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“He’s a great kid. He just started walking. We keep trying to tell Nick to get full custody, but he won’t. He thinks he’s too fucked up to be a good enough dad,” Aleks sighed. I was so shocked. I hadn’t even considered any of them could have kids.
“Do any more of you have kids?” I asked.
“No. Just Nick,” Aleks assured me with a smile.
“He’s your kid too, Nick! I shouldn’t have to fucking call you when I need you to take care of him, you no good fucking asshole!” A shrill voice screamed. I could hear the little boy crying and fussing and who could blame him with his mother yelling the way she was.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. Mind your language in front of him,” Nick argued. “I just said it would have been good if you called because most of the time I’m at work and I wouldn’t have been here. You’re lucky I’m here now.” Nick was obviously frustrated but I admired the way he was trying to remain civil.
“Whatever! I don’t have time for this. His shit’s in the bag. I’ll be back on Saturday,” Kayla dismissed him. I couldn’t stop myself from turning where I sat to look at her.
She was older than me, tall and blonde. She was dressed in jeans so tight, they looked as though she spray painted them on. She had a short fur coat on, which was bright white, and matching furry snow boots that came to mid-thigh. Her hair was long and pulled up into a very high, very tight ponytail. She wore a lot of eye makeup and her lips were perfectly painted in red. She was pretty and immaculately presented. Exactly what I imagined these guys would go for.
“That’s fine. Just let me know what time on Saturday you want to pick him up,” Nick told her. He had his son in his arms. I guessed he was a little over a year old, with thick dark hair, just like his dad. He had stopped crying now and had his head resting on Nick’s shoulder, a little blue bunny clutched by its ears in his hand.
Kayla glanced around and locked eyes with me. Instantly her face turned from sour, to deadly.
“Who the fuck is she?” She screeched.
“Kayla, this is Evie. She’s a friend of mine from back home,” Harris cut in.
“She better not be living here. I’m supposed to be informed if you’ve got women living here, where you take care of our son!” she ranted at Nick as she pointed a perfectly manicured finger at him.
“She’s not living here. She’s just staying for a little while,” Nick sighed. “But even if she was, it’s really none of your business. I don’t ask you to inform me every time you move another guy in with our son, do I?”
“Must be nice, huh? You here, living a life of freedom, fucking whatever comes through the door while I’m stuck in that slum you call an apartment, taking care of your fucking son!” She spat bitterly. “You have no idea what I go through with that kid! He never fucking stops screaming! Not that you give a shit anyway!”
“Kayla, just go. Your boyfriend is waiting for you. I’ll take care of Zack for as long as you need. Just call me when you want to pick him up,” Nick sighed tiredly, and I really felt for him in that moment. He wasn’t even arguing. He was just taking her abuse, likely to get her out of there and away from the child listening to every word she said.
“Fine, but we’re talking when I get back. I need a bigger place and you’re not giving me enough money. I can’t survive on what you give me!” she cried, but she looked to be surviving just fine to me with her fancy clothes and manicure.
“Fine. We’ll talk. Just go,” Nick told her. I think I was as relieved as he was when she stopped glaring at me and turned to leave. I had never really been intimidated by other women in the past but it seemed that was just another part of me that had changed.
I remained where I was with Aleks, until I heard the distinct sound of the front door closing. We all seemed to listen as a car drove off outside, then there was a collective sigh of relief.
“I’m really sorry about that, Evie. I had no idea she would turn up,” Nick told me as his eyes met mine.
“I’m fine. Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m used to it,” he sighed.
“I don’t get why you take her shit, man. You’re an amazing dad and you give her almost every penny you earn. You don’t deserve the things she says to you,” Kailan said.
“If I say anything, she’ll just scream louder and for longer. I don’t want Zack subjected to that. I’ll have it out with her when she gets back, without him in the room. She’s not getting more money. I don’t have more to give her.”
I slid down from the counter and walked over to Nick, leaning in to look at the little man on his shoulder. He was adorable, with dark blue eyes, just like Nick, and the cutest little chubby cheeks. He was just silently snuggling against his dad, clutching his rabbit.
“Hey there, little man,” I greeted him warmly. He looked at me, then sat up to get a better look, almost headbutting Nick in the chin with his rapid movement. “How old is he?” I asked, looking to Nick.
“Almost eighteen months. He was born early, so he’s small for his age, but the doctor assured us he’ll catch up.”
“You hungry, buddy?” Kailan asked as he appeared at my side and tickled Zack under the chin.
“Kay-kay!” he cheered happily as he reached out to Kailan and smiled the most adorable toothy smile. Kailan instantly took him from Nick and whisked him off to the kitchen.
“I’ll make him some lunch!” Kailan called behind him, and Aleks followed them.
“He loves the guys. They help me take care of him when he’s here,” Nick explained.
