Page 2 of Kent's Honor
“That’s not going to solve any of that child’s boy problems.” Arthur smacked his head. “She’s already informed me and Maren that she’s going to be our daughter-we-wa, and then went into great detail in what that meant.” He shook his head. “She told me someday she was going to make me a grandpa. I damn near died laughing.”
“It’s not funny.” Rex lifted an onion ring and tossed it at Arthur’s face. “My daughter is not marrying your son. I don’t care what our wives say.”
“I don’t know,” Garth said. “They are cute-ass kids. Imagine that gene pool mixed?—”
“Shut your trap before I shut it for you.” Rex glared.
Kent chuckled. While the exchange was insanely humorous, he understood without a doubt why it got under Rex’s skin.
“Listen, man.” Rex tapped the table. “I might not have any good advice to offer with whatever Elle is going through, but I’m a good listener.”
“I appreciate that.” Kent nodded. He might as well talk with someone. “She’s always been a bit of a homebody. She worries about me and who’s taking care of me. I keep trying to tell her that her old man can handle himself. But she sees the other kids at school and all the moms coming in to help. I do what I can, which is more than most dads, but lately, she’s been withdrawn at school. She doesn’t have a lot of friends, and even her teacher has noted that when they go out on the playground, she’s either with the younger kids, by herself, or with the teacher aide. I’m worried about her.”
“What does her teacher say?” Rex asked.
“That she’ll keep an eye on her. That this is the time when girls start forming cliques and a clear popular group has been determined. Elle’s not part of it, but when I ask Elle about those girls, she rolls her eyes and tells me they aren’t the kind of kids she wants to hang out with.”
“Smart girl,” Rex said.
“This coming from the guy who was Mr. Popular wherever he went.” Kent narrowed his stare.
“Yeah, but Tilly struggled with shit like that. She didn’t always fit in with the kids at the country club or the rich girls atour school. They could be mean and often picked on Tilly,” Rex said.
“I can’t imagine anyone making fun of her. I wouldn’t dare for fear of getting a high heel in my shin.” The first time Kent had met Tilly, she’d marched onto Rex’s boat, and a few weeks later, they were married.
Craziest thing, but looking at them now, it made perfect sense.
“Elle can talk with adults. Most kids her age don’t know how to do that,” Rex said. “It’s a gift that will serve her well as she ages.”
“I know.” Kent didn’t need anyone to tell him what a unique daughter he had. She was intelligent, resilient, and had a big heart. But that didn’t stop him from losing sleep over how she preferred to spend time with him than making playdates, unless of course that friend’s mom was single. “I want her childhood to be normal.”
“It’s as normal as it can be.” Rex slapped him on the shoulder. “You’re a great dad. You’re always there when she needs you. And she has her crazy band of uncles.” Rex squeezed. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but having a lady in your life wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for Elle.”
“I’m not going to bring women in and out of her life. It will only confuse her and ultimately hurt her, especially if she gets attached, which she does so easily.” Kent had been having this discussion a lot lately with what seemed like everyone. His nanny, Jackie, brought it up all the damn time, especially when he asked her to take Elle for the night, so he could meet up with one of hisfriends with benefits.
God, that sounded awful.
“Look, man, I understand your concern. I do. But she’s the one leading the fight. Maybe you should listen,” Rex said.
The waitress came by with the check. Finally, he could get the hell back to his daughter and stop with the chatter. He shouldn’t have said anything to begin with.
“I’ll call Maren and have her meet you at your place with Elle,” Arthur said. “Should take her about the same amount of time to get there.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He tossed in a couple of twenties. “I’ll see all you assholes tomorrow.”
“Drive safe,” Buddy said, waving his hand over his head.
Kent made his way to the parking lot and his prize possession.
His Harley.
Outside of his daughter, it was his favorite fucking thing in the world. Riding it was almost better than sex.
Although lately, he wasn’t even sure he knew what sex was anymore.
He flung his leg over the seat, lifted the kickstand, and turned the key, revving the engine. Music to his ears.
Easing out onto the main road, he took the corners tight, but not too fast. While he loved his bike, and he didn’t wear a helmet, at least in the state of Florida where it wasn’t required, he wasn’t reckless. He drove the speed limit. Followed all the rules of the road and didn’t do anything stupid.
