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Since all the brothers have started having families, they’ve had to compromise and come up with a system much like a rota.
Chloe has been a little short-tempered lately and her being almost the age for pre-school has me on edge with her mood swings.
Last week during a play date, she held a boy’s head in the sandbox when he pushed Finn’s oldest son, Prince, over.
Prince didn’t need help, though, he proceeded to trip the poor kid off the top of a jungle gym. All the parents agreed it was an accident, but I saw the dark look takeover Prince’s eyes. The kid is ruthless and a replica of Finn in appearance and personality. He literally held his foot out as the kid was going to clamber over him. Then, to Angel’s mortification, he refused to apologize.
And Cal thinkswehave problems?
For lunch I suggested a picnic in the park and Cal agreed the fresh air would do us all good, but when Reece complained about a potential wasp invasion, Chloe wrapped herself around Cal, uncontrollably shaking. So, we came home, and Reece used the opportunity to go out. I can’t help but wonder if he uses Chloe’s anxieties to benefit himself sometimes.
I place the vegetables on the table.
Cal glances around the room. “Where’s Reece gone?”
“He went out.”
“Out where?”
Chloe’s eyes dart from me to Cal, back and forth like ping pong balls.
I give a nonchalant uncommitted noise.
Cal sighs heavily. “I like us all to have dinner together.”
“I know you do, Cal. But he’s a teenager and he has studies.” I shrug.
Cal stares at Reece’s empty space. “We always had dinner as a family when I was growing up. I want that for my kids too.”
I take a seat and entwine my fingers with his, feeling the familiar pang of guilt about Cal missing out on Reece’s upbringing, I swallow away the lump of emotion. “I know that’s important to you. I’m sorry.”
His Adam’s apple bobs, no doubt remembering the meals with his father. “You’re right. He’s getting older.” He clears his throat. “What time will he be back? He still has a curfew.” He raises his eyebrow at me in question.
I choke on my drink because Reece may have a curfew, but he also has ways around that curfew, ones I haven’t disclosed to my husband. Determined to keep my son’s secret and therefore minimize any arguments and dramas bound to transpire. There’s only so much drama I can take.
“I think Reece was helping Oscar at one of the clubs, something to do with spreadsheets or accounts?” I waft my hand nonchalantly, hoping to dispel any more interrogation.
“Which club?”
My heart beats faster, irritation now bubbling in my veins. “Not Indulgence, Cal. Do you really think your brother would allow him anything to do with that side of the business?”
Cal jolts. “Of course not. I’d just prefer him to be at home at night, that’s all.” He takes a drink of his whiskey while holding my gaze.
“Well, he’s eighteen years old and old enough to move out if he wanted to.” I stare back at him with a steely determination. If he continues mollycoddling Reece like this, he will push him away.
“Daddy, I want a pussy of my own,” Chloe pouts with her arms crossed and her eyebrows drawn down. “A hairy one.”
Cal splutters on his drink.
“I want one now!” Chloe ramps up her oncoming tantrum. I press the pressure points on my forehead and massage them gently. Asking myself what time is too early for Chloe’s bedtime.
“Maybe we can get Aunty Paige to see if one needs rehoming?” Cal suggests, making my mouth drop open and my eyebrows shoot up.
Seriously, no discussion on this at all?
Chloe bounces up from her chair and throws herself at Cal. “You’re the best daddy in the whole wide world.” She beams up at him and he kisses the top of her head, embracing the fact he just won his tantrum-troubled daughter over with a cat that’s probably got more issues than Pussy could ever have.
My mind wanders back to some of the interaction Pussy has had with other cats and not one of them has ever been a good outcome. I always took the positives from the whole situation that Pussy came out on top and the only vet fees I had to pay were the poor cat’s that lost the battle with Puss.
