Page 9 of Hard Focus
I shouldn’t have to ask if I can call my own damned girlfriend. The scowl returned,andhe could feel the taut lines his muscles pulled in his neck and shoulders.
Another shadow dance of starts and stops with her typing, and by the time she sent her response, it felt as if he’d been staring at the screen for hours.
I’m headed to bed. We’ll talk soon. Have a good night.
She’s still mad. He scrubbed across his forehead with the palm of a hand.She didn’t get over it, and she’s still mad. Jonas flung himself down on the couch cushions, rolling his head to stare blindly at the TV.I can fix this. A few minutes later, inspiration struckandhe sat upright and pulled his laptop to the edge of the coffee table. A few clicks and he was looking at Connie’s social media page, checking to see restaurants she’d reviewed or liked. It didn’t take but a minute to find one she’d been to several times, but they’d never been to together.She’ll be blown away.
The place had an online reservation service, and he quickly made one for the night before he was to pick up the kid for the next visitation.Perfect.
Six nights later, he stood in the hallway outside her empty apartment, puzzled. Connie was late, and she was never late. He knew he could set a clock to herroutine,because she didn’t vary. He fired off a quick text, asking,Where are you?
At work. Her response came back almost immediately.
He dialed and waited, she picked up on the first ring. “What are you doing at work?”
“I told you,” she clipped, her tone sharp and biting, “I had to work tonight. I explained that last week.”
Jonas closed his eyes and saggedbackwardsagainst her door. “Oh. I forgot.” Sounds in the background of the call caused him to listen intently. Laughter and glasses clinking, the sound of multiple conversations.Doesn’t sound much like work. “Where are you? Still at the office? I couldcomepick you up when you’re done.”
“Jonas, I’ve got to go. Don’t worry about me getting home, I’ll be fine. We’ll talk soon, yeah?” He heard a man’s voice call her name. “Have a good evening.”
“Yeah, you too.” The call disconnected,andhe stared at his phone.Have a good evening. She’d spoken to him as if he hadn’t told her he loved her. As if they weren’t more than casual acquaintances.
He spoke to the silent hallway as his head swung back and forth, eyeing each door in turn. They did their jobs, hiding whoever lived behind them, along with all their secrets. He needed Connie in his life, more than she knew.
“I can fix this.”
***
Cole
He pulled his truck in alongside asshole’s car in Audrey’s driveway, tucking up tightly to the garage door. Glancing to the side as he climbed out of the vehicle, he noted the empty front seat next to asshole and grimaced. That was something Addy always asked just before she walkedoutside,if Miss Connie was in the car. He hated disappointing his niece, but there wasn’t anything to be done about it. More than that,hewanted to see the woman.She’s gorgeous, he admitted to himself.Who doesn’t want to see a pretty lady?
Pushing through the doorway, he looked around the little living room. Tidy and clean, just like always. “Hey, honey,” he said as he leaned down to kiss Audrey’s cheek. “You ready for this?”
Every other weekend, he asked the same question, and she always lied to him. “Sure.”
“Addy ready?” He didn’t hear the little girl, which meant she was probably shoving one more toy into her overnight bag back in her bedroom. Audrey nodded. “Okay, I’m headed out. Send her when you’re ready.”
Back outside on the porch, he studied asshole’s face as he got out of his car. The guy knew the routine by now at least and didn’t try to force his way inside. For some reason, Cole found himself more on edge than normal, and couldn’t resist poking the beast a little. “Girlfriend dump you?”
Asshole’s head came upandhe glared at Cole. “No. She had a work thing last night.”
“Oh, a Friday night work thing? You sure she didn’t dump youandyou just aren’t smart enough to know it?” Cole folded his arms across his chest. “Too bad. Addy likes her.”
“Shut up and send my kid out already. I’m here on time and ready.”
Cole stared at him and took in the slightly disheveled look. “It bugs you. Whatever she was doing last night. She turnin’ tricks or what?” The words felt sour in his mouth, but this thing between them wasn’t about Connie, his only real goal was goading asshole into making a mistake.Gimme one. I just need one. Each misstep asshole made was another tick mark on the lawyer’s list. Enough of those and the man would be out of Addy’s life forever. Cole clenched his teeth and pushed again. “She’s a looker for a hooker, man.”
Asshole glared, his expression fiercely intense. “Stop it. She’s a good woman. Don’t talk about her like that.”
“She’s such a good woman, what is she doing with you, huh?” He heard the door open behind himandCole clamped his mouth shut. “Bring Addy back tomorrow by four. You know what happens if you’re late.”
“Oh, I know what you threaten.” Asshole took a step towards the porch, not looking down at where Cole knew Addy stood beside him, his gaze fixed on Cole’s face. “But you need to remember your place in all this.Oh,wait.” He faked surprise, holding a finger to his chin. “You don’t have a place. This is betweenme and your sister.” Looking down, his face didn’t change expression. “What are you waiting for, kid? Go ahead and get in the car.”
“Miss Connie’s not here?” Addy’s voice shookandCole regretted riling up the man.
“No, Miss Connie had a prior engagement.” Jonas’ tone mocked her, and Cole clenched his fists tightly. “Come on, kid. Let’s have a good weekend anyway. I’ve got mini-putt planned. Wanna go play a couple of games?”
“Okay.” Addy tugged on Cole’spant leg, and he looked down. “Love you, Uncle Cole.”
“Love you, too, little Addy.” He crouched and put his arms around her, hugging her tightly. “Go, have a good time. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Cole stood and watched her buckle herself into the booster seat as asshole folded into the front seat of his car. Jonas’ head turnedandhe said something to Addy, who smiled broadly in response. Cole watched as she looked out the other window and saw her laughing while her father drove away.
