Ask Me Why(80)

Ollie’s lip twists in an adorable bow. “No, I don’t wanna bother him. My daddy needs some alone time to think about what he did.”

That earns him a genuine giggle. “You’re too cute, Ollie. Thanks for being here with me.”

He shuffles his feet. “You’ve been sad again.”

I attempt to broaden my smile, but it feels limp. “I’m doing okay, Ollie. Don’t worry about me.”

He shakes that unruly mop of hair. “No, you’re not fine. I can tell, remember? Your eyes are super-sad.”

I suppose he’s right. If they’re the windows to my soul, he’s witnessing an all-out sob fest on a constant basis. I smooth my expression and try again. “It’s a busy season for Thicket. There’s a lot of people to help all day. I’m tired a lot, you know?”

He studies my straining features. “I guess. My daddy is extra grumpy lately. He hasn’t been sleeping well. I think he’s staying up too late. Maybe he should have a bedtime. His face is puffy. What does that mean?”

Oh, this kid is the ultimate mood booster. “You’re very observant. I’m not sure many boys your age would catch that stuff. Maybe your dad is stressed?”

Try as I might to stop it, the hopeful part inside of me springs awake. Brance might be feeling the effects of our demise. Perhaps Sadie wasn’t telling a tall tale after all. But I’m not going to feed that sappy spot. At least not yet.

Ollie is nodding fast. “Uh-huh, yeah. He needs to smile again. I haven’t heard him laugh in a really long time. He’s been getting mad at Uncle Jordy. We’re just trying to help.”

My gaze automatically seeks out Brance. He hasn’t moved, still slumped against the building. “That’s too bad. It will get better soon. I’m sure he’s also busy at work. That can take a toll on people.”

He gives a sharp shake of his head. His neck is getting a heck of a workout today. “No, my daddy misses you.”

I choke on the shop’s sugary scented air. “I’m not so sure about that, sweetie.”

Ollie’s pointed stare hasn’t left my face. “And you miss him.”

There’s another half-truth waiting on my tongue. But the runaround of diverting is exhausting. My bones are weary enough. “You’re right. I do.”

He gasps, his mouth popping wide open. He spins in fast circles while clapping. “I knew it, I knew it.”

I grin at his exuberance. There’s no doubt he’s been in on Sadie’s not-so-secretive mission. “You did? How?”

“Because I’m a smarty-pants. That’s what my daddy told me.”

“You’re very wise, kiddo.”

Ollie reaches for my hand, jostling me with a few strong tugs. “I’m so happy you miss each other. Can I tell him?”

I crouch down so we’re eye-level. “How about we show him?”

He shimmies in place. “With what?”

I reach under the counter for the captured fragment hidden there. When I made this piece the other day, Brance was on my mind. Sadie’s words have been whispering in my ear. Ollie’s frequent visits have been keeping me steady. But I want more. This morning is the last bit of proof, not that I needed more.

“Here, sweetie. Bring this to your dad, okay?” I’m not sure what I hope to accomplish by giving this to Brance. Maybe it’s a peace offering. Or a way to mend our broken fence.

Ollie looks down at the aqua piece of glass. The mixture of blue and green makes a beautiful blend. He holds it up to the light. A beam of brightness casts across the floor.

“Wow,” he whispers. “It’s so pretty.”

“I hope your dad thinks so too.”

“He will.” There’s zero nonsense in his tone.

I nibble on my bottom lip, not feeling so sure. “M’kay. Let’s bundle it up and see what he says.”

Ollie slides the fragment into the little drawstring pouch I’m holding open. I watch him skip toward the door. Am I being foolish? Brance probably won’t give a rip about what I’m offering. But if he does, everything will change. That possibility stirs up a swarm of sugar-high butterflies in my stomach.

Brance has always been unpredictable. That’s one of the things I love about him. The L-word hitches my breath. It’s flickered in and out of my thoughts more often than not. There’s no denying my feelings. I cross one finger over the other. Here’s to hoping love wins.





Brance



Romanticize



Ollie wore me down. I’ve been standing outside of Thicket for over an hour. The weather is warm without being oppressive. It’s not a hardship to be holed up under the sun. There’re pink and white striped awnings to shade me if need be. This is clearly the spot for chilling while my son enjoys his favorite store. Not sure why I didn’t consider this an option prior to now.

Except it’s probably due to the fact I’ve been a stubborn asshole. Big fucking surprise. I didn’t need Jordan’s insight to realize the errors of my ways. But this is who I am. Braelyn can accept this from me or look elsewhere.

That last line is a certifiable reason for slamming on the pause button. What the fuck am I thinking? Maybe the fresh air is getting to me. Actually, it’s more likely the significant lack of sleep. That shit can cause hallucinations. Maybe that explains Braelyn floating in and out of my subconscious. I need to try harder at repressing that shit.