Page 15 of Summer Sweethearts
Me:
Heads up just ran into Loretta at Ted’s
Cain:
How did that go?
Me:
She yelled at me for using her old nickname and then ran away crying
Aiden:
Fuck
Me:
Yeah she almost got into an accident as she left. She was so upset
Aiden:
I’ll check on her. Thanks for the heads up Mikey
Cain:
At least the first meeting is over. Did she say anything else interesting?
Me:
No why?
Aiden:
Shut up Cain. Don’t cause issues that don’t exist
Me:
What do you mean?
Aiden:
Nothing. Cain is just a tease. Loves a good joke you know that
Cain:
Yeah. Sorry Mikey I meant nothing by it
Me:
K
I dim the screen, throw the phone into the cup holder, and head back to the shop to close up for the night. Cain and Aiden know something that they’re not sharing with me, and I have no idea what it could be. They told me Loretta wasn’t with another man, and I know they wouldn’t outright lie to me, so I’m lost.What if she’s a mom? Do I want to be a stepdad?That has to be it. She has a kid. The kid is part Loretta, so of course I want her, even with a tiny sidekick.
I just need to tell her that, but first, I need to hear it from her mouth. Pictures of us going to the park together and watching her little one play flash in my mind. Fun, chaotic mornings for Christmas and Easter. My heart beats faster, and I get a flutter in my stomach. I always wanted a family, to be a dad. I always thought I’d get to do that with Loretta, and now here’s my chance to prove it to her.
LORETTA
“Babe, where are you? Why are all the lights out?” Jessica calls as she enters the house. “Lor? Aiden called and said you were upset, and that I should come to check on you. What is going on?” she continues as she makes her way further into the house.
