High Balls

by Tara Lain

  Rod munched on a scone. “He’s always terrified about what those people think.”

  “Yeah, well, he’s had some serious confrontations with them lately. They’ve been subjecting Andy to a lot of bullying from their friends’ kids, and Teddy’s furious. The grandfather found me babysitting Andy and about split a gut. He really seems to hate that Teddy’s gay. Teddy’s terrified that the in-laws are going to try to take Andy away. I just can’t imagine why he thinks they could do it. He’s a great father—and he’s a father.”

  Adam nodded over his coffee. “Unless a court can prove serious behavioral issues—and homosexuality doesn’t qualify in that category anymore, thank God—it’s unlikely a kid gets taken from his parents.”

  Hunter’s call device from the serving counter lit up, and he stood. “I’ll get the food. Keep talking.”

  Snake blew out a long breath. “So why the hell is he so scared?” He looked at David. “Did you find out anything from his friend?”

  David shook his head. “I think she’s knows more than she’s telling, but she just said he’s really sensitive to the in-laws’ point of view.”

  Hunter started carrying plates back to the table, and Rod hopped up to help him. A couple of minutes later, they were all dishing scrambled eggs into their mouths, and Hunter said, “I’ve made some inquiries at my university about Theodore transferring his candidacy there.”

  Snake sipped coffee. “Is it possible?”

  “Apparently yes. I’m waiting for more word from the head of the department.”

  “It’s not as straightforward as completing what he started at Fairhaven, but it’s an option.” Snake downed some eggs.

  Rod said, “David, why do you think that Mary knows more than she told you?”

  He flipped a scarf around his neck. “A general wariness. You know how bubbly and optimistic she is. She sounded kind of cagey and, I don’t know, weird.”

  Snake took a mouthful of juice, looked up, and had to slap his hand over his mouth to keep from spitting it.

  Hunter frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  Snake slid a little ways down in his chair. “Over in the line. That’s the grandfather and, shit, he’s got Andy. What the hell is Teddy thinking?” Rod started to turn, and Snake put a hand on his arm. “Don’t. It’s probably better if they don’t notice us. At least for a minute.”

  An older woman waved at the grandfather from a table on the opposite side of the large patio. Hunter, who could also see them without turning like Snake could, said, “That must be the grandmother.”

  Snake nodded.

  Rod, Hunter, David, and Snake sat tensely, pretending to talk for a few minutes, until the grandfather and Andy came back to the table carrying cups and place settings. Andy sat, and his grandfather went back in and returned with more glasses. Andy stared at his cup, which probably contained cocoa based on the whipped cream pile on top. The kid didn’t look happy, but he didn’t seem really upset.

  Snake took a breath. “Andy appears okay.”

  The grandfather walked in again and returned with a plate of waffles. That actually got a smile from Andy, and Snake relaxed.

  Staying low in his chair, he finished his eggs, glancing up at Andy every few minutes. A guy walked in the entrance to the patio closest to Snake’s table and stopped, looking around for someone. Snake glanced at him. Kind of familiar-looking, but what a scuzzball. Unshaven, his clothes kind of unkempt. Sure, locals didn’t dress up for a trip to Copper, but he just seemed seedy. Snake said to Hunter, “Do you know that guy?”

  Hunter looked quickly and shook his head.

  The guy seemed to recognize someone and started walking toward the other side of the patio. The grandfather looked up and waved, flashing a huge smile. Snake tensed from his feet to his hair follicles.

  The slimeball walked over to their table, his back toward Snake. Obviously, the grandfather introduced Andy to the man. The kid looked up and nodded but didn’t quite smile. The grandmother was all gushy and gooey, it appeared, clapping her hands together and fluttering her lashes. With a sweep of her hand, she seemed to invite the guy to sit. He took the seat that put his back to Snake, but Snake could see Andy, who looked pretty fixated on the remains of his waffles.

  The grandfather and grandmother were very animated, talking away and smiling at each other. A lot of the dialogue got directed at Andy. Andy’s shoulders kind of hunched, his fork making circles in what must be his syrup.

  The slimeball leaned over and put a hand on Andy’s back. Snake clenched his fists.

