Ask Me Why(11)

Women usually lose their shit over me. Braelyn couldn’t have been more repulsed. My attitude toward her might be responsible for that. Was I harsh? Perhaps. Did I treat her unfairly? Undecided. Do I regret my reaction? That’s a hard no. That woman reeks of trouble. She’s a charity case, and I’m not into that type of philanthropy.

But yet, there’s something… intriguing about Braelyn. I want to know her story, pick apart her case, which is a dangerous feeling. I’m still trying to figure out what happened midway through our conversation. Maybe that’s what interests me the most about her. There’s a puzzle to solve.

If I was a spiritual man, I’d believe she saw a ghost. I don’t know much about panic attacks—my experiences in that area are pathetic—but the evidence was pretty damning. The alluring confidence fled her features, replaced by what I’d describe as sheer terror. A haunting glimmer shuttered her eyes, followed closely with rapid breaths bordering on hyperventilation. Even to an ignorant asshole, it’s clear she’s hauling serious baggage. All the more reason to stay the hell away. I carry more than enough weight of my own.

The easiest solution is finding Ollie a new candy supplier. I’m liable to drive the feisty shop owner into a burning rage if we swing by there again. No doubt that’d be entertaining to watch. But I have to take Ollie’s presence into consideration. For the moment, I cast Braelyn to the far recesses of my mind. She can wait there, or preferably disappear altogether. I need to focus on my priorities.

The sun is full and high, suggesting noon has arrived. Ollie is still sulking, his beloved red swing lacking the usual appeal. I watch him mope around the playground until acid boils in my gut. My son deserves better than this from me.

“Hey, Ollie,” I call to him.

He turns and moves toward me, his pace more appropriate for a snail. “Yeah?”

“Should we go?”

His sneakers kick up stray wood chips. “Sure.”

“Did you have fun?” I study him closely, waiting for his typical exuberance to make an appearance. All I get is a quick shrug.

“I guess.” Ollie watches two kids dash to the swings. His heavy sigh holds the weight of a thousand pounds. When those big blue eyes meet mine, I almost crash to my knees.

“Hey, don’t be sad. I love you, buddy.” I lift his chin, hoping for at least a small grin.

“Love you, Daddy.” His voice is too flat.

I need to step up my game. I clear my throat. “So, I was thinking we could stop for ice cream. How’s that sound?”

A switch flips, and his face lights up. “Really? Before lunch?”

I exhale, shoving the boulder off my chest. “Yeah, why not? I’ve gotta make things up to you. It’ll be a special treat.”

“Yes, please! I want two scoops.”

A chuckle rattles through me. “Don’t forget the sprinkles.”

Ollie claps and runs circles around me. His happiness soaks into me, and I laugh harder. Mary is right. My son has me wrapped around his pinkie. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Let’s hurry so we beat the rush.” I reach for his hand and swing our arms.

“You’re the best, Daddy.” The megawatt smile is a cherry on top.

My wrongdoings are forgiven. For now.





Braelyn



Sip



The couch threatens to swallow me whole when I haphazardly plop down. I snuggle deeper into the velvety cushions, giving my permission. Not sure a nap has ever sounded better. A whistle of wind gains momentum, turning tree branches into punishing whips against the window. Shadows streak across the ceiling, and I track the wavy movements. The swirls are hypnotic, lulling me into a state of utter relaxation. Drifting under takes zero effort. I let my eyelids fall, warm tingles spreading through me.

A harsh nudge against my foot drags me to the surface.

“Really? You’re sleeping? This is supposed to be girl’s night.”

I blink up at Sadie, a glow from the lamp surrounding her.

“Just resting.”

She passes me a stemless glass. “This’ll help.”

I take a tentative sip. “Pinot?”

“Of course.”

“I knew we were friends for a reason.”

Sadie laughs. “More than happy to relieve your stress by any means necessary.”

I give her a small smile. “Thanks, Dee.” I swallow more crisp fruity goodness, my insides already getting warmer. She’s right—getting a slight buzz never hurts. The chaos from this week begins to calm, and I can breathe easier.

“Better?” She takes another sip of her own.

A hum vibrates my throat. “Much.”

“Dinner will be ready soon. Tell me about your week. We didn’t get a chance to chat much.”

“Well, the shop was busy, which was good.”

Sadie kicks her feet up onto the coffee table. “Any, uh, dreams?”

I give her a narrow side-eye. “You don’t have to tiptoe around me. No, I didn’t have any episodes. Not since last Friday.”

“When the hot guy was there?”

Wine dribbles off my lips. “W-what?” I sputter.

“Come on, Brae. Did you already forget the skinny details you dished out? Did Mister Tall, Broody, and Sexy swing by for round two? There’s no use denying me at this point.”