Page 111 of Tangled Emotions

Frank had one hand under the table on my leg, and the other was shoveling food into his mouth at almost the same pace as the kids.

It’s weird that kids can go from one extreme to the next and that’s the norm, but when an adult does, they’re bi-polar.

Once the boys ate almost everything in sight, I sent them back to the bathroom to wash their hands before they went back to playing.

“I love it when you’re bossy.” Frank leaned in and kissed me.

“Freak.” I laughed.

He cupped my cheek. “Sweetness, you handled that really well.”

“It was a kick to the teeth.” I blew out a hard breath.

“Yeah, but you didn’t lose your shit or throw blame.” He stroked my cheek. “How you handled it set the tone for how they would.”

“Francis.” I looked into his blue eyes and smiled. “I really hate that mother fucker.”

His head fell back in laughter as the boys came back. “Doc, we need a fourth player in laser tag.”

“I’m in.” He made a gun with his fingers and shot it. “Be right back, baby.”

“Okay. Good luck, boys.”

“That my kids goin’ off with that teacher?” Greg grumbled behind me.

“Yep.” I reached for one of the few pieces left and took a bite.

Maybe if I eat, I won’t lose my shit.

“I’m ready to go home.”

“So go.” I shrugged. “We’ll bring the boys home.” I snapped.

“I don’t need you to drive my kids around.”

“Um, yes. You do. You don’t need to be driving your kids around with as much as you’ve had to drink.” I wrinkled my nose. “You smell like cheap booze and women.”

“Who do you think you are to say that to me?” He wavered on his feet.

“I’m the parent of one of your sons. And unlike you, I give a shit about them all.” I growled in a lowered voice, trying not to draw attention to us. “Call your wife to come get you.”

“Damn, Edie, you ain’t my boss.” He rocked on his feet. “You seem more pissed off than usual.”

“Try your son told my son they’re brothers since they heard you and Lori arguing about it. Oh and your oldest thinks he’s unwanted.” I gave him a small shove back. “Bang up parenting job there.”

“So he knows. Now what? Now you want money? Let’s all be a family?”

My mouth fell open. “Are you that dense? I don’t want shit from you.” Shaking my head, I glared at him. “Hell no.” I bussed the table. “Matthew ismyson. Mine. Not yours. Mine.”

“Whoa. Calm down there, big girl.”

Margo McCall slithers over. “Greggy? Is there a problem?”

“Hey Margo, why don’t you take your boy home.” I turned my gaze to her.

“Well, I could do that.” She linked her arm with Greg’s and whispered into his ear. “But what about the boys?”

“Frank and I will drop them off.”

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