by Alison Mello
He lets out a deep breath. “I’m sorry, baby. I don’t mean to scare you. You need to know that I would never lay a hand on you. I don’t care how angry I got, there is no way I would hurt either of you, and my anger is directed at that low-life piece of shit.”
“I understand you’re angry at him, but this was one of my concerns. You have to understand that anger in general messes Ryker up. The poor kid regressed so bad, and for a long time if anyone even slightly raised their voice he would wet the bed and have nightmares. I’ve worked hard to get him to realize that no one is going to hurt him. I never yell at him, instead I sit and explain to him what he did wrong and put him in time out if need be. I’ve had to learn to control my temper and I need you to do the same.” I know I’m asking a lot of Mikey, but knowing what screaming does to my son, I can’t have it and I won’t. I vowed to my son years ago that I would never let anyone hurt him ever again. That night, when we left for the hospital, I packed what I could and never looked back. My sister met us there and we left as soon as we were discharged. He called me to apologize, but I didn’t want to hear it. There is no excuse for beating a two year old.
Mikey pulls into a parking spot and turns to me. “I’m sorry. I promise you I will control my temper, especially around him. It angers me because you have the sweetest little boy, and the thought of someone laying their hands on him sickens me. I want to beat him so he can feel the pain he put Ryker through.”
“There’s one more thing you should know.”
“What?” he asks looking into my eyes.
“He threatened that he would never give up looking for us. I relaxed slightly when I found out he was arrested and put in jail, but I have no idea how long he’ll be in for.” I take a deep breath, trying to control my emotions.
“The first thing I’m going to do is look into it and find out when he’s eligible for parole. The next thing we’re going to do is find a babysitter for Ryker that you can trust, and I’m going to plan a girls’ night for you and your sister at Club Thrive with Sky and the ladies. I think you two could use a night out.”
I smile spreads across my lips. “We haven’t been out without him since we left.”
“Let’s finish this conversation inside. I’m starving, and I don’t want to miss our reservation.” I nod my agreement. He climbs out, running to my side to open the door for me. Taking my hand, we walk inside and give our name. The hostess tells us she’ll be right back. When she returns she has two menus in her hand and she asks us to follow her. The place is well lit by pretty chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, there are pillars lined with bottles of wine, and the walls are papered with images of the ocean and there are fishing rods mounted along them. The place is really nice without being overly elegant. She seats us at a nice, quiet corner booth. I slip in and Mikey slips in beside me. The booth is rounded and can easily seat four people.
When the hostess leaves, Mikey grabs my hand. “I requested this booth because it’s private and I wanted us to be able to talk.”
I lean in and kiss him. “Thank you.”
He smiles. “You’re welcome. Now, shall we look over the menu so we can order, and then we can keep talking?”
“Sure, although, I’m not sure what more there is to talk about.” I pick up the menu. This is not something I want to discuss all night long. I know in a relationship we have to get to know one another, but my past is just that, my past, and I’ve busted my ass to move forward and build a better life for my son. I can feel his eyes on me as I look over the menu, and though looking it over was his idea, he hasn’t stopped staring at me. I finally give in and lower my menu.
“Us,” he states flatly before looking over the menu himself. I pick up the menu and continue to peruse it, but I’m lost in thought more than I’m really reading the menu. I can’t help but wonder what he means by ‘us.’ Maybe my sister was wrong, and now that he knows he doesn’t want anything to do with me.
“What are you eating?” he breaks my thought.
“Oh, um. Chowder and scallops.” I look up to see the waiter standing there, ready to take our order.
“She’ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio, chowder, and scallops. I’ll have the blue crab cakes and an eight ounce filet, medium rare, and water to drink.”
“Very good, sir.” The gentleman takes our menus and walks away, leaving us to finish our discussion.
Mikey turns in the seat and takes my hand. “Stop stressing. I’m not going to run because your ex was a dick. Actually, I want the exact opposite. I want to be there for you and Ryker, help you finish school, and be a part of your lives.”
