Page 2 of The Birthday Manny

“Yes.” A smug smile slithered onto his face like the slimy snake he was. “I get there’s nothing you can do about your father’s health, and I can deal with a funeral and stuff, but the nanny thing is a necessity. Some of my friends are going to Hawaii in a few months, and I assured them we’d go.”

“In a few months? Like six weeks or so after my daughter’s due date?”

He shrugged. “Can’t be helped, but if you have a nanny, we’re good.” He dropped to his knees in front of me.

I nodded slowly.

He must’ve taken that as acceptance because he waggled his brows, his hands once again reaching for the fastening of my pants.

Pushing him away, I snorted and stood up. “Get the hell out of my house.”

He stared up at me dumbstruck. “What?”

“You heard me.” Ice dropped from my words. “Get. The. Fuck. Out. I’m way more invested in Lexi’s welfare than yours. And since this is my house, you can go.”

Anger replaced that stupid perplexed expression as he scrambled to his feet. “You’re going to regret this, Kevin. You got lucky with me, but with a kid in tow, it’ll be a miracle if you ever even get your dick sucked again.”

“That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

He slammed out of the kitchen door to the garage. I heard his car engine rev before I made my way back to Lexi’s room on automatic pilot and sat back down on the floor to continue folding her clean laundry and putting it away.

I knew Alan would have to come back for his stuff, but really, he didn’t have more than a closet-full of clothes and some trendy, ugly-as-fuck artwork on the walls. If I got lucky, he’d take his crap while I was at work. If not, we’d argue again. One way or the other, it didn’t matter. This was Lexi’s home first. She may not be here yet, but I’d prayed and invested everything for her. No one and nothing would interfere with me being the best father I could be. Providing her the best life possible. Just like my own father had done.

Just like that, my heart broke open, and the tears began to fall. Balling up the cute little onesie with the daddy and baby giraffes on it, I clutched it to my face. If this was how Alan truly felt, I was better off without him. The idea of losing my dad and the long sleepless nights of a newborn had been easier to face when I thought I’d have a loving partner by my side, but he wasn’t that, was he? We were better off without him.

Life rolled on, and I’d handle it. One day at a time, I’d face whatever came my way. I’d cherish every minute with my dad, and I’d dote on my daughter. I’d hold my mom’s hand and get her through losing her husband, and I’d work hard and provide for my child. I’d rather do it all alone than do it with someone half-checked out. I could do this. I would do this. But first, I’d cry.

CHAPTER ONE

CJ

My best friend, Eddie, slid onto the bar seat next to me. “Couldn't find anyone better to ask for dinner, ha?” he asked, grinning.

“Shut up.” I leaned into him. “It's been too long since we caught up.”

Thankfully, the female bartender approached and slid a napkin in front of him. “Hey, honey. It’s been awhile since you’ve been in. What can I get for you?”

“Hi.” He gave her an adorkable little wave. His cheeks flushed as he plucked the bar menu out of the stand. “We’re eating, right, CJ?”

“I invited you out for dinner and drinks, so yeah. My treat.”

“Then can I have a draft beer and an order of wings, please?” He flashed her a shy smile. This was why I’d chosen Rafters for our meet-up. My friend had harbored a major crush on this particular bartender for years, and I knew he needed a pick-me-up tonight. She was easy on the eyes, and her friendly banter always cheered him up.

I seconded his order, and she asked all the usual questions about which type of beer and what sauce for our wings. Once we were done, she winked at Eddie. “I’ll be right back.”

He watched her saunter off, then swiveled toward me, frowning. “So tell me what this is really about. Not that I’m not happy to see you, but I figured I wouldn’t see you until later this week.”

Avoiding his gaze, I picked up my water. “Can't a guy just want to hang and check in with his best friend, have a nice dinner, and chat?”

Eddie sighed. “Who’d you hear from? My dad or my brother?” he asked without hesitation.

It had actually been both. “They’re worried about you.”

Eddie sighed. “I told them everything was fine.”

I elbowed him in the side. “You also told them you were bringing Cecilia to Christmas dinner, and then you didn't. Your dad said you offered little to no explanation for why.”

Eddie barked out a laugh. “I'm surprised he didn't get the truth out of my brother.”

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