I opted for the latter.
****
Gretchen
I scooped Jake up and gave him a big hug, then looked over at Gabe’s stunned face with a sheepish smile.
“This is my son, Jake. And, my parents, Warren and Molly.” I nodded in the Mitchell men’s direction. “This is Gabe and Derrick Mitchell. Gabe owns Mitchell Woodworking. He custom-made my kitchen cabinets, and Derrick owns Flannigan’s, the new bar in town.”
My mom smiled warmly, and my dad offered a cordial, “Hello,” as he came around to the front of the car holding Jake’s racecar-themed suitcase.
My mother turned to me. “I didn’t know you were getting your kitchen redone.”
“It’s a long story, but suffice it to say, it was originally Troy’s idea.”
At the mention of my ex’s name, my father scowled.
Gabe still seemed disoriented, and in that moment, I knew I’d been right not to mention Jake sooner. Although I knewGabe’s stance on little kids up front, his reaction still hurt my feelings.
He glanced at my parents and forced a smile.
“It’s nice to meet you.” He moved toward his F150, barely looking my way when he called, “I, uh, have to get going. I’ll be in touch about when we can deliver the last of the cabinets.”
Without another word, he got in his truck and drove away, leaving me dumbfounded.
I mean, I knew he wouldn’t want to see me again once he found out I had a young child, but this felt a little extreme.
Derrick’s creased brow seemed to indicate he was also confused about his brother’s reaction, but he offered a weak wave before opening his car door.
“It was nice meeting you all.” He then directed his attention to where I still stood holding Jake in the garage. “Gretch, it was a pleasure. I hope you decide to keep the cabinets.”
The jury was still out about that, so I simply replied, “Thank you for the coffee.”
He offered the smile that showcased his dimples. The one that I was sure got him laid a lot.
“Anytime. Don’t be a stranger. Be sure to come see me at Flannigan’s again soon.”
Based on his brother’s reaction, I doubted I’d be going near Flannigan’s anytime in the near future, but I nodded and said, “I will.”
I waved as he backed out the drive, and I noticed Jake did the same, even though he didn’t know the man.
Derrick responded by rolling down the window, sticking his hand out, and calling, “Bye, Jake!” to my son’s delight.
“You’re such a sweetie,” I murmured as I brushed my lips against Jake’s soft hair.
“These are really beautiful, Gigi. They’re going to look great in your kitchen.”
I turned to find my dad had peeled back the protective foam on one of the cabinets.
“If I decide to install them.”
“What do you mean?”
I shrugged.
“Honestly, they’re more than I can afford. Troy and I were still married when we ordered them, and with the divorce and everything, I kind of forgot that we had. I’m still trying to figure out my options.”
I had a sinking feeling a payment plan was no longer an option, and judging by the ashen look on Gabe’s face, I definitely wasn’t going to be paying with sex.
