I picked Logan up the next morning. We left early with the excuse that we needed to get started on sprucing up the place for his graduation party, one we delayed for Collin’s celebration. No one seemed to be any the wiser, so I was happy that she could now breathe easier without me there.
Jade never mentioned it, and neither did I.
Over the next few days, Logan and I worked our asses off, building a kick-ass outdoor firepit, one that is now a permanent fixture, replacing the gas grill. Ava was in picture mode. She was going to make a video. She also painted the dining room, kitchen, and my office. She said she was giving it a manlier look since it was a bachelor pad now.
The kids have been pushing me to date, and I have been pushing them to let it be.
?
I look around at all the decorations, and of course the blue and orange.
Ava outdid herself, and Logan was completely surprised she did what she did. Ashley has shown up, with Robertson, and I am being well behaved.
Logan avoids them, and Ava plasters on a fake smile, playing the hostess role well. Jade is here, of course, and so is Phoebe, both snatching beverages and keys from kids who shouldn’t be drinking. And I am making sure that Logan and I thank every person who comes.
The Hines family are already here, and I see Maddox and Harper walk up, carrying food. I almost don’t notice Tessa juggling a gift and a big aluminum tray full of chicken shit. Yes, chicken shit is a real dish, and one of my favorites that she made for me and anyone else when they are going through rough times or celebrating. It’s cubed chicken breast mixed with stuffing, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. She also adds vegetables. It looks just like chicken shit but tastes like heaven.
She smiles apologetically, and I do the same. She stays close to Alex and Brody. Ava is hanging out with her, too.
I notice Ashley looking upset and look in the direction she’s looking in. Ava has a giant screen set out in the backyard that shows pictures of Logan through different stages of his life. Many, of course, are with me. Not because she was a total fuck up as a mother, but because moms are usually the ones taking the pictures. As the years progress, it’s obvious that Ava spent a lot of time with Tessa. Many photos show her tormenting Logan, and in the background is Tessa, laughing at my kids. Many, I must admit, have me laughing at Tessa laughing at them, and Collin with a smirk, in the distance, watching.
I look over at Tessa, and she smiles. I smile back and walk over, thanking her for coming.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” She takes a drink of her wine and points at the screen. “Our families spent a lot of time together over the last twenty plus years.”
I nod and force myself to look away. She understands now that I wasn’t being an ass at the lighthouse. She just admitted it. I’m not going to press my luck, so I look up at the screen.
“Check it out, Dad! Our trip to Mexico.” Logan walks up and pats me on the back.
The picture is of him surrounded by girls his age, and Ava’s caption is “Chip off …” and then the next screen shows me dancing between two chicks, and her caption is, “The old block.”
Logan laughs. “Nice!” He holds his hand up, and Ava high-fives him.
I look up at Jade and roll my eyes, thinking nothing of it. Then I look at Ash, who’s smirking in my direction. I think maybe she’s loosening up, but then I notice her look is geared a little to the left. I follow her line of sight and see Tessa’s shocked expression as she stares at the ground.
Ashley comes over and says they have a long drive ahead of them, giving a fake smiles as she hugs everyone, except Tessa.Bitch!
“Two minutes alone, Ashley.” I grab her by the elbow, and Robertson steps closer.
Not wanting to cause a scene, I let go. “Maybe next time.”
Somehow, Tessa and I are left alone for a minute.
“Hey, look, that was nothing—”
“We’re friends, Lucas.”
“No, we were more than that then and—”
“Please don’t.” The plea in her voice and the tears welling in her eyes stops me … briefly.
“I won’t, but that was nothing, I promise. Just the kids trying to …” I stop when she walks away.
Fuck!
She leaves soon after, and she keeps her distance. My dad, stepmom, and sisters show up right after.
Later, I talk to Jade and ask that she make sure Tessa knows the fucking truth.