AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tommy shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. But I knew it had hurt him, the constant arguing he’d overheard between his mother and me as I’d tried and failed to work out our differences. The fatal flaw was my love for Addy. My mistake marrying his mother continued to hurt him since Katy had no interest in continuing a relationship with her son.
“The karma from everything’s on her anyway, not him,” Tommy told his friends, giving me absolution that I didn’t deserve because he loved me.
“Tommy!” I bellowed. It was time to interrupt.
“Oops. I’d better go see what he wants.” Tommy turned toward the kitchen, holding up his pad. “I’ll put in your order and be right back.” He left the girls’ table in a hurry, the strings on his black work apron swinging.
Missy sighed, watching him. “His ass is nearly as good as Kyle’s.”
Claire laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
I quickly moved away from my eavesdropping at the window as Tommy entered the kitchen. “Hey. What did they order?”
“Your choice, Pop.”
“Specials,” I said as I started pulling ingredients.
“Were you listening?” Tommy leaned a hip against the counter.
“Yeah,” I said. “You teaching Claire Vovinam?”
“Missy too.”
“Be good for them to know a few things. Southside isn’t Dallas.”
“Yeah, Missy’s home situation isn’t good. Might try to teach her a few more things than Claire.”
“You’re a good man, Tommy.”
“Right back at ya, Pop.”
“This will be done in a moment. I’ll bring it out.” I jerked up my chin. “Go visit with your friends.”
“Will do.”
“Oh, Tommy,” I called.
“Yeah.” He stopped at the swing door and glanced back at me.
“Addy’s coming over tonight after work.”
“You got her to come around?” he asked.
“I did.” My eyes burned with that satisfaction.
“She’s pretty. Caring. Claire talks about her. I’m glad for you.” He jerked up his chin and pushed through the door.
Man, I loved my son.
I blinked through the bright burn of that love in my eyes and got to work. I just had to flash some things in the fryer. A few moments later, I had everything done.
Slipping out of the kitchen, I stepped up to the group. “Hey again,” I said warmly, passing Tommy the tray, and he served them.
“I don’t think we had formal introductions.” Meeting my gaze, Claire pointed to herself. “I’m Claire Walsh. This is my best friend, Missy Rivera.”
“Barry Evans.” I grabbed Tommy, grabbing him in a playful headlock to bring him close. “And this is my son, Tommy Evans.”
“Right.” Claire smiled, but I saw the sadness behind it. She missed her dad. “Thanks for cooking for us.”
