Left alone with his own thoughts, Garrett became more and more pensive. It was never like that with Shannon. In his heart, he’d known his marriage to her had been over for a while. Whatever love he had died well before she’d told him the truth about their son. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever really loved her but felt as if he’d come to a place in his life where it was time to marry. She was the one he’d been dating at the time. Garrett always felt guilty about that. Still, he never cheated. When Garrett said his I do’s, he meant it.
It was guilt that allowed him to take on the full responsibility for the failure of their marriage, only to discover she’d been sleeping with Raymond for years before they’d ever met . . . and after. Of course, that led him to believe that he’d been scammed by them both. Too bad Shannon had betrayed him. That was the biggest mistake of her life.
According to his lawyers, it shouldn’t take too long to dissolve his marriage and sort out joint-custody. Regardless of Garrett Jr. not being his biological son, he and Shannon were married when he was born. His lawyers assured him that legally he was his father, period.
The problem for Shannon was that Garrett would never give him up or settle for joint custody. He wanted full custody.
“Back to pondering over your problems?” Mr. Jones spoke to Garrett but never took his observant eyes away from the game.
Garrett didn’t think those eyes missed much. “Maybe a little.”
“I thought the fight at the Dusky might have helped you with some of your anger.”
Garrett lifted one side of the corner of his mouth. “I won’t lie and say it didn’t. However, it’s not the way I usually relieve stress.” He typically crushed his enemies. Garrett wouldn’t say that. Instead, he would say something more palatable. “I try to take it out on the boxing bag at the gym.” He rolled his head around his shoulders. “I will say being around all of you has been good for me.”
Mr. Jones nodded. “Good. I know I’ve said this before, but there’s nothing like family to help you deal with whatever is going on in your life. Maybe when you leave here, you can go spend some time with yours.”
Garrett scratched the bottom of his chin. “Maybe.”
Mr. Jones didn’t like his listless tone. While he wasn’t Garrett’s father, wasn’t even sure he was his friend, he still felt compelled to give him some fatherly advice. “Look, son, revenge will eat you up. I’m telling you what I know, not what I think. It can only get in the way of opportunity.” He turned and made direct eye contact with Garrett. “You never know when it’ll fall in your lap. If you’re consumed with things that really don’t matter, you’ll miss it.”
Garrett heard every word. Mr. Jones may be one hundred percent right, but there was no way he was going to let Shannon and Raymond get away with what they’d done to him.
*****
It was half-time when Imani came downstairs wrapped in a blanket and carrying a pillow. Everyone was piled into the living room watching television and waiting for dinner to be ready. All the chairs were taken and the only space available was the one next to Garrett. She was starting to think it was a conspiracy.
When Imani’s mother noticed her, she sat up from her chair and tsked. “What in the world are you doing down here?”
Imani shrugged. “I was bored up there by myself and figured I’d come down and hang out with you guys. I’m feeling much better.”
Garrett stood up and went over to help Imani over to the couch. When he touched the small of her back, Imani's knees went weak. This time, she lost her balance falling into his arms. He caught her.
Garrett had a firm hold on her. His forehead wrinkled with concern. “Whoa. Are you good?”
Looking up at him had her tongue tied. “Umm…yeah. I think s-s-so.” She thought it was crazy that this man she’d known for less than a day could do this to her.
His voice was low when he spoke. “Are you sure? Maybe someone should help you back upstairs to bed?”
Imani exhaled slowly as she turned away. “I’m fine. I probably feel much better than I should considering all of this is my fault. Before I forget, thank you for protecting my honor today.”
Garrett grinned. “That’s crazy talk. It must be because of that bump on your head.”
Maddon yelled from across the room. “What about me? I protected your whatever you said too.”
Imani tried hard not to laugh. She didn’t want to bring on another headache. It had barely gone away. “You too, little brother. Thank you for sticking up for me.”
Smiling broadly as he beat on his chest Maddon responded. “Only by a minute and a half, and you’re welcome—Brat.”
Garrett made sure Imani was comfortably seated before he sat back down next to her. She was curled up in her blanket looking sexier than any woman had a right to. He shook those errant thoughts out