  Hunter’s voice finally cut through the rushing in his ears. “What do you think is going on?”

  Snake hissed, “I think those assholes are trying to sell Andy some other load of crap, and he’s not buying.”

  “Yeah. Who is that guy?”

  David turned overtly in his chair for a look then quickly whirled back. “No idea.”

  The grandmother leaned over to Andy with a big smarmy smile. She spoke.

  Andy’s head snapped up. His mouth opened. He jumped up from his chair. The slimeball turned fully toward Andy, and Snake could see them both, almost face-to-face. Dark hair to dark hair, strong nose to strong nose, sturdy build to study build.

  His heart slammed against his ribs and his belly tightened. “Holy fucking shit!”

  Rod’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “I know why Teddy’s so scared of the in-laws.” His words slid out on too much air, and he fought light-headedness.

  “Why?”

  He pointed. “Because he’s not Andy’s father. That guy is.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  SNAKE WATCHED Andy back away from Slimeball, but he could only move so far. The guy reached out toward him, and the kid dodged under the man’s arm and ran toward the back of the patio, clutching for something in his pocket. He finally managed to pull a phone from his pants, but the grandfather and the slimeball came after him.

  Snake scraped back his chair on the flagstone, leaped up, and raced to Andy, making it one step before the slimeball did. He shoved himself between the man and Andy. “Touch him and you’re going to hurt, asshole.”

  “Snake!” Andy grabbed his legs.

  He reached back and picked up Andy, never taking his eyes from the attackers.

  Slimeball looked plenty scared and fell back a step, but the grandfather had no such compunction. “What are you doing here, you pervert? Do you actually stalk my grandson? I’m calling the police immediately.” He reached for his phone.

  A softly modulated voice from behind Snake said, “Excellent. We’ll ask the police to determine who exactly is abusing this child.”

  “Who the hell are you?” The grandfather sneered.

  Adam extended a card. “I’m Theodore and Andy’s lawyer.”

  The grandfather pointed at slimeball. “This man is that child’s father.”

  Adam turned up his lips, but his eyes stayed icy. “Not in any court of law I’m aware of.” He half turned and looked back. “That’s where we’ll see you next.”

  Oh yeah, good exit line. They all fell in behind Adam as they walked back to their table, tossed down a tip, and left the restaurant.

  Their mutual cool lasted all the way across the street to the parking lot. Snake let out a long breath.

  “S-snake?”

  Snake sat on the bench beside the lot and put Andy on his lap. The four guys hung back but stayed close enough to suggest support.

  “Yeah, Andy?”

  “What did that man mean that he’s my father?”

  Snake wiped hair out of Andy’s eyes. “Who’s your father, Andy?”

  “Daddy is.”

  “Of course.”

  “But why did Grandpa and Grandma say he is?”

  “I think we should go home to your daddy, and we’ll ask him to explain. Sound good?”

  Andy nodded.

  “I have my motorcycle, and I can’t take you on that, so would you be okay riding with Rod and Hunter?”r />
  “C-can’t I go with you?”

  Snake glanced up at Rod, who wiped a tear from his cheek. “How about we both ride with Rodney and Hunter?” Andy nodded against his chest. Snake looked up. “Do you have more than one car?”

  Adam said, “Yes, I brought my own.” He looked around at the others. “Shall I follow or is this better done alone?”

  Rod looked at Hunter, then at Snake. “What if we drop you and Andy off and go hang with Adam at the Bay for a while? Call us when Theodore wants to talk—if he does.”

  “Good.” Snake gathered Andy close and carried him to Hunter’s car. He slid into the back holding Andy with Rod and Hunter in the front. David waved. “I’ll ride with Adam.”

  Andy went instantly to sleep in Snake’s arms and was breathing deeply when they got to Teddy’s apartment. Hunter crawled out and took Andy from Snake, then handed him back and returned to the driver’s seat. Rod said softly through the passenger window, “Give me your phone.”

  Snake balanced Andy against the car and handed over the phone. Rod keyed in his number.

  “Call me when you want to meet.”

