“Which one?”
“Both of them.”
I slumped in my seat. Sparring with Andrew had always been fun because I’d known that even though we argued, his love had been unconditional. But these days, I simply didn’t have the same energy to fight for that love. Was that because of Gummy or from being a single mom? “I’m tired of fighting.”
“Then apologize and let’s all move on.”
I pointed at him. “There you go again. I’m the only one who is supposed to say they’re sorry.”
“If you did, it would be a good start.”
“I didn’t invite her to your wedding. I didn’t tell her anything.”
“What about Holt’s?”
I leaned forward. “What are you talking about?”
“She was there.”
“How?”
“How,” Blake repeated.
“You really didn’t see her?” Andrew asked, skeptical.
“I didn’t see much of anything, including the ceremony.”
“What happened to you?”
“Claustrophobia.”
“If you’re going to keep lying, why are we here?” He pushed his cup away.
“I don’t want to talk about it, okay? It’s embarrassing enough as it is.”
He softened. “Are you talking to Patrick about it at least?”
“Some.”
He nodded, satisfied. “She was in the back row when we all ran out after you.”
“I haven’t talked to her since your wedding. We saw her the other night, but I swear I didn’t say a word.”
“All hell broke loose. Mrs. Quinn told her off.”
“She seems to be inserting herself in our family.” I folded my arms.
“Dad loves her. You should give her a chance.”
“So Mom and I ruined the wedding?”
“We went out to eat after and it was fine.” He waved it off.
“If you’re going to lie to me, then why are we here?”
His mouth tipped up as if to say touché. “It was bad,” he admitted. “But Baker handled it like a champ.”
“You were right about her.” I could hardly say the word Mom again in reference to that woman.
“I wish I wasn’t.”
“I should’ve listened. She’s toxic. Wasn’t worth where we are now.”
“Say that exact thing at dinner tonight and it’ll be a hell of a start to fix this.”
“Nobody wants me there.”
“I do. Ella probably does.”
“How do you do it?”
“What?”
“Treat her like she’s yours. And aren’t you worried she’ll end up like her father?”
He stood. Put Blake back in his stroller and gave him a kiss.
His face was stony when he turned to me. “I’m her father.” He leaned to within an inch of me. “Don’t you ever say anything like that about my daughter again.”
He stormed off. I rubbed my temples.
“Mommy’s stepped in it again.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Patrick
I need pizza
Then get your ass to Dino’s
I’m busy
AKA . . . you’re too scared.
“Who are you texting?” Andrew asked.
“Gerard.”
“I’ve never seen you smile like that when you’re talking to him.”
I dropped my phone in my shirt pocket.
“Sometimes he’s amusing.”
“Patrick, you haven’t told us about your trip. How did it go?” Mrs. Quinn lifted her wine glass to me.
I’d already gotten shit because I was drinking water. But I wanted my faculties around Wicked, Blake, and Gummy. They didn’t need to know that just yet.
“Overall, a win, I’d say.”
“You’re in one piece, so I’d say it was too.” Holt peeled the label on his beer.
“They liked the beach.”
My phone buzzed.
I’m starving
Extra black olives
I didn’t hear a please
I’m begging
I grinned. Wicked had never begged in her life. Except the night we made Gummy. She most definitely begged then.
Pack an overnight bag and meet me at my place
“Patrick?” Mr. Dixon looked at me with concern.
“Sorry. What was that?”
“He’s got a girlfriend.” Baker pointed at me.
“I agree,” Trish said.
“How’d she handle you talking a trip with another woman?” Holt asked.
“I don’t have a girlfriend, but I’m flattered all of you are so interested in my love life.”
“We haven’t had a wedding in a week. Of course we’re eager for another one.” Trish flashed me a grin.
“Don’t look over here.”
“I asked if Marlow loved the beach,” Mr. Dixon said quietly.
I cleared the text from her and brought up a picture of her and Blake in the sand. I passed my phone to him. “Think she liked it?”
He cleared his throat. “I’m glad.”
“Let me see.” Trish peered at my phone when Dad passed it to Andrew. “I’ve never seen her like that.” She took the device from my best friend and held it up for Baker and Holt.
“She’s back with vengeance.” Andrew pushed his wine glass around.
“What do you mean?” Holt leaned forward and studied the picture for a second. “She hasn’t looked that happy since Jack.”
“The beach may have changed her attitude, but the city doesn’t suit her.” Andrew took a drink of wine.
Trish handed me my phone.
“Do you have any idea what it’s like for her? She’s raising that kid—doing an amazing job, by the way—while grieving her hero husband. So what if she’s got a little bite to her. See how you’d handle it if you were in her place.” I leveled Andrew with a look.
“I never said she wasn’t a good mother, but she can be a first-class bitch.”
“At least I know how you really feel.” Marlow’s quiet voice floated over the table. An uncomfortable silence paralyzed all of us. I shook it off and stood. She put a hand on my chest. “Don’t try to tell me he didn’t mean it.”
I grasped her shoulders. “You know me better than that.”
She shrugged me off and stepped around. “I’m sorry about your wedding.” Baker and Holt gaped. “I-I didn’t anticipate it being difficult for me to be in a church. I may think you’ve rushed into marriage, but I would never intentionally cause a scene on a day like that.”
“We just want you to be okay,” Baker said.
“That’s impossible, but I appreciate it anyway.” She pushed Blake’s stroller away from the table.
Mr. Dixon nearly turned his chair over when he got up. “Sweetheart. Stay. Have something to eat.” His voice cracked.
Marlow stopped. She looked over her shoulder. “I can’t.”
He deflated. Mrs. Quinn reached for his hand.
I dug in my pocket as I walked her to the door. “Here’s my key. I’ll get the pizza and meet you at home.”
She glanced at my
