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Chapter 26
Brady
I’m standing in the kitchen sneaking a beer from the fridge when Liam suddenly stomps in.
I swear, living with kids has definitely been an adjustment.
He comes in and slams his backpack on the table, all rudely.
What gives?
He then throws himself into a chair, folds his arms, and pouts.
Ooookay.
I’m new to kids, so I’m still figuring this shit all out.
I slowly walk up to him, fearing he’ll yell at me, and quietly pull up a chair.
“Hey, what’s up, little man?” I pat him gently on the arm. “If you keep throwing your backpack against the counters like that, we’re going to have to replace them.”
“Oh, crap.” Liam looks up at me and looks genuinely remorseful. “I’m sorry about that, Brady. It won’t happen again.”
I wave him off. “No, sorry. You’re fine. That was just a bad joke. Those counters are made of marble. They’re indestructible.”
Liam doesn’t look any happier. He sinks back into his seat and looks away from me.
You know, over these past couple of weeks, I was starting to think I was pretty good with kids. But it’s times like this where I realize that,nope, kids are still confusing sometimes.
Is it girls? Was he picked last for soccer or something? What the hell can it be?
Fortunately, before this situation can get any more awkward, Izzie comes in.
She’s changed out of her work clothes into an oversized hoodie and tiny shorts that show off the slight curve of her ass.
Liam who?
Izzie walks over to the other side of the table and sits next to Liam. She places her arm around his shoulder and kisses him on the forehead.
“It’s okay, Liam.” She brushes strands of hair out of his face. “If you want to go, you can bring me instead.”
Liam roughly pulls away. “No! That’s stupid. You’re agirl.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I stand up, raising my palms. “This is a sexism-free household. Anything men can do chicks can do, too. Right, Izzie?”
I give a quick eye at Izzie, waiting for her validation, but she doesn’t even look at me.
“It’s not about that.” She continues staring at Liam with concern dripping from her eyes. “There’s a father-son pancake breakfast at Liam’s school, but he doesn’t have anyone to go with him.”
“Because I don’t have a dad.” Liam looks up at me with these big ol’ puppy dog eyes.
If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought he was a child actor starring in a very emotional TV movie.
“Oh...right.” I scratch the back of neck awkwardly.
Now that I know everything about Izzie’s history, I can’t help feeling nervous when she talks about family stuff. I know it must all be hard for her and possibly even harder for Liam.
“It’s not fair!” Liam stands up suddenly and runs from the table.
