46. Tyson
TYSON
I hated having Becky around but I wanted to be around Tj right now. The stress of the press was weighing on him and I could help him. My bitch of an ex-wife was absolutely no help. Each day when she dropped off Tj he was feeding me lines that she clearly had said to him.
Just like today when he dropped down into the large chair in my office and said, “I’m tired of the cameras.” Which got my attention. Then he said, “They are so intrusive.” That is not something a kid says. Especially not the same kid who says ‘dude’ and ‘bro’.
“Are they still bothering you?” I kneeled down in front of him. Laurel had been a huge help, and I know she could help if they were still around.
He hung his head. “No dad. They aren’t.”
“Why would you say that?” I tried to keep the edge out of my voice but this pissed me off so fucking much. Becky tried constantly to turn Tj away from me and it pissed her off that he loved me despite what she said.
“Because mom said you’d be mad if I did say it.”
“Son, please know that I am never mad at you. If someone is bothering you, then you have to tell me but you should be honest with me too.” He nodded up and down. “I love having you here and I want you to be safe.”
“You want me here?” He asked in a hopeful voice, which ripped my heart out. What else was Becky telling him?
I pulled him into my chest and hugged him tightly. “Of course I want you here.”
He hugged me tightly around my neck. “Thank you dad. I love you.”
“I love you too buddy.” I could cry right now. Becky might be trying to ruin him, but he was smart and I could be better than her.
I heard a quiet knock at the door, “Can I come in?” It was Vance. He must have come from training because he was drenched.
“Sure.” Tj answered for me and he dropped his arms. “Uncle Van, are you gonna get your butt kicked?”
That comment made us both laugh. “No, I don’t plan on it. Especially if you are there.”
“Mom said that we were busy.” He sounded devastated. Becky once again tried to make Tj feel bad about wanting to do something for me or with me. And now she was pulling Vance into it too. You don’t fuck with the people I love.
“Hey buddy, want to train with me?” Vance and Tj danced around the room punching the air.
“Duh Uncle Van, I’m gonna win.” Tj punched Vance’s leg and he pretended to crumple to the ground.
“Now I will get you!” Vance popped back up and they disappeared down the hall.
I wanted to look up and see Addy in the doorway but I knew she wouldn’t be there.
The reporters have gotten many pictures of Becky and I with Tj and continued to paint the picture that she and I were ‘making it work’.
I was playing nice for Tj. As soon as Vance and I rolled out our final reveal I could finally write Becky off and p.
With Tj, Vance and Addy. “Dad! I got tickets for the fight!” Tj slid around the corner and slammed into me. “For mom and me!”
“That’s awesome buddy! I’ll make sure you get there in style.” I hugged him and Vance nodded as he walked by my office. Everything was falling into place perfectly. When Vance won the fight, it would be the icing on the cake.