Chapter Five
Caden
Her ass.
Damn, I’m like a dog in heat watching her strut away. Add in the fact she’s wearing tight workout leggings and a tank top that barely contains her ample chest. And those curves? I could get lost for days exploring the hourglass shape of her body. She’s a walking wet dream.
But what I want to know now is who in the hell she’s having dinner with. Not that it’s any of my business, but that doesn’t abate the fact I want to know.
This weird feeling settles in my chest, and I rub my hand across it to try to force it away. The thought of Adrienne going on a date with some nameless jackoff doesn’t sit well with me, which is wild because I pride myself on not letting those pesky little things irritate me. But here I am, ready to abandon the rest of my workout so I can find out who she’s meeting.
Why the hell does that bother me? I’ve never cared before.
Deciding some free weights will get me out of my own head, I turn up the volume on my earbuds and ignore everyone around me. Usually, I would enjoy some of the gym bunnies walking around, flaunting what God gave them as they try to grab a bit of attention. But today, I’m just not feeling it. I keep my nose to the mat, so to speak, and complete my workout.
Just as I replace the dumbbells onto the rack, I spot a wild mane of dark, curly hair rapidly bouncing toward the front entrance. Adrienne has clearly showered, wearing a pair of cutoff shorts and a blue tank top. Her hair is piled high on the top of her head and she’s wearing cute little sandals that show off her painted toenails.
My eyes follow her every move as she slips outside and darts across the street, pausing only long enough to not get hit by a passing car. I slowly shift my position so my eyes can track her movement. She stops in front of the Mexican restaurant, waves at someone through the window, and then enters.
And I’m standing here, watching, like some fucking creeper.
Go me.
I return my attention to my workout, and while I complete it, I couldn’t tell you what I actually did or how many reps. My mind was securely focused on the beauty across the street, dining at the Mexican place.
Heading toward the men’s locker room, I spot another familiar face I’d rather not see. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere for me to hide, especially since she’s staring straight at me, approaching with an extra swing in her step to draw my attention, and blocking my escape.
When she stops in front of me and flashes a supermodel smile, I acknowledge with a nod and curt, “Krissy.”
“Oh, hi, Caden,” she coos, stepping into my personal space and placing a hand against my chest. “Fancy meeting you here.”
I want to roll my eyes, but refrain. “Is it really though? I come here most days after work,” I reply casually, taking a step back to dislodge her hand.
“Wanna go catch up? It’s been a while,” she practically sings, her tongue darting out and sliding along her plump bottom lip.
While her offer is rather attractive for a man who has absolutely no intention of settling down, I’ve been there, done that with her. A few times. She always claims she’s fine with casual, usually persuading me to give it another go by dropping to her knees, I’m very much aware that’s not really the case. Krissy is “fine” with casual sex until she thinks she has her claws in me enough to demand more.
No number of talons will ever dig deep enough to have that sort of hold on me.
Usually, after a few weeks, she turns into the woman who wants more. She turns up at all hours of the night and demands things like snuggle sessions and movie date nights. Things that were not in our previously laid out and discussed arrangement.
So, while what I know she’s offering sounds appealing, the consequences are too great. “Sorry, Kris, maybe another time.” I wince at my own words. There will not be another time, and the last thing I want to do is give her the impression it’s up for discussion. “Actually, that’s probably not accurate. You’re a great girl, but I think our time together has just run its course, you know?”
She stares back at me, mouth gaping open and blinking wildly. “What?” she shrieks, drawing attention of those around us. “Excuse me?”
“You’re a great girl, Kris—” I start but am cut off.
“Don’t give me that you’re a great girl, Kris bullshit!” She bats at her long, blond ponytail, flipping it over her shoulder. “You’ll be back. You always come back,” she insists with a huff before stomping away.
I’m left standing here, scratching my head. I can feel all the eyes burning into the back of me, obviously watching Krissy’s little outburst. With a sigh, I make my way to the locker room and get ready to shower.
After showering and changing into a fresh pair of shorts and T-shirt, I shove my dirty work and gym clothes into my duffle bag and head for the exit. I keep my head down as I move to the door, giving Gage, the high schooler who’s working behind the counter, a wave as I go. Just as my feet hit the sidewalk outside, my phone rings. Spotting my grandma’s name on the screen, I quickly tap the screen and connect the call.
“Hello?”
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite grandson,” she boasts with a smile. I can practically see her sitting in her easy chair, phone with a cord up to her ear because she refuses to use one of those “silly little celly things.”
I snort, stepping aside so I’m not standing directly in the middle of the sidewalk. “You say that to all the boys. You have five.”
“Yes, but I really mean it when I say it to you.”
Smiling, I lean against the bricks of the gym, my foot propped against the wall. “You really know how to lay it on thick,” I tease.
