Chapter Four #2
A sad smile touched Nova’s lips. “Yeah. I noticed that too. It’s tough to be basically alone in the world. We have each other. Who does he have?”
Diesel felt moved to point out the obvious. “To be fair, he has a dad.”
An annoyed look passed over his mom’s features. “What kind of parent doesn’t go out of their way to spend the holidays with their child?”
Diesel raised his hands and dropped them again, showing he had nothing.
“I only met him once. Everything about the encounter was strange. It was almost as if he wasn’t there for Kuba at all.
I can’t explain that. There was just a whole undertone I didn’t understand.
” He shrugged. “I know that doesn’t make sense. You kind of had to be there.”
Nova nodded. “It’s the ultra-rich. Their existence is completely different than anything we understand. It’s probably for the best since they’re usually not good people.”
That was true. Diesel had met way too many spoiled elites. “Well, I guess we’re not solving any of the world’s problems tonight. I think I’ll take a shower and head to bed early. We stayed up way too late last night and drank entirely too much.”
Nova laughed. “I know. I had to clean up the mess this morning.”
Diesel pulled a face. “Sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”
She waved away his words. “It makes me happy knowing you two get along so well. I know you’ll be good when you move in with him.”
Diesel hoped that was true. He liked Kuba way more than he wanted to admit.
Soon, Kuba would be his boss and off-limits.
Not to mention, the guy probably had countless men on speed dial.
At the end of the day, Diesel was no one.
He needed to get himself under control now before he got his feelings hurt.
It was easy to think that way when Kuba wasn’t around.
When he was right there, feet away, Diesel’s mind didn’t work correctly.
Things got clouded. Diesel would figure it out.
Nova cleared her throat. She didn’t look at him as she moved her glass from one spot to another on the table next to her chair.
“Since you’re headed to bed, I think I’ll make my way over to Tory’s house and take her her gift.
I’d planned to wait until tomorrow, but it’s still early and you’re going to bed. ”
“You’re not a kid, Mom. Neither am I. You’re allowed to go do things. Tory is your best friend. Of course you’d want to see her. Tell her I said hi and that I really hope to actually get to meet her someday.”
She flashed him a smile. “You know you will. I swear the timing never works out for you two. While I’m there, I’ll see if I can set up brunch or something.”
“Sounds great.” Diesel stood and kissed her cheek. “I love you. Goodnight and have fun.”
“I love you too, baby. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay.” He headed for the hallway. “Make good choices.”
Her laughter had him chuckling on his way to the bedroom. As he emptied his pockets on the bedside table, his phone chirped. A smile exploded across his face at the sight of Kuba’s name followed by an image of Legos spread across a table.
Kuba: All the pieces are sorted so I can get started building tomorrow.
Diesel sat on the bed, propped a few pillows behind his back, and leaned against the headboard. He crossed his legs at the ankles and settled in before texting back.
Diesel: Damn. That’s a lot of pieces. How long did that take?
Kuba: About five hours. When I got home, I took a nap and then got started. Everything in my spine just popped when I sat back.
Diesel: I’ll bet after being hunched over them pieces. Do you feel any better?
He chewed his bottom lip as he watched the dots bounce. Knowing Kuba typed to keep their conversation going was enough to keep him transfixed.
Kuba: I feel human again. Thanks for asking. What are your plans for the night?
Diesel: I was just about to jump in the shower and then go to bed. What’s your plan?
This time, it took a minute before the dots jumped again.
Kuba: I took too long of a nap and just drank some pre-workout, so now I’m wired. That means gym time for me. I’d love to get some actual practice in, but it’s Christmas.
Diesel: Why does that matter?
Kuba: Jayme is off on holidays.
Diesel: Who is Jayme?
Seriously, Diesel was confused. When it came to Kuba’s career, he was lost.
Kuba: My trainer. You know, the guy in the punch mitts when you showed up the other day.
Diesel: Oh.
For a moment, Diesel hesitated before hitting send. Yeah, he was in trouble. He went back to typing.
Diesel: Oh. I can probably hold some mitts.
Kuba: Are you joking?
Diesel: Only if you’re laughing at me.
He went back to chewing his bottom lip. Diesel shouldn’t have made that offer. He didn’t know shit about being a trainer.
Kuba: That was an excited response. If you’re seriously offering, I’d love that. I don’t like sitting still, but I know not everyone is a workaholic the way I am.
Diesel: Yeah, it was a serious offer. I’ll change and head that way.
Kuba: I’ll see you soon. The door will be unlocked.
Diesel popped from the bed and found his gym clothes.
He quickly dressed while trying to quiet his mind.
If he didn’t think, then he couldn’t call himself an idiot.
When he opened his bedroom door, he ran straight into his mom.
She had changed clothes and her hair was done. They held each other’s stare.
Diesel broke first. “We didn’t see each other.”
Nova burst out laughing. She moved on, waving over her shoulder. Diesel shook his head. One of these days, his mom would finally admit to him that Tory might be her best friend, but she was also her lover. That day wouldn’t be today, it seemed.