Take Me Back (Vegas Bad Boys #2)

by C. Morgan

  “Clay’s coming over.”

  “Are you going to discuss the surgery?”

  “Yeah, but apparently, he’s already made a decision. I just hope we agree.” I looked down at Jack, who still hadn’t acknowledged my presence, making me feel even worse.

  I got down on his level, and when his eyes met mine, he smiled big, showing me his little teeth and a swollen spot on his gum. “Yeah, that’s pretty bad. I should get him that frozen teether from the freezer.”

  “Yeah. Dang, I forgot about that one.” Della had given him one of his hard plastic teethers.

  “It’s okay. My brain is a little scrambled today with all that’s going on. I just can’t stop thinking about the risks. He’s so little.” I went to the freezer and kept talking to her, even though she was in the next room.

  “Just talk it out. It’s going to be okay. And who knows? Maybe you’ll end up together again.”

  I went back into the living room and gave him the teether. “Stop it, Della. That’s not what this is about. Although I might have thought of that before I told him he could take a shower here.” I couldn’t believe I had suggested that.

  “Oh yeah, it’s on.” She gave me a big teasing grin while nodding.

  “Stop it. He had a gig today, and he had to wear a suit. I just told him instead of going to the hotel to change that he could come here and do it. He still has a lot of his clothes here.”

  “Mhm, I bet he does.” Della smirked, and if she wasn’t holding my kid, I might have nudged her.

  “My only concern is Jack at the moment. He’s got a chance, but if something goes wrong, it could ruin any other chances down the road. So it’s like a one-time, one-shot thing. But if we don’t do it, then he could grow into a much more serious impairment that will have the same result. Or we could just let nature take its course and not put him through it.” He reached for me, and I took him.

  “What do you think he’d want? What would you want if it were you?” She kissed his head and then gave me a hug. “Put yourself in his shoes ten years from now.”

  “It’s different. If he were ten years older, things wouldn’t be this hard. I could just ask him. He’s just a little baby.” I felt the sinking in my chest again.

  “A baby who is well above his size and healthy in all other aspects.”

  “You think we should do it?” I could already tell that was what she seemed to be thinking.

  Della held her hands up. “I’m not saying a word. This is for you and Clay to decide, and you’ll do that. Whether vertical or horizontal.”

  I sighed. “It’s not going to happen.”

  Della giggled. “I just had to get in one little tease before I left.”

  “Mhm.” I glared at her. “Not funny.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow, just in case, and I want to know all of the juicy details.” She grabbed her handbag and went to the door. “Oh, it looks like your lover is here now.”

  “Stop it! Don’t you say a word.”

  “My lips are sealed. Good luck. I know you’ll do what’s best for Jack.” She gave her last goodbye, and as she opened the door, Clay was standing there in his suit, looking like a million bucks.

  Della gave me another sly look but kept the comments to herself. “Hey, Clay. Looking good.”

  “Thanks, you too, Della.” He shut the door behind her. “What’s gotten into her?”

  “She’s reverting to her childhood years. Don’t pay her any mind.”

  “Did you leave any clothes downstairs or are they all up in the attic?” he asked, taking off his coat as he leaned in and kissed Jack’s head.

  “There are some in the closet. A pair of joggers and a few old T-shirts that you packed but never came back for.” I had often wondered if he’d left them there on purpose.

  “That’s where they went.” He nodded. “What’s with that thing?” He made a face at the frozen teether, which Jack was gumming like there was no tomorrow.

  “He’s cutting teeth. I’m going to give him something for the pain and put him down right after dinner. Della said he’s been fussy.”

  Clay stroked his hair. “Poor little one. He just can’t catch a break, can he?”

  “Why don’t you get cleaned up and I’ll order us something in? Do you want Michaela’s?”

  “Sounds good. Get me the double noodle. I’ll be right out.”

