by Sophia Henry
“Excuse me?” I slammed the bright-red Stop button on the treadmill.
Tone slammed his button as well. “I think it’s really shitty that you’d stand in the way of a kid being around his father. You don’t know anything about Indie’s ex. You don’t know if he’s changed or if he’s a good dad. You’re being selfish because you want her. Is that the kind of guy you are, Officer Taylor? Putting pussy ahead of what’s best for a kid?”
I didn’t know how to respond. I didn’t think I’d ever have a heated argument about family values with a meathead like Tone. Was he an undercover family-rights advocate or something?
“Do not say one more thing to me about what you think I want from Linden Meadows.”
“I’ll say whatever the fuck I want, because no one else has the balls to say it.”
“Who the fuck are you? Who I date is none of your business.”
Tone didn’t back down from the threat, but he lowered his voice. Sweat rolled from his forehead, down his nose, and sat on the tip, waiting to fall. He leaned over the side of his treadmill, into my space. “It is my business. Because I’m Holden’s father.”
What?
“What?” I asked.
“Don’t act like you don’t know who I am. The whole town is talking about you. The dirty pig who rode in here in his brand-new truck, saying all the right things to fuck a vulnerable single mom. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your city dick in your pants and mind your own fucking business.”
Instead of sticking around to assist me with the boxing portion of my workout, Tone hightailed it to the door.
“I’m serious. Stay away from my son. And if you try to take him away from me, you’ll have a fight on your hands. A bigger fight than my fist in your face.”
Then he stormed out without waiting for a response. Which was a good thing, because I could barely control my fists, shaking at my sides, itching to beat the shit out of him. Following him would be a bad idea, so I touched the green circle on the screen to start the treadmill again instead.
Poor machine is gonna get all my aggression today. I pounded the up arrow on the control panel, increasing my speed to a pace I could barely keep up.
How was Tone Holden’s father? Was Tone a nickname for Tim?
Why would he lie?
Every time my feet stomped the belt, I thought about his accusations. After I met Indie, I did go full-court press on her. I fell hard and threw logic out the window, even after I found out about her son—her biggest concern. But I didn’t seek out a vulnerable single mom. I sought out a snarky, sexy woman who kept me on my toes. I didn’t even know she had a kid.
I needed another opinion. A trusted opinion.
—
My head was reeling from my altercation with Tone—or Tim, or whoever the fuck he was—all day. Good thing Bridgeland barely has any crime, because I didn’t know if I could even remember the Miranda rights at this point.
“What’s up, kid?” Steve McDonald, my veteran partner, asked as we sat at a red light.
Out of all the people I’d met in Bridgeland over the last two years, I trusted Steve the most. As a Bridgeland native and all-around decent guy, I knew he would have good advice. Though I hadn’t told him exactly how much I liked Indie, he’d heard me talk about her nonstop since I met her, so he had a good idea about the intensity of our relationship.
“Indie’s ex blew up at me at the gym this morning.” I looked out my window, still vigilant as we talked. “Only, I didn’t realize it was her ex.”
“How did you not know it was her ex?”
“It’s a kid I see at the gym every once in a while. He introduced himself as Tone.”
“Tone is Tim Antonio’s nickname. I keep forgetting you didn’t grow up here.”
“Tim Antonio?” I asked. “Any relation to Richard Antonio?”
“Winner, winner, chicken dinner,” Steve responded.
“Fuck,” I whispered. Tim was the son of Richard Antonio, the fucking mayor of Bridgeland? “How does he get away with not providing anything for Indie and Holden? Didn’t that ruin his political image?”
“Like with anything in politics, it’s all in how you spin it.” Steve turned onto Mason Street, Bridgeland’s main drag.
“And how did they spin it?”
“That Linden Meadows got pregnant on purpose to ride the coattails of his football career. She dealt with a lot of bullshit back then. Antonio is ruthless.” He paused. “Both of them.”