I let out a slow, steady breath. “Mikey, how can you say that? You hardly know me. I know we’ve been talking for a while now, but can you honestly say from that little bit of time that you are ready to take this on?”
He nods. “I grew up in a situation similar to the one you’re in. Maybe it’s what draws me to you, but we clearly have a connection—you can’t deny it.”
A small smile plays at my lips. “You definitely have a way of making my body sing.” I slip even closer to him, he puts his arm around me, and we both lean back in our booth relaxing while we wait for our food. “I’m going to try really hard to keep this together, but I’ve warned you. It’s been a long time since I’ve done the dating thing.”
“I understand but I want you to have friends and get out more. Sky has a babysitter that she absolutely adores. How would you feel about Ryker staying at Logan and Sky’s Thursday night?”
“I trust Logan and Sky, and I know they would never leave their kids with someone who wasn’t trustworthy, but I would need to see how Ryker feels about it. He’s never slept anywhere else before. He’s been with me from the day we left.”
“Ask him. I’ll talk to them about you ladies going out and all you have to do is see if your sister is game and agree to leave Ryker at Sky’s.” He says this like it’s no big deal, but I also think he’s right. I need to start making friends and getting out a little more. I know from my own studies that it’s not good for me to stay in as much as I have over the last few years. Even at school I keep to myself as much as I possibly can. I’ve always been careful about drawing too much attention to myself. I’ve always sat in the back of the classroom, only answered questions when called upon, and studied by myself. Of course a lot of the students I went to school with weren’t running a house, working a job, and raising a kid, so it was pretty easy to not get mixed in with any of the cliques.
We both go into a comfortable silence when our appetizers and my wine are delivered. I’m feeling a bit better about where things are going with Mikey. I’m thrilled that he’s okay with sticking around, knowing that I have things that I’m still battling as far as my son and his father are concerned. I’ll never allow Eli to see him again, but that doesn’t mean at some point he isn’t going to ask more questions.
Mikey pushes his plate away, done with his crab cake. “That was good. How’s the chowder?”
“Delicious.” I push the empty bowl away.
“Can I ask you a question?” He looks concerned.
“Of course.”
“How much does Ryker know or remember?”
“Well, not too long ago he asked me where his daddy was.” I take a sip of my wine. “I was honest with him and told him that his daddy did some bad things and was in jail for a while. He asked me when he was going to come home, and I told him that I didn’t know when he was getting out of jail, but that he was never coming home.” The pained look on Mikey’s face tells me he understands how Ryker is feeling. “I felt bad, Mikey, but I won’t lie to him.”
“I think you’re brave and smart for telling him the truth.”
Our dinner is delivered and we spend the rest of the evening discussing lighter topics like school and how we want to spend the rest of our week with Ryker.
After he’s paid for our meal, I gather my leftovers and we head home for the night. “So we’ve spent a lot of time talking about Ryker and I, but
you’ve yet to tell me much about you? Over dinner you told me you were raised in a similar situation as mine, and I know Mac stepped up to be a male role model, but other than that you’ve been quiet.”
He nods, knowing I’m right. “Well, my mom died when I was twenty. Mac helped me through it. I busted my tail working at Club Temptation. I started out cleaning up and helping with odds and ends. As soon as I turned twenty-one and could mix drinks I was moved to the bar. I started saving as much money as I could, but the club started to slow down. I don’t know why, but the club life came easy to me. I was able to handle everything from music and sound checks to managing the liquor for the previous owner. I tried to give the owner advice on ways to improve the club, but he didn’t want to hear it. Eventually the club went under. I tried to get a loan from the bank and use the savings I had, but it wasn’t enough. I started to panic that I wouldn’t be able to buy the club, but instead of giving up, I went to Mac and he offered me a loan for the remainder of what I needed. It took a long time to get out of the red, but eventually it became a very lucrative business and I’m doing well for myself. I was debating opening a second club when Logan approached me about being a partner in Oasis with him. To be honest, there’s not much more to my story.”
“How did you meet Logan?”
