Page 22 of Blurry Little Lines
“We can certainly try, Mallory.”
“You’re back from brunch already?” Adam asks, relaxing back in his chair.
“I lost my appetite after a brief hello.” Lauren is in the distance, keeping the kids out of earshot to line-up the buckets for our build.
“That sucks.” Kelsie sighs, and I’m glad she wore a simple black one-piece, though it doesn’t stop me from trying to ignore the way her body felt rubbing against mine the other night. “How is Lucille doing?”
“She had the nerve to ask when she’s getting grandchildren.” I shake my head and take a seat next to her and Adam as their jaws drop. “I asked her why, since she didn’t even want her own child.”
“Yeah, and when have you ever been in a relationship?” Adam chuckles.
“Exactly.” I run my hand through my hair, taking a beat. “You don’t know a relationship will last forever. Why the hell would I even have a child if it could lead to them feeling torn between parents who didn’t last?” From my peripheral, I watch Kelsie’s lips roll in, but she stays quiet. “Sorry, Kels, I didn’t mean it that way.”
“You probably did.” Her voice is quiet as her eyes remain ahead on her children. “But that’s okay. I’m one of those statistics now.” She rolls her neck and squares her shoulders, and I make a mental note to give her a massage later. “That’s why I will never risk putting my children through the possibility of losing another person they care about.” Is that a jab to discreetly friend zone me again?
“Come on, sis,” Adam chimes in. “You just need to find someone as dedicated to the relationship as you are. Max and I both hated Benson from the start.”
It’s true. Adam and I think she stayed with him out of spite. We gave her a lot of hell in high school trying to keep the boys away. Her first year away from home, she clung onto her first university boyfriend to prove that she didn’t need our protection. Adam and I share a look of regret and anger. Kelsie is precious to us. She is a complete hands-on parent and would do anything for anyone. She deserves the fucking best.
Suddenly, the thought of another man giving her everything she needs turns my stomach. After our kiss the other night, I haven’t been able to think of anything except having all of her. Benson fucked up by taking her for granted and letting her go.
“Mama, can we go to Disneyland next weekend?” Mallory walks over, spilling water out of her bucket with each step.
“What have you done to deserve to go to Disneyland?” Kelsie questions with a laugh.
“Um, we have a bunch of money to do so.” Mallory places her hand on her hip with an attitude.
“Ihave money to do so.” Kelsie leans up to brush hair out of Mallory’s face. “Youhave more than your standard needs met right now. Disneyland is a treat, babe.” She relaxes back in her chair. “You’re also spending the night at Uncle Adam’s on Saturday.”
“Not as fun as a full day with princesses, but it’ll do.” Mallory sighs.
I watch Adam and Lauren share a look, telepathically speaking. His eyebrows shoot up, raising his sunglasses. “Are you sure, Laur?” he asks.
“More than sure. And think about it; they’ll be tired after a full day of entertainment.” Lauren’s green eyes light up. “Plus, I’ve never been to the happiest place on earth.”
“You've been beneath me plenty of times.” Adam smirks as Kelsie elbows him.
“Fine. Okay.” Adam puts his hands up and turns to Kelsie. “Let’s go take a walk so we don’t talk in front of the kids.”
“Adam, I don’t know.” Kelsie’s voice laces with worry. “James likes to run off.”
“Just come for a walk. Lauren probably wants me to bring her ice cream anyway.” Adam stands as Kelsie walks off with him.
“Okay, kiddos, let’s make the best dang sand castle in the world!” I go over to the kids and start filling a bucket.
Fifteen minutes later, we have a simple tower the same height as Mallory. Lauren adds the last few rocks on the top and James has only knocked this castle over once. I’d say it’s a win. Mallory stands with a proud smile, admiring the sand castle, which resembles more of a skyscraper.
“It looks fantastic.” She crosses her arms. “I guess I can forgive you for calling my mom super late and annoying her the other night when you stayed at Uncle Adam’s.”
“I haven’t called your mother in over a week.” I shake my head. “I wouldn’t keep calling her to make her annoyed either.”
“I may have gotten out of bed in need of a spoonful of Nutella as a midnight snack and heard her phone vibrating over and over.” Lauren shoots me a cheeky smile as Mallory continues. “Then finally the buzzing stopped, and she said ‘God, Max.’” Her head tilts to the side with so much attitude, and I don’t know where to start.
Clearly, this child heard something she’s too young to comprehend, and now, I’m picturing Kelsie calling out my name. I try to blink the thoughts away because I can’t sport an erection in public. Lauren walks over to the beach blanket in a fit of laughter, wearing a prideful smile. I apologize to Mallory for waking her mother, then take a seat next to Lauren.
“Shut up, Shirley Temple.” I’m thankful Mallory didn’t announce what she heard to Adam. That would be a hard one to explain.
“I guess my gift is getting some good use,” Lauren taunts. “How did your first night under the same household go?”