“It wasn’t like that at all. He completely ditched her.”
“I know, Jason. I’ve known Indie and Tim—and their families—for years. He’s an immature, entitled idiot. He needs to grow up and keep a job, instead of relying on his parents. But they enable him. And he wasn’t ready for a kid.”
“You think Indie was ready?” I asked.
“No. But Indie is independent and smart.” Steve gave me a sidelong glance. “I thought you weren’t too keen on staying here. Thought you wanted to get back to Detroit.”
“I do. But then I met Indie and now, ugh! I don’t even know anymore.” Truthfully, the only thing that I didn’t know was how to make it work with Indie, since I refused to make Bridgeland my forever home.
“Well, I’m not trying to break your heart, but just remember that if you get involved with Linden Meadows, you’re stuck.” Steve tilted his head and looked at me over the top of his aviator sunglasses.
What the hell?
I turned to face Steve. “I wouldn’t call it stuck.”
“I would. If you’re with a girl that has a kid, you can’t move. Let me rephrase that. She can’t move. Tim’s not going to let you take his son to Detroit.”
“Tim doesn’t have a say.”
“You and I both know that he does. And I’m pretty sure he’d get his dad involved if you tried anything. So you’re stuck here for eighteen years. With Tim. And he’s not the easiest guy to get along with.”
I nodded.
“Do you want to be here for fifteen more years?” Steve asked.
I stared out the front windshield, keeping an eye out for anyone we should be catching in the act of anything, as the truth ran through my mind.
No.
Even after meeting Indie, I never thought I’d be in Bridgeland for the rest of my life. It was a great place to start my career and learn the ropes, but my heart wasn’t here. No matter how hard I tried. No matter how much I liked Indie.
“Exactly,” Steve said, correctly interpreting my silence.
“I really like Linden.”
“I know you do, kid. You’re a freaking lovesick puppy dog.” Steve glanced at me before he continued. “But Linden isn’t just Linden. She’s a package deal. And the harsh reality about that package is that you are not Holden’s father. You never will be.”
I pressed my lips together and stared out the window. The truth hurt coming from Steve, because I knew he was on my side, not like Tim, the piece-of-shit absent father.
“I’m sorry, Jason.” Steve pulled into the drive-through line at Tim Hortons. “If you think Linden is the real deal and you really care about her, you make the commitment to stay.”
“And if I can’t do that?” I asked, though I knew what his answer would be.
“Then you should cool it off before she gets hurt.”
She would be hurt no matter what. I was the first guy she trusted enough to let into her life—into Holden’s life—since Tim.
Indie was up-front about having a kid. She never held back, never tried to dupe me. I knew I’d taken on something bigger with her. More responsibility. More risk.
But we’d continued anyway, because greater responsibility and risk bring greater reward. Like every time Holden smiled at me or ran up to me and hugged my legs. Or every time Mom and Dad asked about him and when they’d get to see Linden and Holden again. Or every time Indie looked at me with a twinkle of adoration in her eyes.
But Steve’s words cut deep into everything I’d alrea
dy told myself, and I knew he was right. I couldn’t string Indie along when it wasn’t my intention to be here long-term. And I couldn’t be Holden’s dad if that meant having Tim breathing down my neck and threatening me constantly. Which sucked, because I loved every minute I spent with Indie. It was impossible for me to hold back when I was around her.
But what did it say about our future together if being with her wasn’t enough of a reason for me to stay in Bridgeland?
Chapter 24
Indie
It was one of those times when everything goes right.
The crisp wind whipped across my face, bringing tears to my eyes the minute I pushed through the doors of Grund Hall. After waiting fifteen minutes for Dr. Waters to show up for our Real Estate Law lecture, his grad assistant finally came into the room to tell us he wouldn’t be there that evening, and we were free to leave. Free nights were few and far between, and despite still having massive loads of work to do when I got home, I relished every second.
And to make things even better, I had a date with Jason tomorrow, on my regularly scheduled night off.
