by E. L. Todd
“Hey,” I said with a smile. “What are you doing? Picking up delicates from around the apartment?”
She laughed. “No. We just went to the park so I had to give the kids a bath. They were filthy.”
“Was Ethan with you?”
“Yes.”
I nodded even though she couldn’t see me.
“You want to come over tonight? Have dinner with us?”
I smiled. I was excited that she invited me over. “That sounds great. Do you need me to pick anything up on the way?”
“No. I have everything.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Bye.”
I pulled on a sweater and a pair of jeans then headed to her townhouse. When I arrived, I could smell the chicken on the stove and the sauce in the pan. I wasn’t used to home cooking until Sadie moved in down stairs from my apartment. I usually just ate out. I was too lazy to learn how to cook.
Ethan clapped me on the shoulder. “Nice to have you over.”
“Thanks,” I said. “Is Sadie coming?”
“No. She’s packing her drawers and stuff.”
“Oh, okay.”
Elisa emerged from the kitchen wearing a dirty apron. There was a small amount of sauce on her cheek. When I reached up to wipe it away, I steadied my hand, knowing I shouldn’t touch her.
“Hey,” she said with smile. She stared at my hand. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Yeah,” I said with a laugh.
“Could you get it for me?”
I wiped it with my thumb then placed it into my mouth. “Yum. That tastes good.”
She blushed. “Thanks for coming.”
“Do you need any help?”
“No. I got it.”
“Okay.”
Tommy walked over to me and pulled on my pant leg. “Hi.”
“Hey,” I said as I picked him up. “What’s going on, Tommy?”
He pointed at his toys. “My cars.”
I looked at them. “They’re nice.”
“I asked Mommy for more for Christmas.”
“Well, hopefully you were a good boy this year.”
“Mommy says I’m always good.”
I smiled at him. “I’m sure that’s true.”
“What about me?” a small voice said.
I looked down and saw Becky. “Hey, honey.”
She reached her hands up to me, wanting me to pick her up. I grabbed her from the floor and held them both. My arms were sore from the gym but I ignored the discomfort. The more I was around these kids, the more I adored them. I carried them into the living room then sat on the couch with them. Ethan handed me a beer then sat next to me.
Elisa emerged from the kitchen then stopped when she saw me. I wasn’t sure how she would react. Last time she saw me bonding with her kids, she looked like she was going to cry with guilt. She smiled at me for a moment then returned to the kitchen. That went better than I expected.
After she set the table, she turned to us. “Dinner is ready.”
I rose from the couch then carried the kids to the table. I placed them in their booster seats and placed the napkins in their laps. Then I sat between them so I could reach them easily.
Elisa placed the food on the table then sat across from me. She smiled at me for a moment before she started to dish out the chicken and rice. Ethan sat beside her and started to inhale his food.
As soon as I tasted the food, my mouth began to water. “This is amazing, Elisa.”
“Thanks,” she said with a smile.
I turned to Ethan. “I’m jealous you get this treatment every day.”
“It’s a good exchange for all my help,” he said as he ate.
Elisa ate half of her food but couldn’t finish it all. I noticed that she was very thin. I liked her body and thought she was perfect, but she was also on the thinner side. I would have to change that.
The kids ate quietly. Becky spilled rice everywhere. It stuck to her fingers and her lips. I used my napkin to wipe it away and cleaned up the mess. When we were done, Elisa grabbed the plates and brought them to the sink. I cleaned up the kids then returned them to the living room where they played on the floor with their toys. Then I went to the kitchen and helped with the dishes.
“Jared, you don’t need to do that.”
“You cooked so I’ll clean.”
“That’s sweet but unnecessary.”
“At least let me help.”
“Okay.”
I helped her scrub the dishes then placed them in the dishwater. Then I helped her wrap the food and put in the refrigerator. When the cleaning was done, we returned to the living room. As soon as I sat down, Tommy crawled into my lap and started playing with his cars. Elisa sat on the other couch and watched us for a long time. Ethan and I stared at the television until Tommy fell asleep on my lap. Becky climbed on the couch and fell asleep shortly afterwards.
Ethan yawned. “I’m going to bed.”
“Goodnight,” I said.
“Night,” he said. He looked at his sister. “You want me to put them to bed?”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said.
“Okay.” He walked down the hall.
I rose from the couch and carried Tommy in my arms. “I’ll put him in bed.”
She grabbed Becky and followed me. After I put Tommy in bed, I watched her put Becky to sleep before she left and closed the door behind her. When we walked back into the living room, I grabbed my jacket to leave.
“You’re great with them,” she said.
“Thanks.” I was glad she noticed.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “You don’t have to leave.”
I stared at her. “It’s getting late. I don’t want to wear out my welcome.”
