The Pickup (Imperfect Love 1)

Finding out about my son was eye-opening, a game changer of sorts. I’ve spent all these years wishing things would change between my parents and me, but when I was injured and then Fiona left, I gave up. I took the easy way out. From the one-night stands to agreeing to the arrangement with Celeste. But now that I have my son to think about, I’m ready to try again. I’m ready to open my heart and be the type of father he deserves. The change has to start somewhere and what better place to begin than with my son and me.

I flip the switch to turn the water off, grab a towel and dry off, then get dressed. Once I’m ready, I head out to the living room. Celeste is on the phone making plans, so I slip out quietly. Usually I’d call for a car service to keep it simple, but since I’m picking up my two-week-old son, I decide to grab one of my vehicles from the garage.

The valet brings around my BMW X6—and even helps me install the car seat—and then I’m heading out to meet Killian. We meet at one of our favorite hole-in-the-wall cafés. New York may have many big-named restaurants, but it’s the small ones that nobody’s ever heard of that are actually the best.

“Olivia is letting me take Reed tonight,” I say after the waitress sets our drinks down.

“By yourself?” Killian looks at me incredulously.

“Yes, by myself, dick.”

Killian chuckles. “Calm down, I was just asking. So you’re not going to the New Year’s Eve party tonight?”

“Nah, I know Olivia did that shit on purpose. Told me I could take him on one of the biggest party nights of the year.”

“Hoping you would say you couldn’t,” Killian adds with a smirk.

“Yep.” I take a sip of my water. “But I’m not about to choose a party over my son. That’s the shit my parents did, and my new goal in life is to be the opposite of them.”

Killian nods in agreement. “Can’t go wrong there. I bet Celeste is pissed.”

“Yeah, but I can’t really blame her. This isn’t what she signed up for. We agreed to no kids, and now here I am with one.”

“Can you imagine Celeste with a baby?” Killian laughs so loud that people look our way. “I would pay half my salary to see her change a shit diaper!”

I laugh along with him as I try to picture it—I can’t. The waitress comes over and takes our order. We both go with a Club sandwich and a salad.

“Are you bringing Melissa to the New Year’s party tonight?” I ask Killian once the waitress walks away.

“No.” Killian takes a sip of his drink. “She actually met someone, and I guess it’s serious.” He rolls his eyes. “She’s talking about moving across the country with him or some shit.” Killian’s been friends with her for years, and while I’m almost positive she’s always had a crush on him, he’s never shown interest in being anything other than friends with her. Guess she finally moved on.

“So, who are you bringing then?” I ask.

“Nobody special.” He shrugs nonchalantly then changes the subject, just like he always does when the topic of him dating gets brought up. “Are you heading over to get Reed after lunch?”

“Yeah, wanna join me?” I’m only joking, but the truth is that I could definitely use the moral support when dealing with Olivia. Between her and her friend, I don’t stand a chance.

“Hell no!” Killian laughs. “That’s all you. I have an appointment with Jase to get some ink added to my sleeve.” Killian lifts his shirt sleeve to show me where he’s planning to get the work done.

“Damn, I need to go by and see their shop soon. That’s awesome that he and Jax opened a tattoo shop here in New York.” Jase Crawford is an old friend of mine and Killian’s from back home. Even though Jase was a couple years ahead of us, because we all played ball together, we ran in the same circles. While in school, Jase was also apprenticing to become a tattoo artist. Shortly after he graduated, he got a job at the same shop his brother Jax was working at. They always said their dream was to open their own place. But when Killian told me a few months ago that they opened their shop, Forbidden Ink, in East Village, I was surprised. Jase and Jax always seemed like the type of guys who’d prefer to live in a small town over a big city. New York definitely isn’t for everyone. It’s fast-paced and will eat you alive if you aren’t quick enough.

“Planning to get some ink?” Killian jokes. While his body looks like an art canvas, I’ve never really considered getting a single tattoo. Guess there wasn’t ever anything worth putting permanently on my body.