It’s not easy to bite back my smile at Ian’s shyness. Everyone is very aware of the little crush he has on Monroe. I can’t exactly blame him.
Monroe is a beautiful woman who is kind, talented, smart, and funny. What’s not to like about her? Ian is a boy about to deal with puberty and all the hormones associated with it. I might not understand the attraction, since Monroe is like a sister to me, but I can appreciate his point of view.
It’s harmless, a crush that will fizzle out. I bet it won’t be long before he has a girlfriend his own age. Hopefully, she’ll be a good match for him. Or dealing with this family will be difficult.
Tenley is like a mama bear when it comes to Ian, and it’s only gotten worse since she’s been pregnant. Talk about fucking hormones.
“Ian,” everyone choruses in greeting and the boy fucking beams.
The way his shoulders relax at our acceptance of him has me blinking a few times and focusing harder on my tattoo. I understand what he’s feeling. His reaction tells me about his need for security and how he’s been abandoned in the past.
It’s hard not to feel abandoned since it’s what actually happened to him. His mom dropped him off on Wyatt’s frontporch almost two years ago. The man had no idea he was a father.
How fucked up is that?
I’m sure some people would say it was a blessing in disguise. Not only did Wyatt find out he had a son, but with Ian coming into his life he needed some help. Clearly. You can’t drop a ten-year-old boy on a man who has a business to run and expect he’s going to downshift and be able to handle all of it by himself.
“What is it you won’t be talking to me about?” Tenley asks her husband, pushing him, with a smile on her face and a hand on her belly.
“Nothing,” Wyatt grumbles and Tenley chuckles as she shakes her head, knowing he’s full of shit.
“Travis was talking about how the last album The Heart Beats put out is about to turn 15. It was mentioned that they should do some sort of reunion tour thing,” Knox informs her because Wyatt isn’t going to.
I don’t have to turn around to know Wyatt is glaring at Knox and trying to get him to burst into flames with his eyes. Tenley makes a squealing sound, and my lips tip up into a small smile.
“Oh,” Tenley gushes, “I loved The Heart Beats. I would totally go to a reunion tour show.”
“Which is why I pointed out that we should mention it to you. You can talk to Troy, and he can point it out to SO. You know how much they love to rehab careers,” Knox chirps far too cheerfully considering our boss is currently plotting his death.
“That’s a great idea,” Tenley exclaims and claps her hands.
“It’s a horrible idea,” Wyatt grumbles before I hear the sound of Tenley kissing him.
He’s probably looking at her with heart eyes now. Gross. You won’t catch me doing that with a woman. No fucking thank you.
“Well, I was just bringing Ian by before I take him over to Blake and Margot’s house for the night,” Tenley breezes right past the conversation. “We’re still on for tonight, right?”
I pause and turn to look over at the group while trying to figure out a way to back out. Before I can, Monroe points at me. “You won’t be weaseling out of this. It’s my birthday and we’re going out. It’s the only thing I want.”
“Fine,” I huff and put my head back down to finish up my client.
I’m not paying attention to what is going on behind me, but I do manage to say goodbye to Tenley and Ian as they head out. The last thing I’m looking forward to is going out to Aces tonight. But I’m not going to disappoint Monroe. She doesn’t ask for much; I can manage a night out. Just this once.
“Hey Carson,” Tenley greets the newest addition to the crew as she heads toward the front of the shop. “I’ll see you tonight at Aces.”
“Hi, Tenley. See you tonight,” Carson tells her, but there’s something a little dour in her voice.
When I look up at her she gives me a small smile, and I give a chin lift in return. She’s been quiet the last few months but won’t talk to anyone about it. Her brother’s getting married soon and she’s heading back to her hometown in Montana for the event. Maybe she’s just missing home and it’s making her withdraw.
Not that I would know what missing home is like.
I never even had one.
With a shake of my head, I focus back on my client. There’s no way I’m getting out of tonight, but I don’t have to like it.
CHAPTER 2
FIVE MONTHS AGO