She stepped closer to me then wrapped her arms around my neck. When she pressed her forehead against mine, I felt my heart beat like a drum. She stared at my lips and I stared at hers. I felt the tension in the air increase as I held her in my arms. I wanted to kiss her but I knew I shouldn’t. It seemed like she wanted me to but I was afraid I was going to rush it and confuse her. When she leaned toward me, I moved my lips to her forehead and kissed her gently.
She stilled as she felt my lips on her skin.
“Thanks for having me.”
“Yeah,” she whispered.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
I kissed her on the forehead again. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
I opened the door then walked out. I heard it close and lock behind me.
5
“Let’s go out tonight,” Alex said on the phone.
“And do what?”
“Get laid. You never told me how that chick was.”
“Because I didn’t sleep with her.”
“You struck out?”
“No,” I said. “I ditched her.”
“What? Why? She was fine.”
“I want someone else.”
He laughed. “Wow. You ditched one girl for another one the same night—smooth.”
“No. Elisa and I are—talking.”
“That girl you’re hung up on?”
“Yeah,” I said with a smile.
“Since when?”
“The other day.”
“So you aren’t single anymore?”
“Yes—no—it’s complicated.”
“What? So can you pick up chicks with me tonight or not?”
“No,” I said quickly.
“So she finally came around?”
“We are taking it slow.”
“Doesn’t she have kids?”
“Yeah. They’re great.”
“Wow.”
“What?”
“You just don’t seem like the kind of guy to want someone else’s kids.”
“Well, I am, apparently.”
“Have you talked to Sadie about me?” Alex asked.
“I mentioned it.�
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“And?”
“Yeah—she doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“Her or that piece of shit boyfriend she has?”
I sighed. “I understand why you don’t like the guy but don’t say things like that about him. He’s going to be my brother-in-law soon.”
“Not you too,” he said with sigh.
“He’s a good guy and he makes my sister happy. Let it go.”
“I just want to be her friend again. I want her back.”
“It doesn’t sound like it’s going to happen.”
“Maybe I should talk to Ethan.”
“No,” I said quickly. “Definitely not.”
“What if you and I both talked to him?”
“You think I can protect you?” I asked incredulously.
“He won’t throw a punch if you ask him not to. You guys are practically family, right?”
“I guess.”
“Just do this for me. I really don’t want to get cut out because I can’t see Sadie anymore. Please.”
“Okay. I’ll ask.”
“When?”
“I’m meeting them now.”
“Let me know how it goes.”
“Okay. See ya.”
“Bye.”
I walked down the street until I reached the diner. I was meeting Sadie, Ethan, and my dad for an early dinner. I wanted to invite Elisa and the kids but I thought that was too soon. I’m sure it would’ve freaked her out and made her run away.
When I walked inside, they were already sitting down.
“Hey, Dad,” I said as I hugged him.
“Hey,” he said with a smile. “How was work?”
“Good now that it’s over.”
Ethan nodded. “It was a long day.”
I sat down next to my dad, across from Sadie and Ethan.
“Hey,” I said to my sister.
She smiled at me.
My dad looked at the menu. “So I heard you’re seeing some girl—and she’s a lot better than Suzie.”
I glared at Sadie then looked at my dad. I didn’t want to discuss Elisa that soon. She had two kids from her previous marriage. I wasn’t sure if my dad would be supportive. “Yes, she’s Ethan’s sister.”
“Then she must be great.”
I nodded. “I like her.”
“When am I going to meet her?”
“Eventually, I hope.”
“Tell her not to be scared of me. I’m sure I’ll love her.”
I nodded. I wasn’t so sure of that. “Well, there’s something you should know about her.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“She has two kids.”
“She’s divorced?”
“No, she’s a widow.”
“Oh? That’s horrible. I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah,” I said. “It’s pretty sad.”
He looked at me. “Well, this sounds complicated. Are you sure you want to get involved in that?”
“Yes,” I said. “I’ve thought about it for a long time.”
He stared at me, gauging my sincerity. “If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
“Well, then I look forward to meeting her—and her kids. They might be my grandkids someday.”
I smiled at him, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Dad.”
He looked at Sadie. “So when’s the wedding?” he asked happily.
She shrugged. “We haven’t decided yet.”
“What did the girls think?”
Sadie was quiet for a moment. “They were shocked.”
“That isn’t surprising,” my dad said.
“But they were supportive eventually,” Sadie continued. “After Natascia rambled on for hours, I asked her to be my maid of honor and she finally calmed down.”
Ethan smiled. “I’m glad they are on board.”
“Have you told your mom?” my dad asked.
“Uh, no,” Sadie answered.
“Why not?” he asked.
“Well, I haven’t had a chance to call her,” she explained.
He shook his head. “She doesn’t even know about Ethan, does she?”
She stuttered again. “Uh, no.”
I saw Ethan stare at her, clearly disappointed that their relationship was still a secret in some way.
Sadie caught the look. “I’ll tell her soon.”
“Is she invited?” I asked.
“Uh, I wasn’t planning on it,” Sadie said.
