Ask Me Why(73)

I inhale a deep breath through flared nostrils. “Take him away from that awful store. Being there so much isn’t good for him. Especially after recent events. Why doesn’t he want to go somewhere else?”

“You know the answer. Thicket is his favorite.”

Pressure builds in my already flexing muscles. “I’m well aware and trying to be supportive. But refusing to leave isn’t an effective solution. He’s doing this on purpose.”

“Oliver is a child. Of course he’s pushing for his way. He takes after someone else in that respect.”

“Yeah, great. Is my daily dose of guilt over?”

Mary doesn’t relent. “You were on a good path. Things were going very well. Then what?”

I exhale a heavy breath, a bull backed into a corner. “We’ve already discussed this.”

“Be sympathetic. Try imagining his feelings in all this. The thing he seeks most was almost in his grasp.”

My skull squeezes in a vice grip. I’d almost let myself believe in that possibility. I rub at the ache in my chest. “Okay, I surrender. Please stop this. Let Ollie buy extra candy. Give him a lifetime supply of movie passes. Take him to the water slides.”

“He doesn’t want any of that,” Mary states.

“What then?”

She pauses for several moments. “He’s asking if Braelyn can come over for dinner.”

My snort is a straight shot of disbelief. There’s no way Mary missed it. “That’s not happening. Ever again.”

“Brance—”

I swipe through the air. “Save it. That woman isn’t welcome under my roof, around our family table. I tried and my efforts were wasted.”

“Braelyn was scared. She’s been traumatized. Her reaction was extreme, yes. But it’s one more thing to practice.”

“Are you taking her side?”

“Of course not—”

I grind my molars. “Sure about that?”

She huffs. “Brance, stop cutting me off. You’re being unreasonable.”

“Am I? Doesn’t seem that way to me.”

“Take a moment and look around you.”

She can’t see me, but for whatever reason I find my eyes sweeping around the office. This space was one of my sacred domains. That’s not the case anymore. All I see is Braelyn perched across from me, smiling bright and filling my empty heart with bullshit.

It’s been several days since Braelyn stomped out of my house. Any edges she managed to smooth are more jagged than ever. Lord help anyone who stands in my trail. With her absence, they’ll bear the brunt of my anger. I almost lost my shit on Kathy. Mary is pushing the last of my buttons. I’m ashamed to admit my patience with Ollie has been lacking. I have a lot to make up for.

Maybe we’ll go to a Blues game this weekend. But the thought stops me short. Even that experience is tainted.

Mary’s voice breaks through my revere. “What did you find?”

“Nothing,” I tell her honestly.

“Exactly. Fix it. And this time, make her stick.”

I roll my eyes to the ceiling. “This has been quite invigorating, but I need to go.”

Mary hums. “Sure, dear. Maybe you’ll finish up early today.”

“Doubt it,” I grumble.

“Just try,” she murmurs.

I sag into my chair, the will to argue draining from me. “Great chat, Mary. Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome. Have a lovely afternoon.”

I lock my fingers behind my neck. “Tell Ollie I say hello.”

“And to Braelyn as well?”

The fight roars back to life. “You better be joking with that shit.”

Her laugh is sharp. “Had to try. Bye, Brance.”

I slam the receiver down. The plastic cracks in my grip. A knock on my door immediately follows. I bite back a slew of expletives.

“Come in,” I snap.

Don’s wrinkly mug appears around the corner frame. “Kathy told me you’re off the phone. Do you have a minute?”

As if I can say no to one of the founding fathers. “Sure. Take a seat.”

He ambles over and parks himself in one of the leather chairs. “How’s the week going?”

I make a show of checking my jam-packed calendar. “Just fine.”

Don leans forward. “No issues I should be aware of?”

I cross my arms. “Seems like you know something I don’t.”

He shrugs. “Not necessarily. How’s morale lately?”

“Good. Did something happen? Is there a problem?”

“No. You’ve just been… off.”

I feel the muscle in my jaw jump. “Oh?”

Don holds up a palm. “Now don’t get defensive. It’s just an observation.”

“From?”

“A few around the office.”

I furrow my brow. “In regards to what?”

“You just seem out of sorts. Issues at home?”

His assumption ratchets the tension is my shoulders. “Nah. No trouble there.”

“Is there too much pressure being partner? I thought you were ready—”

“I am,” I interrupt. “I love my job.”