  He went to the back, and I got on the phone, making our usual orders. It was just like old times, except usually the other way around. I’d come home from work, and Clay would have ordered in before hitting the clubs.

  Before I knew it, he was singing in the shower, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had him so chipper when our world was falling apart.

  By the time he was done, Michaela’s was on its way, and I had rocked Jack to sleep. “Oh no, I had wanted to play with him. Sorry I took so long. I just really miss our showerheads on my back.”

  “He wouldn’t be good company. He’s in pain. I went ahead and gave him something for it. He’s got a pretty good little nub there about to break through his gums.”

  “God, he’s growing so fast.”

  “Yeah, he’s amazing, isn’t he?”

  “Is he going to be okay with this teething happening?”

  “Yeah, it’s common. And I’m sure they’ve taken that into consideration already if he has surgery. As long as he’s not running any fever, he’s okay. And so far, he hasn’t.”

  “Good. So, what do you want to do, Beth? Have you given it any thought?”

  “My only hang-ups are his age. He’s my baby. I just can’t stand the thought of someone poking and prodding him.”

  “That’s part of life, Beth, and the doctors seem to think he’s strong enough, or they wouldn’t have even suggested it.”

  The doorbell rang, and it was the food.

  “I’ll get it,” said Clay.

  I got up and went to Jack’s room to lay him down. He barely stirred, but I stayed a moment in case he wouldn’t go to sleep.

  I heard footsteps behind me, and Clay was there over my shoulder. “He’s so beautiful,” he whispered. “Goodnight, buddy.”

  His breath tickled my neck, but I wasn’t going to give in to lust simply on principle, at least not tonight. I wouldn’t give Della the satisfaction. Tonight, it was about Jack.

  “We should go eat while it’s hot,” I said, turning around.

  Clay hugged me before I could turn to go. “It’s going to be okay,” he said. “I just have a feeling it’s all going to work out.”

  I pulled away and smiled. “Thanks.”

  We went to the kitchen and made our way to the couch with the food. We both chose our ends, just like we had when Clay still lived at home and eased back in the built-in recliners.

  “So, you haven’t told me what you think,” I said.

  “I think we have to do it. I’m honestly not about to have my son look at me when he’s older and say, wasn’t there anything that could have been done?”

  “You have a good point. But what if something goes wrong, and then he says, why did you do this to me?”

  “I think he’ll know we tried. I can’t just do nothing.”

  “So, you want Jack to have it?” I hated to put it all on him, but I needed him to make the decision first.

  “Yes, I do. I think it’s going to work, and it’s the only shot at better hearing in that ear. The chances are too good to pass up, and the only risk is losing a little compared to the big picture.”

  “What if we lose him?” I knew it was not a big chance, but the possibility was there.

  “Hey,” said Clay, abandoning his pasta bowl to the coffee table and moving to sit closer to me. “That’s not going to happen.”

  “I’m scared. But I know you’re right. I just needed you to say what you wanted. It’s what I want too.”

  “Well, do you see that? We agree.” He tucked my hair back behind my ear. “It’s going to be okay. We’re doing the right thing.”
/>   “I’m just scared about putting him under.” I held the hot food close for comfort.

  “Do you trust the doctors?” He picked his bowl up and twirled his fork in his noodles.

  “Yes, of course, I do.” I knew our son had the best doctors in town.

  “Then I think unless we want to get a second opinion, we should trust that they know what they’re doing. They’re going to take care of him.”

  “What about the costs? It could be thousands of dollars, Clay. I don’t know what the insurance will cover and what it won’t.”

  “We’re in this together, Beth. I’m going to get work and help you. I promise. You don’t have to carry that big burden all alone.”

  For the first time in a long time, for some reason, I believed him. But then, maybe it was because I wanted to so badly.

  “We should call the doctor now,” I said. “That way, he can schedule it.”

  “I agree. Let’s do it now.”