“Logan and I crossed paths in the club scene back in our early twenties. We were both working, busting tail to make dough. I knew he came from money even though he never flaunted it. He always worked hard to make his own cash. We had similar goals and quickly became boys. Sky even sings at Temptation for me from time to time.”
We pull up outside my apartment and I see his eyes scanning the area. I’m willing to bet that it’s an instinct with him growing up in a bad area like this one. He kills the engine and turns to me. “Talk to Ryker in the morning and let me know so I can call Sky.”
“You’re not coming up?”
“Not tonight, baby. I’m going to walk you to the door, but I have to swing by the club and take care of a few things since I’m spending the week hanging with you two.”
I nod. I’m slightly disappointed but I understand. “Thanks for dinner.”
He climbs out of the Escalade and runs around the front to my side, opening my door for me. When I step out, he closes the door but pins me to the side of his SUV. “You do not need to thank me for dinner. I need to thank you for allowing me to take your sexy ass out.” I can’t help but laugh.
“You went from romantic to bad boy in two seconds flat.”
He licks his lips and leans in close, whispering, “I bet you like the bad boy better.” I nod just before his lips crash down on mine. Our kiss is becoming heated when we’re interrupted by a car that squeals its tires as it races up the street. Mikey quickly pulls away and watches the car. He has a look of concern on his face, but what he doesn’t realize is that cars drive crazy like that around here all the time.
“Come on. I want to get you inside.” He walks up the steps and into my entryway. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“You will. Have a good night.” He presses his lips to mine one more time.
“You too, baby.” I watch with a huge grin on my face as he runs back out to his car. Once he’s pulled away, I hurry upstairs to talk to Brea about Thursday night. I’m excited and I hope she is too.
Chapter 6
Shelly
I’m so excited. We’ve had an amazing week with Mikey, and now all the ladies are going out for a girls’ night tonight! I haven’t done something like this in…well, never. I got pregnant with my son at such a young age and there was no way Eli would have allowed me to go out dancing with friends. In actuality, I didn’t really have any because he pulled me away from any friends I had in high school.
“Girl, you look hot,” my sister squeals with excitement. “Eric will be here any minute.”
“Cool, so will Mikey.” He has his assistant manager working tonight so he can come out with us. I guess that doesn’t really make it a girls’ night, but Sky, Sadie, Miranda, and Kara are all coming out too. Katie was going to join us but she’s due to have her baby soon and doesn’t want to be in the club with a big pregnant belly. We promised to get together with her at their place another night for some fun with her. The door opens and in walks Eric and Mikey. They must have met up downstairs because Eric has a key, but the doorbell never rang. It’s already getting late and we still have to drop Ryker off.
“Hey, babe.” I walk over to Mikey, wearing skinny jeans and a tank top.
“Oh, baby, I’m going to struggle tonight. Lord help any man who tries to put his hands on you.” I swat at him playfully.
“Stop.” I blush.
“Mikey.” My buddy comes running into the dining room. “I got my bag and I’m ready to go.” He’s carrying a backpack, his teddy bear, and a pillow.
“You are.” Mikey puts his fist out and he bumps with him. “We better get going then. You have a sleepover to get to.” Ryker cheers, excited to go play with Stephan.
Eric and Brea are meeting us at the club, so Mikey and I load into the Escalade and make the drive over to Logan and Sky’s to drop Ryker off. When we arrive, he’s so excited he’s bouncing up and down in the back of the car. “Calm down. You need to be on your best behavior,” I warn him.
“I will, Mommy.” He’s already out of his booster seat and ready to get down. I take his hand and help him. Sky is already at the door waiting to greet us with Stephan at her feet, just as excited as Ryker is.
“Hey guys.” Sky gives me a hug.
“Thanks for letting Ryker spend the night. He’s clearly very excited.”
“You are more than welcome. I think they’re so cute together. They act like they’ve been friends for years.” Sky chuckles. She calls the nanny over and introduces us quickly. “Brenda, these are our friends Shelly and Mikey, and this little guy is Ryker.”
“He’s my friend,” Stephan says in his cute baby voice.