“Yes, well, you didn’t learn all your bullshitting from your grandfather,” she quips. Before I can comment, she continues, “Listen, I wanted to give you a call about the wedding.”
It takes me a fraction of a second to understand what she’s talking about, but the moment I do, it’s like a sucker punch to the gut. “Gram,” I start.
“Listen to me, Caden. I’m old. I’m not going to be here forever. I want to spend what little time I have left on this earth with my grandchildren. Is that so much to ask?”
I close my eyes, my throat thick, making it hard to swallow. “No, it’s not, but I can’t go to that wedding.”
“Yes, you can,” she insists. “Show them they didn’t win.”
“But still. Kinda a dick move to even invite me, if you ask me.”
“Well, I do agree with you there. We both know that cousin of yours isn’t the brightest crayon in the box.”
I smile, even though there’s a tinge of pain in the middle of my chest. It pisses me off they can still affect me this way, all these years later. My feet start to move, carrying me down the sidewalk. I walk aimlessly, with no real destination in mind, obviously, since I’m going in the opposite direction of my work truck.
“I know it’s a tall ask, Caden, but I really want you there. I don’t know how much time I have left.”
I sigh. My gram is pushing eighty and is a picture of perfect health. I’m certain she’s going to be hanging around for years to come, but I can’t help but worry that maybe she knows something I don’t know. That bothers me. After my parents’ marriage exploded like the Fourth of July, she and Pap were the closest thing I had to stable role models.
“Gram, what if Scarlet and I come take you to dinner soon? Joshua will come too, if he doesn’t have basketball practice.”
Scarlet is my older sister, and Joshua is my sixteen-year-old nephew. I’d offer to include my brother-in-law, but I really don’t want that fucker anywhere near Gram. Scarlet and Warner are separated—again—due to his numerous affairs. The man doesn’t give a flying fuck if what he does is right or wrong and who he hurts in the process. He’s cheated on my sister multiple times throughout their marriage, and much to my dismay, she’s taken him back every time.
Until March. At least she’s held strong for the last couple of months or so. Back around St. Patrick’s Day, he diddled with his secretary—again—and got caught. Scarlet moved to the basement living area, refusing to sleep in the same bed as her cheating husband. I’m waiting to hear about her next steps, hoping and praying this is the final time she lets him get away with hurting her. As her brother, I’m just not sure how much more I can watch. I love her too much and she deserves so much more than she’s getting.
“While I wouldn’t be opposed to having dinner with you and your sister, I haven’t had all ten of my grandchildren together since Pap’s funeral. It’s been nearly a decade. It’s time, Caden.”
I sigh, wishing there were another way. The last thing I want to do is attend my cousin’s wedding. Not when the woman he’s marrying used to be engaged to me.
“They’re all coming, Caden. Please.”
Closing my eyes, I stop walking. I exhale slowly, knowing I’ll do whatever she wants, even if that means attend the wedding of my ex-fiancée and the man she cheated on me with, my cousin. “All right, Gram. I’ll go.”
“Oh, goodie,” she declares. “And don’t worry about a thing. You can sit with me and ignore those you don’t want to talk to.”
I shake my head, knowing that’s not true. I’d have to ignore almost everyone there, because I’m certain everyone will give me pitiful looks and gossip when they think I’m not listening. Lord knows everyone in my family is aware of what happened all those years ago. Hell, it divided us all from the moment Dawn told me our baby wasn’t actually mine, but that of my cousin, Tyler. Attending their wedding isn’t exactly high on my priority list. Hell, it’s not even on the list.
But I’ll go.
For Gram.
“Oh! You should bring a date.”
Again, I sigh. The last thing I want is to bring someone with me to my cousin’s wedding, because then the real questions will start. How long have you been dating? Is she the one? It’s about time you got back on the horse. When are you getting married?
Then again, I don’t know what’s worse. Listening to the questions thrown my way all night long or the fact I’d be alone. Those looks might be just as grating. You know, the sad ones that wonder if I’m still hung up on the bride because I haven’t dated anyone since.
“I’ll think about it, Gram.”
“You do that. All right, well, I’ll let you go. I’ll RSVP for you, since it’s past the deadline, and I’ll put you down for two…just in case,” she adds before blowing kisses into the phone. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hang up and stare down at the sidewalk. This sucks. My gut tells me to tell them all to get bent. I’m not going to my cheating ex-fiancée’s wedding, even if the groom is my cousin. In fact, that sort of makes it worse. But I also don’t want to disappoint my gram. I’ve already told her I’d go. Maybe I can fake the stomach bug?
Just as I slip my phone into the pocket of my athletic shorts, I survey where I am. When I was talking to Gram, I started walking, and right now, I realize I’m standing directly in front of the Mexican restaurant. My gaze automatically goes to the front windows, where Adrienne is sitting with a man and woman, all watching me. She gives me a wave as her concern-filled eyes follow my every move. I return the gesture, flashing her a grin I’m certain doesn’t reach my eyes.