  “We could all go to my place down near Victoria Beach. I’ve got some space, and there’s room for Andy too.”

  “Good. Let’s see how it goes.”

  Snake walked up the steps to Teddy’s garage apartment as Hunter’s car pulled away. He hammered softly with his foot against the door. It opened fast, Teddy’s eyes widened, he saw his son, and his lips parted.

  Snake pushed past him and walked into Andy’s bedroom. Gently, he deposited the sleeping boy on the bed, pulled a cowboy-patterned throw blanket over him, and backed out of the room, closing the door only partway.

  Teddy stood there vibrating like a tuning fork. “What’s happened? Tell me.”

  Snake motioned toward the living room. When they got there, he said, “Your in-laws took Andy to Copper this morning for breakfast to introduce him to his biological father. He freaked, and I was there too, so I grabbed him and brought him home.”

  Teddy slowly collapsed to his knees and then sat hard on the worn carpet. “Oh God.” Tears started running down his face.

  Snake knelt in front of him. “Teddy, freak later. At any moment, your son is going to come out here and ask you who that man is and why he claims to be his father. Start thinking.”

  “I never thought he’d come back. I thought—”

  “Obviously, you didn’t totally believe that because you’ve been scared witless about someone taking Andy from you since the day your wife died.”

  Teddy nodded.

  “I was at breakfast with Rod, Hunter, David, and Adam. You know Adam?”

  “Adam James? Yes.”

  “So he gave his card to your father-in-law and said he’s your lawyer. He’s a very cool dude.”

  “I know. But why, I mean, what were you all doing…?” He clasped his hand over his face.

  “We were talking about you and why you were so afraid of your in-laws. Ironic, huh?”

  “Dad?”

  Snake whispered, “Showtime.” He stood.

  Teddy looked up and rose.

  Andy rubbed his eyes and his nose. “How come you guys are on the floor?”

  Teddy smiled and picked up Andy. “I was just surprised and unhappy when Snake told me what your grandparents did.”

  “Yeah.” He snuffled and snuggled into his dad’s shoulder.

  Teddy sat on the couch and settled Andy on his lap. Snake started to sit in the chair across from them, but Andy looked up. “Snake? Will you sit by me?”

  “Sure, buddy.” He glanced at Teddy, who looked up quickly and then away. Snake sat beside Teddy, who held Andy in his arms. Snake took Andy’s feet.

  Teddy started to rock him. “So you know about babies coming from mommies, right?”

  “Sure.”

  “Moms might have different possible dads around before their baby is born, but after the baby is born, the mom might choose a dad.” He looked at Snake, pleading in his eyes.

  Snake picked up the thread. “It could be that the dad the mom chooses isn’t the same dad that actually caused the baby in the first place. But that doesn’t matter.”

  “Right.” Teddy kissed Andy’s hair. “Your mom chose me, and we got married right away, and I was there the whole time you were in her tummy, and I saw you get born and loved you when you were barely an idea.”

  Snake blinked hard. “That guy who came to talk to you might have caused the baby, but then he was gone, and he never married your mom or helped her or saw you born or raised you—or loved you. So guess who your dad is?”

  Andy tightened his grip on Teddy. “Daddy is my dad.”

  “Ding, ding, ding, ding. Give the prize to Andy Walters!”

  Andy was quiet for a minute. “But that guy caused me?”

  Teddy’s chest rose and fell. “He might have, sweetheart.”

  Andy sat back and stared at Teddy with his brows scrunched over his nose. “You didn’t cause me ’cause you don’t like girls, right?”

  Snake bit the inside of his cheek.

  Teddy smiled. “Kind of. I actually loved your mom a lot. She was my best friend. And when she told me she was going to have a baby, I said maybe I could be the dad. She loved that idea, and we had such a good time raising you.”

  “Wish I remembered her better.”

  Snake had to look away or Andy might see the tears pushing out of his eyes.

  “She loved you so much. Just like I do.” Teddy hugged him tight.

  “What are we gonna do about that derp Grandpa and Grandma brought to breakfast?”

  “Good question. We’re going to figure that all out.” He held Andy away from him. “Do you remember my friend Adam?”

