The Hustle (Irreparable 4)

“You can’t be serious?” Tori turns her head toward me. “A little help here, Tug.”

“Oh, you don’t want to hear what I have to say. I considered organizing a parade in Drew’s honor.”

Brady high fives me as Tori shakes her head, grumbling about what immature idiots we are.

“The two of you need to let me handle this. Kids can be cruel. The boys need to learn how to deal with it and talk it out.”

“Bullshit, Tor!” I snap. “Kids need to learn not to be little assholes that bully other kids.”

“And they learn when they get popped in the mouth,” Brady adds, high-fiving me again. “Worked for me and Tug. Remember that douche that used to harass you?”

“That was Jesse,” I say, reminding him the douche is his best friend.

“See, it worked out.” He laughs, looking at Tori. “One shot to the mouth and now look at us.”

“Jesse’s still a douche,” Tori jokes.

“Yeah, but not to Tug.”

Tori holds the side of her head, groaning loudly, which makes me and Brady laugh more.

“The two of you are impossible. I will speak with Mrs. Jones and the boys and resolve this without any more fights breaking out.”

We ignore that she calls us both morons as she leaves the room.

“Did a full-on fight break out?” Brady asks, grinning.

“No. I’m pretty sure Drew just laid the little shit out.”

“The punk deserved it.”

“Yeah.” I grab a beer from the fridge and twist the cap off. “He needs his mom.”

“He’s gonna be all right.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m glad he has Tori at least.”

“Have you tried dating?” I suck back a large swallow of beer without answering. “It’s been over six months.”

“I’m not ready.”

My dick is more than ready, but my heart’s put the brakes on women. How would I even begin to explain Javier and what happened to Maria? Who in their right mind would want to date me? Not to mention, I won’t bring a woman into Javier’s life unless it’s serious. And serious and I don’t exactly know each other.

Month Eight . . .

I help Tori set up the house to host a huge release party for Second Chances next album. Basically, I keep the kids out of her hair so she can decorate and set food out.

Guests arrive as I sit outside on the deck, supervising the kids as they play on the beach below. I watch my son and his group of friends frolicking in the sand with an overwhelming sense of pride.

“He’s doing well,” Tori says, approaching me with a smile.

“Thanks to you,” I say. Tori was right about Javier learning to deal with bullies and talk it out. His personality wins people over and helps keep Andrew out of fights. It’s funny how much like me and Brady they are.

“Nah, I did the talking, but you were there to do the reinforcing. That’s the hard part.”

“Thanks,” I say with an awkward laugh.

“You should be proud of yourself. You’re a good dad.”