Page 63 of His Coveted Obsession

My body tensed, my good mood instantly gone. “No, Dad. We aren’t going to ask him to take care of us.” Even though that was exactly what Easton was doing. “Get a job and stop gambling, then we won’t have to worry about money.”

He shuffled back to the living room, beer in hand, saying nothing. So, I huffed and grabbed the bags to bring up to my room. Once I closed my bedroom door, I quickly texted Easton.

Me: You are the sweetest thing ever!

He responded immediately.

Superman: I’m glad you like them. Your clothes are looking threadbare.

Me: You’re so thoughtful. But this is a reminder that you don’t have to spend all your money on me.

Superman: I’ve barely made a dent in my money, so I’m not spending it all on you.

I laughed and rolled my eyes at his pedantry. That was so typical Easton, and what I also loved about him. He was so literal about everything.

Me: I love you. Goodnight.

Superman: Goodnight, Thomas.

IknockedonThomas’sdoor, there for our date. A cold breeze hit me, so I tugged the scarf around my throat tighter and shoved my bare hands into my coat pockets, waiting.

I intentionally arrived early before he was home. It was time to have a chat with his father. Thomas wasn’t dealing with his father sufficiently. He was in a downward spiral, and he was going to take Thomas down with him.

No more masks.

Thomas’s father opened the door, looking as if he’d been on a binge, and perhaps he had. Drinking and drugs were the next step with gambling addiction.

His face needed a shave, and his hair was greasy.

The inner rage started boiling at his appearance and his absolute loss of control. I could see all too clearly the consequences of this man’s actions.

“Easton, ah… I wasn’t expecting you. It’s good to see you.”

“May I come in?”

“Oh, yeah… Sure.”

Mr. Lauder stepped aside, and I walked into a home that was usually tidy, but not today. Thomas couldn’t work, go to school, take care of his sister, and do all the housework. I refused to let this man take any more of Thomas’s time away from me.

“Is Annie home?”

“No, she’s studying for a test at a friend’s house.”

I wrinkled my nose at the smell of him when I passed him in the living room. It was as if he lost all reason to take care of himself. Pathetic.

He started to gather trash off the coffee table and the couch when we walked in. “Uhm, sorry… I haven’t had a chance to clean up yet.”

He left for the kitchen to throw everything away and returned. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Do you have anything to drink and eat besides water?”

He rubbed his neck. “I think we have some milk.”

“Nothing for me, then.”

I sat stiffly on one of the cushioned chairs as he sat on the sofa.

“Thomas isn’t home yet.”

---