Page 12 of Exposed

“No,” Nigel said. He stuck his lower lip out.

“What are you doing?” Tanner asked. “Put that away.”

“No.” He stuck his lip our even further.

“Why are you doing that with your face?”

“I’m used to being the most adorable little boy in the room and I’m feeling very threatened right now.” Nigel pointed to Jacob.

“You’re jealous of my grandson?” Tanner asked.

Nigel nodded.

“Well, we can get you a grandson too, I’m sure. If that’ll make you feel better, Nigel.”

“I can have a child too?” Nigel looked so excited.

“No,” I said. “You can’t just get another kid. Where did you even get this first one?”

“He claimed me if anything,” Tanner said. “He asked for it.”

“That’s not how that works. Who are his parents?”

“Ah, I’m so glad you asked. I figured you might, so I asked him that exact question earlier. And his response is very cute. You’ll enjoy it. Young Jacob!” Tanner called.

The naked little boy ran back over. “Yessie?”

“Who’s your mom?”

“Mommy.”

“But what’s her name?”

“My mommy’s name is Mommy.”

“Precisely.” Tanner smiled at me. “There you go.”

I had no idea what that proved.

“Don’t let me and my grandson distract you. You have things you need to go do. Romantic things.Go to her.”

“While I order myself a grandson,” Nigel said.

I opened my mouth and closed it again. I was so lost. But there was no way Nigel could order a child. He barely knew how to use the internet. And I was pretty sure it seemed more like he wanted to be the child? He said he was jealous of Young Jacob.I mean Jacob.

I needed to get out of this house and clear my head. I put Brooklyn’s number in my pocket. I just needed a second alone to figure out what to do.

And I knew where I always did my best thinking. Talking to her. The old her. The one I knew.

Chapter 6

Saturday

Brooklyn

I’d seen the pictures of Matt being happy. And then I’d seen him with my own eyes in his pool with James’ sister. He was happy. I knew he was happy.

So what was this? I picked up a beautiful yellow rose that was only just starting to brown on the edges.

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