by E. H. Lyon
“I care. I will make sure Sam has a trust fund set up, and I will pay for anything he needs. Molly was setting up a card for the bank this morning,” I explain, and Jess looks like she is about to fume. I’m positive she curses some obscenity under her breath too.
I give her no chance to continue and interrupt. “Not negotiating on that.” It comes out firm. She growls in her throat but moves on.
“Then 50-50 custody is fine. We can plan the schedule week by week for now since I guess you need to travel for work.” She at last looks up from her hands to my eyes.
Travel for work. That will be a factor.
“Yeah, I will travel almost once a week,” I say honestly as I get up and walk to my desk. Taking off my suit jacket as it feels warm in here and I don’t think it’s the thermostat.
“Well, life isn’t a ride if there isn’t an added complication, right?”
“Sometimes, you and Sam could come with.” It slips off my tongue, yet I am dead serious.
She looks taken aback and bewildered. “Yeah. I am sure your future wife will love that.” She rolls her eyes and lets her finger tap her phone. That fire in her is slowly re-blazing.
“Well, that isn’t a factor for now,” I tell her honestly and try to think of what else to say. “Or is that a factor for you?” My forehead furrows, and although I am confident of her answer, I want to hear it.
Jess looks at me and taps her fingers on her crossed arms. “Not a factor for me. I have been a little preoccupied while you were away, in case you didn’t notice.”
“Ah, so your body has been waiting for me.” And my mind locks into this fact then sends the memo to my dick that I was her last.
She grumbles under her breath in irritation.
I hit a nerve.
Luckily, Molly interrupts us with a knock and some bags of food. The smell of chicken wraps never smelled so lifesaving.
“Thanks, Molly,” I say as we walk over to the meeting table.
“Thanks,” Jess pulls out a chair. “So, you mentioned you have a teenage daughter?” Jess asks Molly, trying to make small talk.
“Why yes. The apple of my eye. Drives me and her father crazy.”
“I’m sure. I remember being that age and it isn’t pretty. How long have you two been together?”
Molly is setting out the food from the bags. “Oh, we’re not together. We tried, but it didn’t work out. We lived together for a few months and just knew it wasn’t meant to be. Our daughter was too young to remember. Instead we co-parent like you tw—” She realizes she may be overstepping her line. But I know what she is doing, and I will be adding it to her Christmas bonus.
“Well. I guess you can say you both tried?” Jess says, taking a water bottle and not realizing what thought she just triggered in my brain.
“Yeah, saying we tried means the world to our daughter now that she understands. Well. I will leave you two be.” Molly quickly gets out of there. Okay, Molly now gets an extra bonus this month too.
Jess looks up at me, not knowing there are wheels working in my brain. She looks at me and studies me and her brain is catching up. Her face goes from neutral to disbelief in the span of two seconds. She raises her finger up and moves it side to side.
“Oh no. No! Please tell me you are not thinking it.” She shakes her head no.
“Oh, I absolutely am.”
I’m very sure of myself. There are two ways to go here. I can persuade or be demanding. I decide to try option A and pull out the chair next to her. I adjust the chair so that I’m looking directly at her.
“The way I see it, Jess, is that it isn’t a bad idea. It is crucial for us to get a co-parenting relationship on positive ground. Plus, I could help you with all those midnight feeds and Sam could get to know me with you around,” I state my reasons.
Seeing she wants to argue, I hold my hand up. “So perhaps trying to live together for a little while is the best approach.” Hell, this could work. I could really get to know my son; I can maybe say we tried.
I take her hand in mine.
“This is crazy. Giving it a try would insinuate we have feelings for each other. I think we both can agree downing some alcohol and releasing some tension doesn’t qualify for needing to try more,” Jess rolls her eyes.
“We will revisit that topic. But getting to know my son does qualify for me needing to be around him and on a more full-time basis. By all means, if you prefer then Friday, Sam can stay at my place already and we begin to divide time, because I’ve missed so much time and I’m not going to waste any more.”
