“It’s not that simple,” I murmur. “You’ll understand one day.”
His eyes dart back and forth as he contemplates my words before understanding gleams in his eyes. “You’re staying with her because of Emma? Because you feel guilty?”
Dammit, Brayden.
Why does he always call it like it is with me?
“Yes,” I bite out, irritation burning hot over my flesh. “They have nowhere to go. Emma already had to switch school districts when Amara moved to Gordon’s unit. She’s finally settled in. I can’t do that to her.” I rub at the back of my neck in frustration. “It’s fine. I just need to think is all. We’re fine.”
Brayden rolls his eyes. “Whenever you say something is fine, it’s most assuredly not fine. Come on, Dad. You can’t do this to yourself. Emma’s not your kid. Not your problem.”
It’s not true, though.
Who keeps groceries in the fridge for Emma?Me.
Who recently took Emma shopping for new running shoes once she made the track team?Also, me.
Who saved Emma when a goose from the pond decided to let itself into the house and scare her half to death?Yeah, that was me.
My phone buzzes again. This time, it’s Emma.
Emma: Can you come get me at 4? I got detention and Mom’s working late.
Who picks up Emma when she gets in trouble at school?Always me.
Me: I’ll be there. Dare I ask why this time?
Usually, she gets detention for yapping too long in the hallway and coming in late. For a girl who can run fast enough to secure herself a spot on the varsity track team, she’s slow as fuck when it matters.
Emma: Apparently throat punching is a punishable offense.
“For fuck’s sake,” I hiss, shaking my head. “Detention again. She throat punched someone.”
Brayden chuckles. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
Me: What the hell?
Emma: Right?
Me: You’re eighteen now. You’re lucky you didn’t get arrested.
Emma: Who’s gonna arrest me? Your BFF? LOL.
The balls on that girl…
Me: Which class?
Emma: You’ll never guess.
Me: Coach Long again?
Emma: He’s such a hardass. Gotta go. He’s coming to confiscate my phone now. Kbyeee.
“Now she’s getting her phone taken away,” I say in exasperation. “Unbelievable. I’m pretty sure Coach Long hates her.”
“Coach Long hates everyone.” Brayden smirks at me. “He even hated me, and I was his favorite student.”
I shoot the shit with Brayden a little while longer, thankfully not touching the Amara topic anymore, until he leaves. Then, it’s just me and my thoughts until around four.