Adjusting my gym bag, I make my way back to my truck. I try to push away all thoughts of the upcoming wedding I agreed to attend and focus on Adrienne. She was dining with Gary and Patti, who I’ve known most of my life. They’re not married but have lived together for years. Jack and I did some work in their house not too long ago.
I climb into my work truck and head for home. My fingers strum against the steering wheel to an inaudible beat, but there’s no music. The cab of my truck is eerily quiet, much to my dismay. I always have something playing in the background. I’ve discovered it helps me not get too lost in my own thoughts, the white noise having a calming effect on me.
That’s a big reason I went into a trade. Schoolwork just wasn’t for me. I excelled in shop and agriculture classes, always needing something to keep my hands busy. Electrical work does just that. I’m always tinkering, always thinking, always moving.
Just the way I like it.
Probably the ADHD diagnosis I received when I was in second grade.
I pull into my driveway and throw a wave at the neighbor. He’s mowing his yard for the second time this week. He has some weird competition with the neighbor on the other side of his house, as they unofficially compete for best yard. The amount of time they spend fertilizing, weeding, and mowing their lawn in their New Balance athletic shoes and King of the Grill T-shirts is wild to me, but I guess that’s what happens when you’re a middle-aged man living in the middle of Smalltown USA.
I just get inside when my phone chimes with a text. A smile crosses my lips as soon as I see my nephew’s name.
Joshua: Hey, Unc! B-ball tourney this Saturday and Sunday. First game 8a.m.
The text includes a photo of the pool schedule, showing the initial four games he’ll play on Saturday, and then the bracket play on Sunday for the tournament championship. Even though I told Stevie and Jack I’d go with them to Burgers and Brew to hear Kinsley play, the Saturday games should be done by then.
I fire off a response.
Me: I’m there.
Joshua: Cool. Popcorn and M&M’s between games.
I smile. He knows my go-to concession stand treat of choice.
Me: See you this weekend, kid! Break a leg.
He sends me back the thumbs-up emoji, ending the conversation.
I love watching my nephew play basketball. He’s phenomenal. Much more talented than I was at his age. I was a decent player, earning a varsity starting role my junior year. Joshua earned that spot as a freshman, having played club ball from the time he was eight years old. I’ve spent more time in bleachers, watching him play, than I care to admit, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Basketball is the best sport, and I’m proud of the kid. He possesses the determination and drive it takes, putting in the work, both on the court and off.
I fire off another text.
Me: My little buddy want to watch some b-ball this weekend?
Jack: You know he does! Tournament?
Me: Yep, games on Saturday and Sunday.
Jack: I’ll talk to Stevie and see when we can get him there.
Me: He can hang with me if you guys don’t want to stay. Up to you.
Jack: OK. Will let you know.
Jack’s son, Christian, loves to go to games. During Joshua’s sophomore season, they came to several to support him, and now that Josh is playing club ball during the summer, I know the kindergartener is chomping at the bit to go. And he’s my favorite little fan to enjoy a game with, because he’s so energetic and really gets into it. Plus, he eats popcorn and M&M’s with me.
My phone rings only a few minutes later.
“Hello?”
“Uncle Caden, I wanna go! Daddy says I can!” Christian bellows into the phone, causing me to chuckle.
“Okay,” I reply just in time to hear Christian hand over the phone to his dad.
“Here, Dad. Make it happen.”
Jack laughs before placing the phone to his ear. “Apparently, my boss wants me to get this scheduled on his calendar.”
Smiling, I reply, “That’s part of your job, right? Assistant to the littles in your house.”
“Very true,” he retorts, but there’s not a hint of aggravation or displeasure in his voice.
We make plans for Christian to come with me Sunday to at least two games, while Jack, Stevie, and Gianna do their grocery and household shopping. I’ll pick him up on my way to the school, and Jack will come get him at some point during the afternoon.
“Hold on. Christian wants to say something,” Jack says, handing the phone back to his son.
“Thanks, Uncle Caden! I’m willy, willy excited!”
“Me too, little buddy. I’ll pick you up Sunday morning.”
“’Kay. Bye! Oh, wait! Shake and bake, baby!” He’s hooting and hollering as he takes off.
Jack sighs into the phone. “He’s like this because of you, you know that, right?”
I bark out a laugh. “I’m an awesome role model. Kids love me.”
“That’s because you have the same mentality,” Jack grumbles. “See you tomorrow.”
“Shake and bake, baby,” I reply as my friend laughs before disconnecting the call.
I’m excited, not just to watch Joshua play b-ball, but to take Christian with me. A little basketball, listening to some good music and hanging with friends Saturday night. Maybe even getting to flirt with Adrienne, which seems to be my favorite pastime lately. It’s going to be a good weekend.
Shake and bake.