Page 26 of Due Process
Felix didn’t catch it, his liar eyes scouring the dirt instead. I didn’t know what he was searching for. Maybe his lost dignity?
A high-pitched squeal broke through the tension, followed by Stella’s boisterous toddler, who ran straight for us, chocolate ice cream smeared all over his front.
Felix was closest, crouching to receive his son. “How are you, bud? I’ve missed you.”
What happened next nearly had me fainting with giddiness.
Ignoring his father completely, Phoenix ran straight past him and headfirst into my legs.You genius boy!Without missing a beat, I lifted him high, tickling him until he was screaming in laughter.
Felix gradually stood upright, all stiff, no doubt adjusting to that brutal blow to the heart.Why did he expect any different when he gives them fuck all?
Furthering my theory, Felix called out to Eli, who was in deep debate with Logan about some gaming console.
Eli barely spared a glance. “Oh, Dad, you came. Did you see my…”
By his face alone, everyone knew Felix didn’t see shit. And that was enough confirmation for Eli.
Refusing to take the loss, Felix stepped forward. “I want to take you out for pasta, Eli. Eat at your favourite Italian restaurant to celebrate.”
Eli’s lips pursed. EvenIknew that wasn’t his favourite anymore.
“Ehh,” he hesitated. “I’m going back to Logan’s to play his new game.”
Well, that was news to me, but I wasn’t going to say no if he wanted to seek refuge at mine.
“We’re leaving in five, boys,” I said. “We’ll grab pizza from Riley’s on the way.”
They cheered as they ran to collect their belongings. Then, I turned to Stella, my stare catching on the forced smile staining her lips.Nope, I don’t like that.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I pulled her into a hug, dropping down to plant a kiss on her cheek. “Come to mine. You don’t have to stay here with him,” I whispered, keeping my voice extra low so Felix Fuckface couldn’t overhear.
“It’s okay,” Stella reassured. “Leave me. I can handle it.”
I squeezed her fingers, then veered for the parking lot to find Dylan leaning against the hood of my truck, eyes caught on his daughter in the distance, clearly arguing with her husband.
I settled next to him, accepting the offer of melting ice cream to stop my mouth from running.
“Something’s going on with her,” Dylan said.
I grunted. Not a confirmation or a dismissal.
He sighed. “She won’t tell me, but I have a feeling, you know?”
Another grunt.
Instead of prying like I thought he would, Dylan nudged his shoulder into mine. “Look after her for me, Curt? Make sure she’s okay.”
“Always,” I vowed.
I continued to eat my dessert on autopilot, my stare inadvertently catching on them time and again. I wanted to be ready to step in at any moment, to be her protector, the person she could rely on.
But, not long after, Stella turned her back and beelined for us.
Her husband’s face fell as she walked away from him, his features morphing into disheartened desperation. She couldn’t have seen the deep-seated sorrow and yearning that permeated off him like a toxic cloud.
It didn’t move me.
Resolve hardened within me as renewed purpose and drive pushed to the forefront.