  “Um-hm. He’s the diver.”

  “Right. Plus he’s a lawyer, and he’s going to tell us what we need to do, okay?”

  Andy looked up at Snake and grinned. “Snake saved me again.”

  “Yes. He’s good at that.” The odd reply had a coolish edge. Are we still back there?

  Snake said, “So Adam, Rod, Hunter, and David are at the Bay. I told them you might want to bring Andy to my place to talk or they could come here.”

  “Here’s better.” Teddy didn’t meet his eyes.

  Snake swallowed hard and pointedly didn’t glance at the nonexistent space in the tiny apartment. Is he still worried about the in-laws? Hell, he should be, but not because of me.

  Teddy set Andy on the couch, stood, his lips pressed together, and pulled his phone from his pocket. He hit a button and listened. “Yes, hi, Rod. Could you guys come here? Right, to my place.” He listened some more. “Thanks. See you soon.” He stuck the phone back.

  “Can I watch a movie, Dad?”

  Teddy looked around as if he just realized that the place rivaled postage stamps for square footage and had one TV that was in the middle of the living room. “It might be better if you go in your room and play video games.”

  Andy’s furious frown was accompanied by a trembling lower lip. “Don’t want to.”

  Snake said, “We could still switch to my place. I have a few TVs.”

  “Do what you want.” Teddy walked into the kitchen and started making noise.

  Well, hell and crapola. Snake leaned over to the seriously pouting Andy. “What do you say, buddy? You and me and a movie?”

  Teddy’s face appeared around the wall in the tiny kitchen, but Andy nodded. No smiles, but a lot of affirmative head shakes.

  Snake stood. “Okay, buddy. Let’s go.”

  Andy cast a venomous glance at Teddy and raised his arms to Snake, who swung him up. “We have to wait for the other guys to get here so I can borrow one of their cars, but let’s go outside and play a game, okay?”

  “’kay.”

  Snake glanced at Teddy, who looked stricken. How petty was he if that made him a little happy?

  THEODORE WALKED toward the front door and stopped in the middle of the space. Andy
loves Snake so much. I’ve blown it totally. My son will never forgive me. My son. Maybe I was never meant to be a father—a geeky gay guy who barely had a boyfriend before I married a woman.

  He wandered toward the couch, flopped on it, and wiped his hands over his face.

  Outside, car doors slammed; then a car engine started again. Footsteps stomped up the steps. A hard knock on the door preceded the door flying open and Rod flying in. “Theodore, why is Snake leaving? I understand that maybe you don’t want Andy in the middle of this conversation, but I can take Andy out. You don’t need me. You need Snake.”

  Hunter walked in and put his hands on Rod’s shoulders. “He doesn’t want to stay, dear. I told him we’d be glad to take Andy out for a while, but he refused. They’re gone.”

  Theodore’s heart flipped. Gone.

  David and Adam followed Hunter into the living room, closed the door, and spread out, occupying the limited spaces available.

  Theodore walked back to the kitchen, but he couldn’t get himself to smile. “Want something to drink?”

  Rod leaped from the couch and hurried into the kitchen. “Will you quit stalling? Get in there and solve your fucking problems. I’ll get drinks.”

  He almost refused. He didn’t want to solve his problems. He wanted to collapse into a heap on the floor and cry. Inhaling slowly, he forced himself to walk to the coffee table and sit on the floor.

  Adam leaned forward. “Theodore, the law’s on your side. You’re his stepfather. His biological father never lived with Andy’s mother, never saw the child, never provided any support or interest. DNA doesn’t matter in this case. Do I wish you’d adopted him? Yes. But bottom line, it won’t matter to the court.”

  Theodore shook his head. “Everyone thought he was mine, so how could I adopt him? I couldn’t do that to Esther. Her parents thought she married the father of her son. We never dreamed JP Rellico would ever show up again, much less try to rope in my in-laws. But he did. My in-laws are relentless—and rich.” The words poured out faster and faster. “They’ll play the gay card, say I’m keeping him from church because the church condemns my lifestyle, and that I let—” He wiped at his face. “—tattooed perverts take care of him.” He let his head drop into his hands.