The Daddy Box Set

I’d just promised him that morning that we’d go. I cursed myself for saying anything to him. Fuck. His heart would be broken to find out that our fishing trip for the weekend was canceled, just like most of my previous promises.

Thinking about things further, I realized that I was wrong. Vince would take the news with a positive attitude. My son had a wider understanding. He might take it positively, being the cheerful kid he was born to be. The only thing that bothered my conscience was him getting used to this setup. Being disappointed with broken promises, again and again, was a routine task between the two us. That was something I had to figure out how to stop doing. He needed to be able to count on me. Period.

I needed to get my mind on something else. Like unpacking the never ending stack of crates that Garren had brought up from the stock room.

The gun shop was busy with men and women looking for the perfect weapons, a way to protect themselves. I loved watching their expressions when they found it.

“Your shop really is the top one in town. Even the citizens outside Mesquite come all the way here just to check out your vast array of quality guns.” Garren was pumped after the large number of customers we just finished serving. I looked at him with a grin and granted that his words spoke of the truth.

Just after I counted the day’s earnings, Vince’s bus stopped in front of the shop. I stood up to welcome him as he came running toward me. I gave him a bear hug as he leaped into my arms, ecstatic to see him.

“Dad, look! I got five stars from Miss Diane!” He showed the back of his fist which was stamped with five red stars. I kissed his cheek as I expressed my congratulations.

“Good job, Vince! You’re getting more intelligent than your Dad,” I teased him, taking his backpack and lunch box just like I usually did. I took him to the back office so he could rest and eat his snacks.

“Dad, can I take some crackers when we go fishing? I want to take some snacks as we drive to the lake!” He took his shoes off before he laid on the couch, resting his head on the comfy, cartoon pillows. I frowned, realizing the fact that I needed to update him regarding the postponement of our weekend getaway.

“Um, speaking of that,” I began, not sure what the hell I was going to say. “I can’t leave the shop this weekend, buddy. Sorry, but I think the fishing trip has to wait.”

The thing I feared the most began to come to life. The sadness on his little face consumed his jolly expression. Despite hearing my words of disappointment, he spoke like an adult and regained the smile he lost

. It was almost sickening to see him acting far above his age. With all we’d been through, I understood it, but it hurt nevertheless.

“It’s okay, Dad. That means I can read my books over the weekend and get more stars this coming week.” He sat up and hugged me, assuring me that everything was fine. I felt ashamed. I had been known as a man of great reputation for raising my kid well all alone. Little did they know that I was also lucky to have a superb kid who loved me so much.

“In the meantime, Garren brought some apple pies today. They’re in the fridge if you want some.”

He smiled at me and nodded. “I’m a big boy now, Dad. I can get it myself.”

I laughed at his words, patting his head gently. “You’re truly are a big guy now. I’ll be in the shop if you need anything, okay? I love you, buddy.” I stood and waited for his answer.

“I love you too, Dad.” Vince was smiling, but his tone was sullen. I rested my back against the door right after I closed it, saddened by my son’s reaction. I could not do anything to fix the situation though. It was heavy on my heart to see Vince’s disappointed eyes, but I had to get back to work.

“If you plan on hurting your son’s feelings, you should scrap that scheme. He is a good boy; he doesn't deserve to be sad. Just tell him the truth or maybe set your shit up before you tell him anything. Come on, man. You’re better than that.” Garren walked toward me, leaning on the counter facing the office door. He was grinning at me, but his eyes were sympathetic.

“I know, man. Believe me. I feel like shit every time I have to let him down.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I just thought I could get it covered.” I let out a long sigh. “But I fucked up…again.”

“Hey, man. I guess Vince and you need someone in your lives. You can’t go on like this forever. It would be less burdensome if you could find a woman who could help you both in work and in raising your child.” It was clear what Garren was trying to imply. I threw him a sharp glare, unhappy with his suggestion.

Seeing my silent response, he shut his mouth and excused himself. It was probably the smartest thing he’d done all damn day.

Chapter Four

Kylie

Staring at the clock had become the bane of my existence. My phone buzzed, saving me from myself; it was just Bailey, asking me if I could stop by her house for a late afternoon snack. As her best friend, there was no refusing her. Especially not when I could see Cat, her little girl. She had all of us wrapped around her fingers.

Waiting for my break to end was hopeless. It was too soon to leave, plus my mother couldn’t handle the entire convenience store alone. Although no one had come in for what felt like ages.

I stood up from the stool, leaving my spot at the counter to walk toward my mother. She was reading a romance novelette while waiting for a customer to attend to. Hearing me approach her, she spoke without moving the book that blocked her face.

“What is it, Kylie?” she asked without bothering to look over the book.

“Mom, do you think I can leave early today? Bailey texted me, hoping I could visit her and Cat today,” I asked although it was a greedy thing to do. Leaving her alone would mean she had to close the store by herself, but it had been long since I met up with Bailey. I hoped I could get to see her.

“Oh, is that so?” she asked, wiping the beads of sweat on her forehead. After folding the page where she was reading, she put the book down. Finally, her eyes met mine. It was hard to decipher her expression, but she was good about saying what she meant and saying it often.

“Okay. You can take the rest of the day off.” She smiled at me sweetly, destroying the skepticism in my head. It felt wrong to leave her behind, guilt consuming the rest of me as I stood there.