I know it is twisting her thoughts of logic as she still feels some guilt over not telling me sooner. I have no problem using that to my advantage.
She bites her lip and wants to shake her head no. Instead, she releases her hand from mine and stands up and walks to the window to look out, crossing her arms. I follow her. I can tell she is now seriously contemplating it.
After a minute she mumbles what I think is a fine.
“Fine?” I question her again to double-check I heard her and grab her arm so I can see her face. She slowly nods in agreement.
A grin immediately forms on my mouth from accomplishment.
“But only so you can get to know Sam and then we can figure out how to divide time. Three months max.” She looks defeated.
“Fine. I can arrange for you both to move to my place—”
“Uh, pass. All of Sam’s stuff and routine are at my place. Now isn’t the time to change his surroundings. Plus, your giant bachelor pad is only 2 bedrooms if I remember correctly.” She knows this because we used to swap who would host the friend group meals.
“True.” And she is right about what is best for Sam. But just because I can, I add, “But my bed is most definitely big enough for you too.”
She looks peeved and swiftly moves on.
“I’ll clear my home office in the guest room. I am sure there is just enough room there for you, your ego, and your hand.”
Inside I’m smiling that she is so persistent that we need so many boundaries and decide we are at a place in the conversation where I can rile her a little more.
Stepping closer to her and she automatically steps back, but the desk stops her from finding any other out. I place my hands on each side of her on the desk.
“Guest room?” I ask, tilting my head and letting my eyes trail her up and down. I know she’s watching me.
“Yes. Just because you saw my bed once doesn’t mean you need to see it again.” Jess seems determined with her logic, but her breathing has changed.
Smiling, I lean in to whisper near her ear. “It isn’t your bed that I’m worried about.” I tuck a strand of her hair behind her shoulder and she flinches. She looks at me, confused. “It’s the kitchen,” I add.
I let her brain work for a second before I continue.
“I am 100% certain that is the reason we have Sam.” I have a confident grin on my face and I gently rub my chin as I watch her connect the dots in her memory.
She bites her lip and lets out a sigh as her head tilts. I can see a grin forming at the corner of her mouth, even though she doesn’t want me to see as she looks away. She brushes past me and walks towards the door.
“No lunch?” I ask, satisfied with myself.
“I lost my appetite.” She walks out the door with an extra sway to her step.
Chapter Seven
Leo
Jess reluctantly handed me over the key to our home and I moved some clothes to her guestroom that has its own bathroom. My loft penthouse was empty for the last year and a half so what’s three months more? Plus, it needs some upgrade work anyhow—so, perfect timing.
Something tells me that I won’t be living there ever again anyhow. I have no problem aiming big.
I also arranged for Molly to order in meals for Jess and me, because I sure as hell am not cooking. Jess and I also agreed on scheduling family meals with Sam whenever we could. Jess laughed the entire time she tried to
show me how to change Sam. Diapers are not my forte and those onesie things are confusing.
Basically, this moving-in situation is a breeze.
Maybe because we both have Sam on the mind as our priority.
I suggested we head out for a coffee before we head to a BBQ at Lucas’s house. To my surprise, Jess was on board with my suggestion.
We get to Smokey Java’s, a great bakery/café next to Matchbox, and have a seat outside at a table. Jess places Sam in a highchair and begins playing peekaboo with him.
I have no clue if she notices that I’m studying her, taking her in as I rub my jaw. Jess is just the same as I remember, yet now she has a glow. Her summer dress doesn’t help my imagination as I am positive her breasts are a little bit fuller. For a second, that night races through my thoughts again, but I shake my head and focus on her when I hear she is speaking with someone.
