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He gives me a little wink, making my woman bits seize up, as the two walk away.
“Don’t look now, love, you’re drooling.”
I whip my head to the side and am witness to Stone and his doppelganger.
“Hey, Jett.” I’ve met his son before, but it’s been a while and he looks more like a mini-Stone than last time.
“Hi.” He’s not shy but then again, neither is his father. “Can I go and play outside?”
“Bridget and Simon are out there, watching everyone,” I mention.
He pats Jett’s head. “Be sure to find Bridget or Simon, Son.” And Jett runs off to play.
“So, you and Gibson had a good date the other night?”
I raise one of my eyebrows in my what the hell question. “I asked to talk to him about Jett’s behavior the other day, and I think he thought it had something to do with your date. It wasn’t a way to find out, but now I’ll just ask.”
His smile is wide, so wide. He has no shame.
“Yeah, it was good. But he mentioned something before you got here.”
“And what’s that, love?”
“I asked why he doesn’t like you, and he debunked the claim.”
He laughs. “You’re fishing, love, and I know you have questions you’re trying to get answered.”
My mouth splits into a smile, until the shadow of what looks like my ex-husband appears behind Stone. My face pales and sweat breaks out on my forehead.
“Love, what’s wrong?”
“Yeah, love, what’s wrong?” my vile ex-husband spews, attempting to sound Irish.
Stone spins around, placing his body between myself and Jimmy.
“Love, would you like this man to leave?” He doesn’t take his eyes off of Jimmy. Though I’m behind him, his words are intended for the both of us.
“Jim, please leave.” When I shorten his name, it gets his attention, and he whips his stare to me. “Don’t cause a scene. My parents are here, and my dad’s blood pressure can’t take a confrontation with you.” I barely get this out of my mouth when another person steps between Jimmy and myself, right next to Stone. They’re both making a wall where Jimmy can’t get to me.
“Oh, looky here,” Jimmy begins, “you’re the man who threatened me with a gun. Maybe the cops need to have a chat with you.”
Both Stone and Gibson scoff at his remark. “If you don’t leave, I’ll physically remove you from this establishment.” This is Stone.
From behind me, an unrecognized voice gets my attention. “Ma’am, is there a problem here?”
I swing around, spying my dad on the playground with Meadow. He has no clue that Jimmy is here, and I want to keep it that way, as I begin to speak to who I believe is the manager. “Yeah, this is my ex-husband. I have a restraining order.” I pull for my purse. I’d not told anyone, but Bridget, and not even my parents I felt better protected with a restraining order. It would bring up questions I didn’t want to answer. I show the manager, a man in his late forties with a kind smile.
“Are you Jimmy Andropolis?” he asks of Jimmy, and he nods. “And you must be Charis?” I give him a bob of my head with my answer. “I’m sorry, Mr. Andropolis, but if you don’t vacate my premises, I’ll have to call the cops. And I’d rather not do that.”
Jimmy takes a step toward Gibson, and Stone creates a barrier for Gibs, with Stone’s response at my ex. “You want him, you go through me.”
Jimmy’s eyes swing to the manager, already dialing 911. “Okay, I’m leaving, but don’t think for a second this is over, either one of you stupid motherfucking white knights.” He turns around, as Simon appears next to me.
“Was that your ex?” Simon asks.
“Yeah, did my dad see?” My father is rather healthy except for his blood pressure, but a fight with his estranged godson is the last thing he needs and would most likely land him in the ER.
“He didn’t see. He’s playing with all the kids.” Simon turns to the manager. “Sorry about that, and thanks for taking care of it.”
