AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You ready to be a single dad?”
I frowned at Christian who grinned. “That’s basically what you’ll be during her season. She will live and breathe this place.”
I know.
That made me jealous but I loved her passion. It made her who she was and I learned to accept that her love for dance in no way competed with her love for me or our son.
“I’m ready for whatever she needs to be whole.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re a good one. I give you shit all the time but I know you love my sister and I respect the man you are for her.”
“Should I cry now or later?”
He grinned, ignoring me to focus on my son. “What up, dude?” Christian held his hand out, palm facing EJ who mirrored the motion. The two slapped hands and EJ rocked against me laughing. He was guarded and didn’t accept or deal with many people, but his family? EJ loved them.
“Mommy, pretty.” He bounced in my lap, clapping his hands as Cress took a bow after allowing the other dancers to have their moment. She and her partner Li clasped hands and bent at the waist. When she lifted Shilo presented her with a massive bouquet of roses. They were from the company. A ritual. But I still didn’t like that shit.
I stood, lifting EJ into my chest. “Mommy isbeautiful. Let’s go see her.”
He placed his tiny hands on my cheeks and leaned into me, grinning. After a quick show of affection, a kiss to his cheeks, I turned to Christian. “Didn’t Jona make it?”
The muscles in his jaw flexed. “Missed her flight.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, I’m starting to think I need to put eyes on her. She’s seeing someone. Claims it’s a friend but I think it’s more.”
I smirked. “You need her single just in case another arrangement opportunity arises.”
His eyes landed hard meeting mine. “No, done with that. The fucking stress the two of you put me through…”
I chuckled. The truth about who I am was still a sore spot, but we were good now. “It worked out.”
“Yeah, it did.”
“You coming backstage?”
“No, give her my love. I have plans.”
“Plans? Sounds personal.”
“It is, so keep that part to yourself. Cress will know when it’s time. For now, just plans.”
He and Ez were both going through similar situations. Their marriages had failed. Separating wasn’t as easy as they wanted it to be which meant the process was moving slowly.
“Not my business.”
“Whether I like it or not, it is. We’re family now. One affects all.” He shrugged, brushing a hand over EJ’s head.
“Later, buddy.”
“Wayter…”
Those Ls didn’t quite land yet but fuck if that wasn’t the most adorable thing.
I watched him leave then gathered our son’s things. Now it was time for me to go show appreciation for the woman who completed me.
* * *