When I got home, I raced up the stairs to check on Holden before doing anything else. I always kissed him when I got home, no matter what time it was.
I crept into our room to find Holden sprawled on his back with his arms up on each side of his head. So peaceful. Nothing made me feel luckier than bending over and kissing his forehead.
“I love you, my sweet boy,” I whispered.
My backpack bounced against my back as I bounded down the stairs. When I reached the living room, the scene felt like déjà vu. Damien lay sprawled on the couch, with his arms up and his head resting on interlocked fingers as he watched TV. As usual, he wore nothing but a pair of oversized basketball shorts. Instead of yelling at him to put on some clothes, as I normally would have, I bent over the couch and kissed the top of his head.
“I love you, brother.”
“Ugh!” He batted me away without taking his eyes from the screen. “Get off me.”
I dropped my backpack on the floor beside the couch and wiggled my butt into the small space where his feet hung off. “Can’t I tell you I love you?”
“No.” He kicked the outside of my thigh. “Get off. There’s plenty of chair space available.”
“Where’s Mom?” I asked, ignoring his command.
“Out with Kelso.” Damien kicked me again.
I still didn’t budge. “Tables have turned. Me and Mom are dating and you’re lying on the couch watching TV.”
“Stop talking. Please.”
But I wouldn’t be ignored. I reached out and tickled his gross man-feet until he pulled his legs up.
“Dude!” He finally looked at me. “What do you want?”
“I just want to talk. It’s been forever.”
“We ate breakfast together this morning.” Damien turned his gaze back to the TV.
“You’re annoying.”
“Not as annoying as you.”
“Fine,” I said, and reached over to grab a textbook out of my backpack.
As soon as I started reading, Damien started talking. “Why wasn’t I invited on the family vacation to Charlotte?”
I lowered my book. “Because you have school.”
“It’s only a weekend trip. I could still go.”
“Why do you want to go? It’s a bunch of old people and a toddler.” Which is why I never asked. I’d just assumed he’d want the house to himself for a weekend.
“We never go on family vacations. Sounded fun.”
“Something up?” I asked.
Damien wasn’t usually so sappy. He never complained about his role in the family dynamic we had going since I had Holden, but sometimes he made comments about having a life. I tried my best to be cognizant of that.
“Just thinking.”
“Is everything okay, D?”
“It’s cool you’re taking family trips with Holden. I can’t remember any trips with Dad.”
Damien paused and I kept my mouth shut, because I could tell he wanted to say more.
“It just sucks that you invited Coach Taylor and not me. I’ve been part of Holden’s life from the beginning. I’m his uncle.”
Shit. I never even thought about it that way. I thought I’d be giving Damien a break. A chance to hang out and have fun and be a regular old high school senior.
“Sorry, D. I thought you’d want a break from the kid. You’re always around him. I feel bad about it.”
Damien pulled himself up some. He was still lying down, but he’d propped his back against the arm of the couch, giving me more room. “I’m always gonna be there for him. He can’t count on his asshole father.”
I nodded as I curled my legs under me and sat on my heels.
“Sounds stupid to be jealous,” Damien said. “But I like my time with the little guy.”
“You’re always going to have that time, D. Well, not as much, because you’re leaving for college soon, but you’re his number-one male role model. Uncle Damien! Woo hoo!” I lifted my arms in the air and gave my fingers a “jazz hands” shake.
Damien laughed. “I see things with you and Coach are going well. He’s a great guy. The kind of guy you and Holden deserve.”
“Awww, D! You’re getting all sappy!” I shoved his feet. “Want us to make out on the couch again?”
“Want me to stop talking to you again?” he asked.
“No.”
“I’ve seen you work your ass off, Indie. And it’s hard to watch you work, work, work with nothing else in your life. Seriously. Why do you think Mom and I help you so much? You didn’t sit back and whine. You made a choice and you did what you had to do to handle it. Not many teenagers could do that. Immaturity and resentment take over. Grandparents start raising the kids. You didn’t do that.”