“The place looks great, Avery, and the new menu looks delish. I’m going to stick with a coffee since I’m not that hungry, and I am positive this guy here needs a strong coffee with an extra shot of expresso,” Jess says pointing her thumb to me. “This is Avery, Abby’s cousin. She took over the place while you were away. Avery, this is Leo,” Jess introduces, and I let out a faint smile towards the light-brown-haired woman taking our order.
“Oh, the Leo? I have heard so much about you from Abby and Lucas. Nice to see that you’re back.”
Geez what has everyone been saying?
“Thanks, and I guess we will be seeing you around.” I let out the pleasantries but would rather be focusing on Jess.
“Yeah, can’t make it to the BBQ later but I guess we will cross paths.” Avery looks between Jess and me and picks up on the scene that needs to unfold. Some unspoken communication goes on between her and Jess, a look that causes her jaw to drop in shock and for her to point between Sam and me. Jess nods gently with her eyes going bold.
Avery lets out a smile. “Well then, I will go get those coffees and bring back some fresh fruit for the little guy,” she says, rubbing Sam’s head and hurrying off.
Before I even manage to start a conversation, with my unfortunate luck, we are interrupted by a blond who is someone I went on one date with a few years ago and is a replica of Barbie.
“Leo. I didn’t know you were back,” Stacy says all perky, and Jess looks at this situation with enjoyment.
“Now really isn’t a good time,” I tell her with disdain and hoping she gets the hint.
“Oh. Okay. Well, maybe call me? What a cute kid, is he your nephew?” Stacy giggles.
I bite the inside of my mouth. This isn’t happening. Plus, if she did have a brain cell, she would know I was the only child growing up as I mentioned once before.
“Actually, no. He is my son.”
She looks at Jess and back at me. Stacy’s mouth opens as her brain tries to figure out anything to say. “Oh. I didn’t know. Uhm, well, you two enjoy your coffee,” Stacy chirps and hurries off.
Jess leans back in her chair and crosses her arms in delight. “Ah, there is the Leo I remember.”
I look at her, and in some crazy world I’m relieved that Stacy is keeping things light between Jess and me.
“It was one date, years ago,” I emphasize the word one and am amused that Jess is taking pleasure in this situation.
“Sure,” Jess says, rolling her eyes, and takes a sip of coffee.
But then her face looks at me startled as if she has seen a deer in headlights. “Your week just gets more eventful by the hour,” she comments, and I quickly realize that the deer about to get run over is me.
That voice I would recognize anywhere when he says, "Leo, is that you?"
Was not ready for this. My father, James.
This was bound to happen, but already? Hasn’t even been a week since I found out I have a son.
Jess is frozen as I turn my head.
"Leo, my boy! I was wondering if I would run into you at the office, chase you down, or you may stop by my house. Now I have my answer," he says, his dark hair with a few more grays than last time I saw him.
"James," I say blankly.
"My boy. Stop with that. It's Dad." He speaks as if it’s normal. I roll my eyes. I can see my father is assessing the scene in front of him.
Jess lets out a fake smile and knows what is coming, and I feel guilty for this.
"So, the rumor around the office is true," his tone is serious as he stares at Sam.
"You mean that Jess and I have a son. Yes. This is Sam." I hope to strike a nerve with James and there is an instinct in me to make it clear that I have a son.
James turns his gaze to me. "So, you go off around the world when you get a girl pregnant. Great," he adds, disappointed.
That's it. This man is going to hear it.
Before I can lay into him, Jess answers. "No, actually. Leo didn't know, he just found out," Jess admits. She is trying to help, but any second this will backfire.
And three. Two. One.
"Really? Leo, you know for 100% that you are the father?"
There it is.
Jess is now fuming. I know because I have been the lucky recipient of that look on several occasions.
"Yes. I know. No doubt in my mind. Now if you don't mind, I think we are done with this conversation.” My voice is neutral, but James gets the hint and nods before walking away.
Looking at Jess, I can see she’s a little shaken. I stroke her hand on the table. “Don’t worry about him.”
“Guess we’re not inviting him to Thanksgiving,” she quips.
