AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His eyes widen, shocked at my retort, and I’m glad because he needs to realize I’m not backing down now.
“I’ll see what I can do about that,” he finally agrees. “But what until then?”
Ava speaks for the first time. “Well, since Chance’s birthday was yesterday and he’s twelve now, he can decide who he wants to stay with until then.”
“I’m staying here with Mom,” Chance says immediately. “I want to stay with Mom most of the time, then weekends with you or whatever when you move here.”
Greg’s Adam’s apple moves as he swallows thickly, and I can tell he’s emotional, but I’m not going to step in and soothe his ego. He made his bed, and now he has to deal with it.
“If that’s what you want, Chance,” Greg says. “I just want you to be happy.”
Ava claps her hands together. “Alright, I’ll get the papers ready for you all to sign in the morning.”
“Yeah, and then it’s my birthday party,” Chance exclaims. “Uncle Frank says we can have fireworks!”
“Not at the café,” I repeat, rolling my eyes.
Ava grins at me, her face lit up. “I know the perfect place for a party with fireworks.”
TWENTY-FOUR
It’s been two weeks since I left Phoebe’s car in her driveway and her keys in the mailbox. I’ve thought about texting her every day, and several times had the words typed out, but I told her I’d give her space and that’s what she needs. Before she kissed me that night, the fear was shining in her eyes. She was ready to run, and that was the last thing I wanted. Then again, maybe we were meant to only be a fling, and we’ll move on. I’m just not ready to accept that yet.
Ashley and Kyler took Quinn to visit Kyler’s family and are spending two nights there, so I’m home alone for the night. I may go out to watch the fireworks, but more than likely, I’ll stay in and fall asleep early. It’s not even dark yet, though. I check my phone for the time and think about ordering a pizza. Hell, that just reminds me of Phoebe too, and our first date. Before I can decide what I want, the doorbell rings.
I’m not expecting anyone, so I look through the peephole, and no one’s there. Hell, I gotta get one of the cameras like I had at Ava’s apartment. I open the door to find Chance standing on the front stoop with a nervous smile.
“Hey, buddy,” I greet him, and he throws himself into my arms. I hug him back, clearing my throat.
“Hey, Isaac.” His voice is muffled in the crook of my arm.
“What’s up?” I glance around. “Where’s your mom?”
“She’s getting my birthday party ready. Ava’s going to drive me up there.”
“Up where?”
“Some lake house that her rich friend owns.” Chance shrugs. “All I know is we can legally have fireworks there. That’s all that matters.”
“And it’s your birthday? Dude, happy birthday.”
“It was two days ago, but with the case and all, we had to wait for the party.”
“Oh, yeah. That’s tough.”
“But I get to stay with Mom, so I’m happy.”
“That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you guys.” They deserve all the happiness in the world. “But dude, I gotta ask you a question.”
“What?”
“Did you run away again?” I whisper.
“No, I told Ava to pick us up here.”
“Pickusup?”
“Yeah. You can’t miss my birthday party.”
