Easton

“And you were happy with him, clearly,” Easton said, laughing. “You’re a smart kid. Smarter than I was at your age.”

“What were you like at eleven?” Junior asked.

“Stupid. I never learned a lesson, and I was always getting into trouble and being punished for it.” He didn’t wish to taint his time with his son with memories of his past. They weren’t good memories. “Anyway, enough about me. How about some ice cream?” he asked.

“Sorbet would be good. I don’t eat ice cream anymore.”

“Oh, right, the vegan thing. I’m good with some sorbet.”

Junior nodded and patted his hand against the door, humming to himself.

Easton had run out of things to say. This couldn’t be happening to him on the first chance he got with his son.

“How was school?”

“Cool.”

“What is your favorite class?”

“Computers, but I love science as well. What was your favorite?”

“I … erm, I didn’t have one. I guess I hated them all.” He cringed at his response.

Finally pulling out of the spot, he took them toward an ice cream place that served sorbet and ice cream.

Silence once again filled the car.

He glanced over at Junior to see his son looking out of the window.

“Your friends seemed cool.”

“Yeah, they love my other dad as well. I think it’s why they’re hanging out with me. They’re a couple of nerds.”

“Oh,” Easton said. “Well, you know you don’t have to hang out with them if they make you uncomfortable.”

“I know. It’s cool. They’re fine with me, but I know they’d like an invite to my house. They won’t be getting one.”

“Why not?”

“One, they’re not really my friends, and two, privacy. My other dad showed me how important and valuable privacy is, and I’m not going to disrespect him for a couple of friends who are only using me.”

“You’re a strong kid, Junior.”

“I know. My mom told me I was her little fighter.”

“Your mom’s great.” His own mother had been a waste of space. So long as she had drink and pills, she didn’t care what happened. The oblivion from life was what she sought and she finally had it. “So, how do you like being called ‘Junior’?” Easton groaned. “You know what, ignore me.”

“What is it?” Junior asked.

“I’m trying here, and I’m falling flat. I honestly don’t know what to say to you, and I want to get to know you.”

“We’re doing good, aren’t we?” Junior asked. “It’s all new.”

“Just so you know, you can ask me anything and I will answer, to a point.”

“Okay. Do you love my mom?” Junior asked.

“Wow, you really don’t like waiting, do you?”

“I’m curious.”

“Can we get back to my question?” he asked. It was by far a safer kind of question.

“I love it. It makes sense. You’re Easton, I’m Easton.” Junior chuckled. “We won’t keep getting confused.”

“True.”

“Are you going to answer mine?” he asked.

“Yes. It’s only fair.” It didn’t make it any less comfortable for him though. “So, loving your mother. Yes, I love your mother.” So true on every single level. No matter how he’d pushed her away when they were younger, he’d done so to protect her. Especially after what happened to Carla. If his father could do that to a woman who he cared about but didn’t love, what could he do to a woman he actually loved? “It’s complicated.”

“You love my mom and so does Liam.”

“Your mom’s a lucky woman.” Now he didn’t know if he was saying that because she had Liam’s love or not.

His head was so fucked up right now, and he couldn’t think straight.

Fortunately, their private conversation came to a close as they arrived at the ice cream and sorbet parlor.

It was busy, but they were able to get a couple of seats.

Rather than order one scoop of every single flavor, Junior took his time, and ordered only two flavors, and they took a seat in the available booth in the corner.

“You know I wouldn’t have minded if you got every single flavor to try.”

“Nah, it would have been wasteful, and besides, Mom will be annoyed if I don’t eat dinner.”

“You’re a good kid.”

“We’ll get to come again, right? You’re not going to stop coming around, are you?”

“You want to come here again with me?”

“Only if you want to?” Junior nibbled his lip, looking a tad nervous. “You do want to, right?”

“Yeah, I’d love to take you out for ice cream and sorbet.” Easton smiled. He couldn’t help it.

In the car, he truly thought he sucked and he probably did with his questions and complete lack of knowing what to say or do, but Junior still wanted to go with him.

Today had been a win for him, and he was going to remember it for a long time to come.

****

Scarlett stood at the stove cooking a vegetable pasta dish. She’d sautéed the onions and had added the garlic when Easton and Junior arrived. Her son rushed to hug her, told her he had no homework, which she already knew, and took off to go shower and get ready for dinner.