Mikey squats down in front of him. “You be a good boy now.”
“I will, Mikey.” He smiles up at him and they fist bump. I squat to kiss him goodbye and no sooner do I say goodbye than they link fingers and walk off like he’s known him for ages. I exhale a deep breath. I know this is good for him. He needs more interaction with other kids, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
“I know it’s hard leaving them with a stranger, but I have both your cell numbers and promise to call you if there are any problems.”
“Thank you, Brenda.” She gives me a warm smile and walks off to watch over the boys.
“We’ll see you guys at the club in a little bit?”
“Sounds good.” We leave and head toward Club Thrive.
When we pull up, Shane’s and Jonah’s trucks are already here, which means Sadie is probably here too. Mikey pounds his fist on the back door and a second later Shane opens it up to let us in. “Mikey, what’s up, man?” They shake and man hug before he gives me a hug.
“Hi Shane,” I say with a smile.
“Come on, Sadie’s already chilling at the bar waiting for the rest of the crew.” Shane walks us through the back of the club’s employee only area to the bar where Sadie is chilling.
“Hey girl.” I walk up to Sadie.
She jumps down from the stool and wraps me in a hug. “I’m so excited you’re hanging with us tonight.”
“Me too, and you will get to meet my sister Brea. She’ll be here shortly.”
Sadie claps her hands excitedly when Sky walks in. “Hey ladies.” She hugs Sadie. “Long time no see,” she says when she hugs me.
“I know. How was my little guy when you left?”
“They were camped out on Stephan’s floor watching a movie. They’re very excited that they both get to sleep on the floor tonight.”
I shake my head. “It’s amazing how something so small can make them so happy.”
“I know, right? Don’t forget brunch at my place tomorrow.”
“We’ll be there, it’
s not like I don’t have to pick Ryker up, and to be honest, I’ve never been away from him for a night, so I’ll be itching to get there I’m sure.” I laugh.
“I’m sure you will. You’re welcome over any time.” Sky takes a seat at the bar and Shane makes her a Blue Hawaiian. “Thanks, Shane.”
“You’re welcome. You ladies can head over to your booth whenever you’re ready.”
“Baby, I’m going to go talk to Logan. I’ll meet up with you in a bit.”
“Okay.” He kisses me and walks off, leaving me with the girls. The three of us grab our drinks and Sky leads us over to our VIP section, explaining that they get this section anytime we want to come to the club. She fills me in that Logan likes this section for us because it’s close to a bouncer, so if we have any issues he can take care of it for us. “We’ve never really had any problems because we’re always so protected, but you never know.”
“That’s cool. I think it’s nice that the men really watch over us and take care of us. It’s quite the change of pace for me. I’ve been watching my own back for so long now that it’s nice to have someone else watching it too.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” Sky looks concerned, and that’s when I realize I’ve said more than I probably should have.
I shake my head. “Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault my ex is a loser, and besides, he can’t hurt us right now.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that.”
“Now onto a happier topic. Is Ryker excited to start school in September?”
A huge smile spreads across my face. “He’s thrilled. He can’t wait to be a big boy.” I use air quotes when I say big boy, those were his words not mine. “He told me he’s going to make lots of friends.”
“They are so cute. I’m so torn over putting Stephan into pre-school.”
“Me too, part of me wants Laney in pre-school, but I love having her home with me.” They both look so sad.
“Listen, you do what your heart tells you. Ryker didn’t go to pre-school and he did just fine on his kindergarten testing. I worked with him at home, and I think it helps that he’s seen me study for my medical degree, but you can easily pick up pre-school books from the store and work with them the way I did.” I can see they’re both really thinking about it. Not putting Ryker into pre-school was a tough decision for me, but I was too scared that something would happen to him. We’ve gotten him to interact with kids in other ways, like he plays at one of my neighbors’ houses from time to time, plus Brea and I take him to the park often to let him run around and play with kids there. I didn’t feel like he needed any more than that, to me it wasn’t worth the financial burden to stress myself over it.