My dad looked at her. “Sadie, you have to invite your mother.”
“Why?” she snapped. “It’s my day and I don’t want her there.”
“Sadie, that would kill her.”
She shook her head. “She doesn’t care about anyone but herself. I want people I actually care about to be there—people who care about me.”
“Don’t be cold,” my father said.
“Why aren’t you being cold?” she snapped. “She took off and abandoned all of us. I don’t care if it hurts her feelings. She’s lucky that I return her phone calls and humor her at all.”
He stared at her for a moment. “If it doesn’t bother me, it shouldn’t bother you.”
She stood up from her seat. “I’m done talking about this.” She walked away and entered the bathroom.
I sighed. I figured Sadie would act that way. Ever since she found out that Mom totally abandoned Dad and ended their marriage without any remorse, she pretty much hated Mom. I was surprised she even considered taking that job at all. I wasn’t shocked that she didn’t want Mom to be there. To be honest, I didn’t want her to be there either.
Ethan ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ll talk to her.”
My dad nodded. “Thank you.”
“Yeah,” Ethan said. “She’s just emotional right now. I’ll bring it up tomorrow.”
My dad moved from his seat. “I’m going to visit the bathroom as well.” He turned and left.
I looked at Ethan. I guess it was a good time to bring it up. “So, there’s something I wanted to discuss.”
“Oh—oh. The older brother talk?”
I laughed. “No. It’s about something else.”
“What’s up?”
“It’s about Alex.”
His smile dropped and the light in his eyes disappeared. He clenched his fist on the table. “I hope you’re about to tell me that he was hit by a car and passed away from a violent death.”
I could tell how the conversation was going to go. “He doesn’t want to lose Sadie from his life forever and—”
“Too fucking bad.”
“Just hear me out.”
He continued to clench his fists.
“Alex respects your engagement and your position as her boyfriend. He just wants her friendship. He regrets everything that happened. Please don’t ostracize him from our lives. He’s sorry.”
Ethan said nothing for a moment. “No.”
“Come on.”
“Why should I trust that fucker? He tried to steal my girl.”
“And it didn’t work. He’s over it. Give him another chance.”
“I don’t trust him.”
“That’s fine. Can he be around Sadie if you’re there? That’s reasonable.”
“How can you be friends with a punk like that?”
“He’s a good guy. You just didn’t see him in his best light.”
“I’m sure,” he said sarcastically.
“Come on. It would be weird if he wasn’t at the wedding. He isn’t trying to get with Sadie anymore.”
He sighed. “I’ll consider it.”
I stared at him. “For how long?”
“Fine. He can see her as long as I’m present. If I’m not there, he better stay the fuck away from her.”
I nodded. “That’s fair.”
“And generous.”
“Thank you.”
“Did he put you up to this?”
“It was a joint effort.”
“Why would you want him around your sister a
nyway? He obviously has no respect for her or who she cares about.”
I sighed. “I understand why you feel that way but he really is a good guy. You just came in at his darkest moment. He’s been in love with Sadie since I can remember. When you came into the picture, he panicked.”
“He had all the time in the world to make a move. Why did he choose now?”
I shrugged. “He was just too nervous about how she would react. When he realized he was missing his chance, he finally went for it.”
“That still isn’t my problem.”
“I know. I’m just explaining everything.”
Ethan looked away. “I still don’t trust him. If I find out that he pursued her when she was alone, I swear to god I’ll kill him.”
I could tell by the anger in his eyes that he was being serious. I felt bad for Alex. He got himself into a bad situation. “It’s my fault too. I’m the one that set up that dinner.”
“I’m still not happy about that.”
“Well, you can’t hold him accountable for that one. I was in the wrong.”
“You better not pull anything like that again.”
“Are you threatening me now?”
He sighed. “We are family now, and I never want to hurt you or disrespect you, but Sadie means more to me than I can possibly express. If anything jeopardized her from being in my arms, I wouldn’t care less who you are. I will fight to keep her.”
“Well, I’m not your enemy so you never have to worry about that.”
“Good.”
Sadie and my dad returned from the bathroom at the same time. Sadie still looked mad and my father looked uncomfortable.
Ethan kissed her on the cheek. “Ready to go, baby?”
She nodded.
Ethan left the cash on the table. I picked up half of it then handed it back to him. I added my half to the pile. I knew he didn’t mind paying for things but he had a family to take care of. I would pay for all of it but I didn’t want to emasculate him in front of my father.
We said our goodbyes then left the restaurant. I headed back to my apartment then collapsed on the couch. I went to the gym before dinner and I pushed it so hard that I threw up in the locker room. I wanted to be as muscular as possible. I was already strong and fit, but I wanted Elisa to feel safe with me.
My phone rang and I grabbed it from my pocket. It was Elisa. “Hey,” I said with a smile. I wasn’t going to call her because I didn’t want to suffocate her. I was glad that she reached out to me.
“Hey. How are you?”