrow. They’re one of the eight kids coming to the house after the game tomorrow.

  “I’m so excited for the cookout tomorrow. It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve all gotten together,” Karen says.

  “Speaking of tomorrow, do you need us to bring anything?”

  She smiles. “Nah, I think we’re good, right, babe?” Karen looks at me.

  “Yeah, I think we have everything under control. I’m glad the weather is going to be nice. Lord knows if we’ll have nice weather the entire season.”

  “I know it got chilly at practice the other night.” Arien pretends to shiver.

  I chuckle. “I don’t feel it, but you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait a few more weeks, it will get worse.” She gives me a dirty look. “What? I’m just warning you.”

  She shakes her head. “I’ll be putting a blanket in the car.”

  “Good idea.”

  As the waitress is dropping off more food and drinks, the DJ comes on over the mic. “Good evening, I’m Roy, and I’ll be your DJ for this evening. Please feel free to come up and request any song you’d like to hear this evening.”

  I look at Karen. “Excuse me a moment.”

  I head over to the table to talk to the DJ. I request a song that’s not exactly made for the kind of dancing most of these youngins want to do, but he agrees to get it in after he pl
ays a few upbeat songs. I thank him and head back to the table.

  Karen glares at me as I take my seat. “What did you just do?”

  “Requested a song,” I state plainly.

  She points a French fry at me. “You are up to no good.”

  I laugh. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” The music gets louder when FloRider blasts through the speakers. The younger crowd gets excited and hits the dance floor.

  Karen watches them dancing with shock evident on her face. “Is that really what I looked like as a kid?”

  “No.” She looks at me. “You looked way better.”

  Arien and Sawyer turn around. Sawyer’s jaw drops. “We may have bumped and grinded, but we definitely dressed way better.”

  “That’s because we were too worried about our hair and makeup being perfect.”

  “Right. Not to mention, my mother would have never let me out like that,” Karen adds.

  I laugh because I know Karen’s mom. She was really strict about Karen’s clothes and how much makeup she wore. She wouldn’t allow her to even consider being a cheerleader because she said they all look like little sluts running around in their short skirts and overdone makeup.

  We’re having a great time talking with our friends, reminiscing about when we had a lot more time for fun and had way less responsibilities. It makes me realize that some of us grew up and others didn’t.

  I notice a few more people go up to request songs, and he still hasn’t played my song. I don’t want to be a dick, but I really want him to play this song because it’s perfect for us. I chuckle to myself thinking about my little pun. The song ends, and I hear the opening words. I grab Karen’s hand and walk her to the dance floor just in time to sing to her. “We were just kids when we fell in love. Not knowing what it was…” I smile as my words trail off.

  She looks up into my eyes. “Perfect?”