  I took the phone, and before I dialed, I looked at him. “I want you to come and spend some time here this weekend. You know, just in case his recovery takes a long time, I want us to spend a lot of happy times with Jack. And besides, keeping busy is going to make the time fly faster. I don’t know about you, but I hope this doesn’t drag out. I don’t think I can take the worry.”

  “I’ll be here. As long as you want me to be.”

  I reached for his hand and hit the button to send the call. I’d never been so glad to have him in my life.

  Chapter 27

  Clay

  On Saturday, I woke up and got ready to go and see Beth and Jack. When I left her last night, we talked about doing something with Jack today. I had a good idea of something for us to go do, but I wasn’t sure if she was going to be down for it.

  When I arrived at my old house just after ten, Beth seemed surprised to see me. “Hey,” she said, still in her robe. “I didn’t expect you so early. I slept in.”

  Beth’s hair was in her face and looked like a rats’ nest up top, but it didn’t change how beautiful I saw her.

  “How’s Jack doing?” I asked.

  “The tooth finally broke through the gums, and he’s feeling a lot better. He slept well, and I guess I did too once he did.”

  “I slept better myself,” I said.

  “Oh? Didn’t you have a gig?” She walked to the kitchen.

  “I banged the keys at LeRoy’s last night. But I was home and in bed by two.”

  “Really? Why so early? Do you want some coffee?”

  “Yeah, thanks. I guess there’s no need to close the place with another piano player and the jukebox. Besides, I’m trying this new thing called discipline. I find I actually have a much easier time in life. Who knew?”

  She laughed. “Well, I guess it’s better late than never. And I’m proud of you for sticking to your guns this time. You’re doing a lot better.”

  “Thanks.” It felt nice to get a compliment from her for a change. “I hate that it took me this long to see what’s important.”

  She loaded the coffee cup into the machine and then pushed a button. “I hope you still like the donut shop kind. It’s all I have.”

  “I’ve been onto dark roast thanks to Zane, but that’s fine. I was actually wondering if you wanted to get out of here for a while since the weather is nice.” The day was gorgeous, with the sun shining in the sky.

  Beth still didn’t look too convinced. “Where are you thinking? The park was nice, but I’m in the mood for something a little different today.”

  “How about the waterpark?”

  She gave a shrug. “That’s not half bad, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea with Jack’s surgery coming up. What if he gets water in his ears?”

  “We will make sure he doesn’t. I’m sure it’s fine. It’s not like we’re putting his head underwater.” Sometimes, she seemed to think I was an idiot.

  “Okay, but as long as you don’t splash me.” She gave me a pointed look. “You always do it, and it pisses me off because you don’t know when to quit.”

  I hadn’t realized she hated it so much. “I promise not to splash you. But I’m going down the slide.”

  “What if I wanted to go on the slide?”

  “Then I’ll just hold our son in the kiddie pool. If you can trust me long enough, but that’s on you.”

  She shook her head, and I could tell she wanted to say something, but she didn’t.

  “Come on. Let’s pack some sunscreen and head out. It’s nice weather, and with the rain lately, I’m ready to enjoy some sunshine. Plus, it will be good for Jack to have us both around having a good time.”

  “Okay. You don’t have to convince me anymore. I’m just going to get my swimsuit and Jack’s swimmers.”

  “Perfect,” I said, grinning ear to ear. I had thought she’d be much harder to convince.

  “Could we stop and get him a little floatie or something? I don’t have anything for him.” Beth seemed really excited as she took a big sip of her coffee and headed to our old bedroom.

  “Sure, we can stop and get floaties and earplugs and whatever else you think he needs.” I finished my cup while she gathered a few things and made a list. She was always so organized. There was probably only two things written down on it, but if it made her happy, I was happy too.

  Finally, after some careful packing for Jack and a few stops around town to get the right kind of floaties for our son, we headed off to the water park like we were on a family vacation.

  The waterpark wasn’t as crowded as we expected, but there were a few other events in town for older children, none of which interested us with Jack being so young.

