“That’s not what I’m saying,” James said. He stood up and I took a step back.
“Mommy, I want to sit with Scarlett.” Jacob was still in Tanner’s arms.
I’d move heaven and earth for my son. I’d give him anything he wanted. Just not this one thing. I didn’t know what I’d been thinking. These people were toxic. And we weren’t like them. My son would not be part of this world.
“Tanner, can we please just go home?”
“But…” Tanner said.
James was making his way into the aisle. And I didn’t want to hear any more insults thrown my way.
“Jacob, come here, we’re leaving.”
But he clung harder to Tanner’s side.
Sweet boy, please.
“Brooklyn,” James said and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t touch me.”
He lifted his hand off my shoulder.
I really hated when people touched me without permission. “Jacob, come to Mommy.”
He ducked under Tanner’s arm.
James put his hand on my shoulder again. “Brooklyn, I just meant that Matt…”
“She asked you not to touch her, man,” Felix said.
I’d forgotten how good of a friend Felix had been. He’d always had my back. Always.
James glared at him. “I’m just trying to explain that Matt…”
“I know,” I said. “I get it. He’s one of your best friends. I’m leaving, okay? I’ll keep my distance from you and your friends. I just need a second and I won’t bother you again. Tanner, please,” I begged.
“That’s not what I’m saying,” said James. “But you’re going to ruin today if you stay.”
“James, you’re about two seconds away from getting punched in the face,” Felix said.
“Well that’s definitely not going to happen,” Rob said.
“Everyone calm down,” Tanner said. “Before I have to subdue all of you.”
Rob laughed. “Not a chance, asshole.”
Mason sighed and stood up. “This honestly feels a lot like homecoming.”
I didn’t want anyone to fight. And Felix looked like he was serious about being two seconds away from punching James.
“She doesn’t know!” Tanner yelled. “Everyone stop! She doesn’t know.”
The crowd started cheering. I was pretty sure the football team had started running onto the field.
“She’s not here to antagonize him,” Tanner said. “She doesn’t know.”
Know what?
