Page 100 of Second Chance

“Dad used to say I reminded him of his best friend from when he was a kid. A bit wild but with a big heart deep inside.” It’s my turn to swallow hard, and I’ll punch this kid if he brings me to tears. I haven’t shed one yet, but I feel a prickle in my nose and the sting behind my eyes.

“I talked to my mom about you.” His voice lowers, as does his head, and the seriousness of his tone makes my breath catch. My heart races. “I want to be candid with you which will make me sound like an insensitive ass.”

Here it comes, I think. He’s going to tell me to stay away from his mother and get the fuck out of town, just like his father.

“I feel a little sorry for you, Denton. You may have fame and fortune. California and beach babes. But I bet you never missed your dad. And I feel sorry for you that you didn’t have that kind of relationship because I’d take my dad backover fame and fortune.” I understand what he’s saying, but he’s right. I didn’t have a relationship with my father, and I took fame and fortune to compensate for the lack of positive attention. Great lot it did me. I’m just as alone, but I have money. Sarcasm chokes me. “I’d never trade that kind of relationship.”

I nod. I’m not certain if I’m supposed to respond. Am I to tell him he’s correct? Does he want my recognition of what he already knows about me? I had a shit relationship with my father. So, what?

“As a peace offering, I’d like to give you something you may never have. My child’s going to have lots of grand-uncles, but I’m talking about something more specific. Someone my child can call his own.”

I snort. “Like a step-grandfather?”

“Let’s not get carried away.” Jax patronizingly pats me on the shoulder a little rougher than necessary. “More like a replacement piece.” My forehead furrows, and he grimaces. “How about more like a thread…something that will weave you back to the area. Keep you in touch this time.”

We remain silent a second, and I swallow back the rest of my drink, dismissing the burn in my throat and the continuing sting to my eyes.

“Do you think she’s in love with me?”

Following the line of his vision to Hollilyn, who is rubbing her belly, but peering over at Jax, I chuckle at the obvious expression of her affection. Her face pinks and a shy smile forms on her face, brightening her cheeks.

“What’s not to love, right, kid?” I chuckle. He’s arrogant, and I expect a similar retort. Instead, he sounds uncertain of himself when he asks me: “Think I should marry her?”

“Do you love her?”

A small smile curls his lips, mirroring the woman beaming back at him. I’d say he does love her, even if he doesn’t see it.

“Yeah,” he sheepishly admits, his head lowering to break the connection between the two of them.

“What would your dad say?” I’m not sure I’m qualified to give advice on marriage, so I defer to Chris.

“Put a ring on that and never let her go.” I chuckle, imagining Chris’s voice saying such a thing.

“Yeah,” I sigh, seeking out Mati in the crowd of people milling in the yard.

“Maybe you should do the same.” My head swings back to him, but I take his meaning. To say I’m shocked is an understatement.