  “Let’s sit over there in the shade,” she said, spotting a quiet area next to the sprinklers.

  “Perfect. I’ll get us a locker while you and Jack go snag it.” She had blown up the zebra floatie in the car while I drove.

  “Okay, don’t be too long, or you’ll miss the slide. There’s no one in line.” She pointed to the super slide and then turned her attention to Jack.

  Once she got him settled, lying on a pallet in the shade, she walked over and took off her wrap and left it on one of the chairs near the shaded area of the pool.

  I did a double-take on my way to the lockers, not realizing her swimsuit was a bikini. I had seen her naked just days earlier, but I hadn’t really seen her in a bikini in ages. She looked like a goddess, and I hadn’t realized how banging her body had gotten since the pregnancy. I had to hurry back before someone came and took her away from me.

  Once I had our things locked away, I went to join her in the shade. She had Jack in his little floatie, and he was enjoying the water.

  “He loves it,” she said. “I’m glad you thought of this. Who knows how long after the surgery it will be before Jack could do this?”

  “I didn’t want him to miss his first summer of fun with his family.” I left my towel in the chair next to her and joined them.

  “I thought you were going to get on the slide?” she asked as I walked into the water where she lounged.

  “It’ll be there all day. I want to spend time with you guys.”

  “That’s sweet. But I know how much you like the slide. You’re like a twelve-year-old boy when it comes to that stuff.” She rolled her eyes, and I knew that was part of the problem. She needed to see me as a man and not a kid.

  “Maybe it’s time to grow up,” I said with a shrug. “Besides, this is nice, enjoying the sun and the water with my two favorite people.”

  About that time, a little girl came over to move our towels from the chair next to us. “Is this it?” she called to her mother, who quickly shook her head and screamed back at her daughter.

  “What?” the little girl asked, yelling across the pool to a woman who was putting sunscreen on another child.

  “That’s my husband’s,” said Beth. “Your mother’s is that one over there.”

  The little girl smiled and ran to get her mother’s towel. “Tha
nks,” she said.

  “You called me your husband,” I said. “You did that at Dr. Lenz’s office too.”

  “Well, it is who you are, right? I’d stop calling you that if you’d sign the divorce papers, so whose fault is it?”

  “Hey, I’m not complaining. I like the way it sounds on your lips when you’re talking about me.”

  She smiled. “Let’s not get too sentimental. That usually ends in a fight lately.”

  “Not every time.” I wagged my brows, thinking about the hot time we’d had together.

  “That won’t happen again.” She didn’t sound too confident with that statement.

  “I don’t know. Never say never. Isn’t that how the saying goes?”

  “Clay, I don’t want to talk about that. If that’s what this is, you’re wasting your time. I thought we could just be friends for the day, you know? I thought we could get along for Jack.”

  “We can. I’ve had fun lately. Getting to see you and Jack? I miss that. I know I’ve screwed it all up, but I really just wanted us to be a family. I guess I just didn’t know how before, and if this is all I get, then I’ll be okay, I guess.”

  She looked away and turned her attention to Jack, who splashed his hand in the water, getting it all over his mother’s face and hair.

  “Oh no!” she said. “Your daddy put you up to that, didn’t he?”

  “Yep, we had it all planned out. Good work, buddy. That’s daddy’s boy.” He raised Jack’s hand and made a cheerful sound.

  “You two are so going to team up against me, aren’t you?”

  “You mean if we had stayed together? Sure. I bet we would a lot. But it is over, right?”

  Beth’s smile faded. “Right. Co-parenting isn’t too bad, you know?”

  “Until one of us moves on. Then there won’t be room for the other.”

  “Have you thought about dating?”

  “It’s a little too soon for me.”

  “I’m surprised. I guess you got it all out of your system in Las Vegas?”

  “Not hardly, but I guess I had to go there to realize that my system is only built for one woman. And I think it’s going to take a while to get used to the idea of someone taking her place.”