Page 28 of You're All I Need

Gram turns around and sets her wrinkled hand on my leg. “My grandson has no filter, so I’ll apologize on his behalf. He sometimes forgets how to behave in public.”

Caden glances her way, his eyes in little slits. “I know exactly how to behave in public. That’s why I haven’t knocked him the fuck out,” he practically says through a growl.

Christian gasps. “You said fuck!”

Stevie and Jack now jump in. “Christian, you can’t say that,” Stevie announces at the same time Jack whacks his best friend on the back of the head. “Thanks, man.”

“Uncle Caden said it,” the little boy proclaims with a shrug.

“And Uncle Caden shouldn’t have. That’s a bad word,” Stevie says.

Gram reaches for the little boy’s hand. “Let’s watch the game, Christian. How many touchdowns has Joshua made?”

Christian barks out a laugh. “Gram, touchdowns are in football!” he proclaims.

The old woman winks at Caden and turns her attention to the court as the second quarter begins. I do the same, and despite feeling the tension surrounding us, I get into the game. Joshua is a great player and teammate, always encouraging those on the court and celebrating each point.

“He plays just like my brother.”

I glance at Scarlet, who has her eyes on her son. “Caden played?”

She nods. “He was good. His team went to state his junior year.” We’re both quiet for a few seconds before she adds, “But Caden was more aggressive. Played like a bull in a china shop most of the time, but had the speed and natural ability to go with his aggressive nature. The refs hated him.”

I swallow hard, trying to keep the focus on Joshua. “Your son is very talented.”

She nods. “He is. He used to play in the driveway all the time with Caden. Hell, he still does. He earned a starting varsity position his freshman year.”

“Impressive,” I reply, taking a bite of my popcorn mixture.

“Anyone need anything?” Caden asks, standing up and stretching his legs. “I’m gonna hit the concession stand.”

My throat goes dry as I watch him. I can sense his irritation, and even though I don’t know the particulars, I’m certain it involves Warner.

“I’ll go with you,” Jack announces, turning to his son. “Wanna go too, Christian?”

“Yep!” he bellows, reaching for Caden’s hand as they head for the steps, leaving me in the bleachers with Stevie, Scarlet, Warner, and Gram. The women all turn their attention my way.

Something tells me I’ve just stepped into an interrogation.

Chapter Nine

Caden

Why in the hell is that jackwagon here?

Or specifically, why the hell was he with my sister?

“You okay?” Jack asks quietly as we approach the line at the concession stand.

“Fine,” I grumble, nodding to a few people I know as they pass.

“Obviously,” my friend states sarcastically.

We’re quiet as we wait our turn to reach the counter, and the moment we do, I look down at Christian. “Whatcha want, little man?”

“Nachos!”

“I’d like nachos and eight hot dogs, please,” I say to the high school girl manning the concession stand.

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