“Well, I kinda did. Mom sets her work schedule around mine so she can watch Holden.”
“Yeah, I know, but…” He paused. “Daycare is expensive.”
“Spoken like a responsible father.” I pinched his calf. “Don’t get anyone pregnant.”
“Ow!” He jerked his leg up again and rubbed the spot I’d pinched. “I’m trying to tell you that I respect how you’ve handled the situation.”
Warmth flooded my heart. It always feels good to receive a compliment, but coming from my brother, one of the people who witness my life on a daily basis, it’s even better. It holds more weight than compliments from randoms.
“Thanks, D. I couldn’t do it without you.”
“Yeah, you can,” he said. There was a sad edge to his voice. “Can we stop talking now? I want to see who gets eaten.”
Totally Damien. Sappy and emotional one minute, ready to get back to watching zombies eat brains the next.
Chapter 25
Jason
When the doorbell rang, I knew exactly who it was. Indie and I had a date tonight, but I’d been so busy, I’d lost track of time. I never even stopped working in my yard to call and cancel. Instead of walk around the house, I trekked straight through with mud-caked boots and a shovel still clutched in my hand.
She’d be bitch-zilla pissed when she saw me. But that was okay. Because I needed her pissed for what I was about to do, anyway.
I opened the door and stepped onto the porch, holding my shovel at my side like a farmer with a pitchfork.
“What are you doing?” Indie asked, scanning behind me.
“Planting.”
“Well, wrap it up.” She circled a finger in front of me. “We’ve got a dinner date.”
“Yeah, about that. I totally forgot. And—”
“It’s okay. I’ll wait while you shower.” Indie took a step toward me, but I shifted to the side and blocked her entrance. Her smile morphed into a frown. “What’s up, copper?”
“I’ve gotta cancel for tonight. I need to get this finished.” I nodded behind me toward the back of the house.
“If you’d rather stay home than go out on a co
ld Friday night, it’s cool.” Her lips lifted into a sexy smile. Then she reached out and grabbed the hem of my dirty, red T-shirt. “I can help you undress and get showered.”
“I’m—” I moved the shovel in front of me, creating a barrier between us. “I’m getting the yard ready. To move.”
“You’re moving?” Indie asked, releasing my shirt. “Like, to another house?”
“No. To Detroit. I’m moving back home.”
She leaned back. Confusion took over her face. “What’s going on, Jason?”
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. And”—I paused to wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand—“I feel like an outsider here. Like I’m trying to fit into a life I don’t belong in. Trying to be someone I’m not.”
“What does that mean?”
“I never wanted to stay in Bridgeland, Indie. Moving back to Detroit has always been my goal. I’m trying to be a good guy by telling you now, before things between us get too serious.”
Indie’s lips turned up, in a slightly confused and slightly amused smile. “Things are pretty serious already. I thought we were building something together.”
“I thought I could, but I can’t.” I shook my head. “Not here.”
Her smiled vanished, but she took a breath and continued. “I know you don’t want to be in Bridgeland. I respect that. But can’t we try to work something out?”
“It’s not going to work out, Indie. As it is right now, we have to steal every moment we have together. How do you think it’ll be when I’m two hours away?”
“Well, I hadn’t thought about it, because you just dropped this on me.” She took a step toward me. “I can try to cut back on my schedule at Peak, only work two weekends a month. Holden and I can come down the other two.”
I took a step back. “Is that the kind of relationship you want? Cutting back on hours and money you need to pay for college just to get a weekend to see me? I don’t want that for you.”
“I’m just trying to come up with options.”
“And what about when you graduate and want to get on with your life?” I continued. “What then? You can’t leave Bridgeland. Tim would never let you leave.” I spun the shovel’s handle in my fingers, causing an earsplitting sound as the metal scraped the concrete front porch.
