Page 192 of Mr. Infuriating

“I’m going to prove myself worthy again, Gretch. You’ll see.”

I didn’t respond, just stayed frozen in place until he closed the door then turned to the kids and offered an apologetic smile. Their brows were marred with worry.

“I’m so sorry, guys.”

Britt came over and wrapped her arms around my middle.

“It’s not your fault.”

****

Gabe

I sat at my brother’s bar, nursing a beer while I waited for Brayden’s tutoring session to end.

A pretty brunette sat down at the next barstool and proceeded to flirt with me, complete with pawing my chest andrubbing her tits against my arm while Derrick looked on with an amused grin.

I wasn’t the least bit interested but figured it would help pass the time until I could pick the kids up.

My phone buzzed in my pocket with multiple incoming text messages.

Britt: Dad, you need to come NOW! Gretchen’s ex-husband is here and acting like a jerk.

Brayden: Are you close by? We have a situation.

I was out of my seat in an instant, mumbling, “I gotta go,” and headed toward the door without waiting to hear the woman’s response.

I typed out a text on my way to my truck.

Me: Be right there.

I received a reply instantly.

Britt: You don’t have to come right away. Everything’s okay. He left.

I didn’t give a shit. The fucker could come back.

Me: I don’t care. I’ll be there infive minutes.

****

Gretchen

I apologized again to Gabe’s kids. They were gracious and awesome with their response, and I loved them a little more than I already did.

Britt turned on an episode of Bluey, and she and Jake got comfortable on the couch, while Brayden turned his attention back to the homework in front of him.

I put my hand on Brayden’s shoulder and said, “Let’s finish this and call it a night. We’ll review for finals on Sunday.”

He nodded. “Okay, that sounds like a good idea.”

We’d barely gotten started when a loud knock came from my front door, followed by the doorbell.

I let out a big sigh and said, “I’m so sorry guys,” as I stood up.

Britt looked over at me and replied sheepishly, “I think it’s Dad.”

That’d been a pretty aggressive knock.

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