“I don’t want him involved in Sam’s life. Not now, anyhow.”
She studies me. “I guess, I mean it’s your decision… that makes sense for now. I mean, your father can be a little tense.” She doesn’t blink.
“I forget you helped him with some real estate awhile back so maybe you’re not too surprised about his moron behavior, but still. I am sorry.”
“It’s okay. And it’s more like Max is pretty scared of your dad so he left me to handle your father as a client,” Jess explains.
“Yeah, Max and I used to get into a lot of trouble as kids, so he probably still fears James. Anyhow, how about your parents?”
She shakes her head no. “I’m not close with them, you know that. My mother is probably on some meditation retreat in the desert with someone half her age. And my dad is about to retire from his dentist practice back in Wisconsin with wife number 2, who, although sweet, bakes and cleans all day. We speak occasionally on the phone, they send gifts to Sam and ask about him, but they’re nervous travelers. My parents are not the type of people who would know what to do with a baby anyhow.” She laughs and seems comfortable with these facts.
“Well, good thing I’m here then.” And I mean it. She doesn’t have to do it alone anymore.
“Yeah, I guess so,” she answers faintly before readjusting her sitting position and tone. “Look, Leo, it’s great you are jumping into Super Dad mode, but it has been only me and Sam since he was born. I am trying to wrap my head around the whole family of two becoming a family of three thing.” I appreciate her honesty,
“We are one another’s family now, for Sam. I get what you’re saying. But like I said, good thing I’m here now.”
She gently nods, not knowing what exactly to say.
Looking at my watch, I know we need to get moving. I hand my car key to Jess. “I will meet you in the car, I’ll go pay the bill.”
“Okay.”
After she gathers Sam and his belongings, she walks away. The moment she’s out of sight, I head into Smokey Java’s to pay and my eyes find James sitting in the corner reading the newspaper and drinking a coffee. My guess is he’s waiting for me.
Walking directly to the table where James sits, placing my hands on his table, I tower over him.
“This is how this is going to go. I am here and we both know that I am the one with all the cards as I have more shares than you. But luckily for you, I do see your value for
the company, so I am not going to have the board overthrow you. You will continue to work as you are. Working mostly on the golf course until you retire in a year. But if you so as much bother Jess or my son then that plan goes out the window,” I threaten firmly and point my finger at him. Quickly eyeing the place to ensure nobody watches.
James nods in agreement but has the audacity to say, “Like father, like son.”
Fuck this. I am now losing my shit.
“No, not the same. One, I haven’t cheated on anyone. Two, I will do everything in my power to be as involved in my son’s life as possible. It’s not the same as you,” I hiss. Because this man made both those mistakes.
“Oh, so you and Jessica will get married and live together as a family?” he dares to ask.
I shake my head in annoyance.
“Did you? This isn’t the dark ages. We don’t need to be married to raise a child together.” But I’m not crossing the possibility of marriage off the list either.
“Not all of the stakeholders will see it that way. They are a little traditional,” he adds, a bit satisfied with his statement like it’s leverage.
“Traditional?” I laugh ironically to myself. “I am sure they will love to hear the story of what I discovered while I was away.”
“Have you told Jess?” he asks, almost concerned.
“You mean your secret? No. But it most definitely isn’t out of loyalty to you.”
I turn around to leave.
That man is infuriating.
And it’s his damn fault, he’s the reason I went away.
If it wasn’t for him, that night may have been the start of many.
Chapter Eight
Leo
Jess, Sam, and I arrive together to Lucas’s house. Everyone is out by the pool, sitting on various patio furniture. It’s one of the last warm days of summer. Immediately Max, Lucas, Abby, and Harper look at us. They are a cross between entertained and trying to figure out how to play this scenario.
“So, look at you three,” Lucas says, crossing his arms from behind the BBQ where he’s standing. “Care to state the obvious?” he adds with a smirk forming on his mouth.
