'Tis The Season

“The whole family is.”

The fake smile freezes on my face as I fight the urge to pull him across the front desk and beat him senseless. Monty yips and struggles to get free.

“It looks like he remembers his rescuer.” Jen laughs.

Preston smiles thinly. “Looks so.”

“Hey, buddy.” I scratch him behind the ear. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?”

“Why don’t you walk us out, for old time’s sake.”

I tense, unsure if he’s warning me away or rubbing things in.

“Sure. Are you ladies okay here?”

“Of course. Put the sweet thing out of his misery. He’s ready to jump out of his skin to get to you,” Carole insists.

I step from behind the counter and follow Preston.

“You know it’s a matter of time until she agrees to relocate to California. You put up a good fight, but my girl is smart. She knows what’s good for her and the baby.”

“Does she?” I arch my brow and smile. The bastard has no clue what’s coming.

“Of course.”

“And that’s you?”

“Obviously.” He rolls his eyes.

“I think you actually believe that.” I shake my head, disgusted.

“It’s the truth.”

“Why? Because you have money? You think your bank account is going to make you Father of the Year?” Preston blinks dumbly. I press on. “How are you going to help her grow up and be the best version of herself? Emotionally, how will you provide? You’re bullying your way into getting what you want with Faye. Is that how you plan to control Flora? Because kids tend to rebel against that sort of thing.”

“Don’t try to twist the situation.” He sneers, hitting the alarm on his black luxury rental.

“The picture isn’t so pretty when you look in the mirror and see what’s really there, hmm?”

“And you’d know all about parenting why? Is there an ex-wife and children in the wings? Is that why you’re trying so hard to play Daddy to mine? To make up for past mistakes?”

My temper flares. I hold Monty out. “You should go.”

“Ahhh. I struck a chord.” He smirks. “I wonder if she’d see you as her hero once she knew that.”

“Good-bye, Preston.”

“I came here to tell you to stay away from Faye. She’s not yours to take.”

“The way I remember it, she’s not yours either. “

“Yettt.” Preston draws out the t.

“Keep telling yourself that.” He takes Monty, and I step back. “Bullies always meet their match eventually and find themselves alone. Because fear only gets you so far.”

“Are you threatening me?” he barks.

“I’m making you aware of how the world works. Free of charge.”