A small smile twitched the corners of Luka’s mouth. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” He glanced at Pops. “Now, we’ve kept your grandma waiting long enough. You’ve cookies to bake, yeah?”
Luka nodded.
Pops put an arm around his shoulder. “Come on, kiddo,” he said and hugged Luka to his side. “Let’s leave your dad to his work.”
“Love you,” Nate said as they stepped outside. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He waved, watched them to the stairs before closing the door.
When he was alone. Nate stood for a moment. The apartment felt different.
Silent. Empty. Cold.
Was Luka happy here? Comfortable? Was it still the warm and loving home it used to be?
What he thought of this place, his wants, needs, it didn’t matter. He only ever wanted to see Luka smile.
That was enough.
“Have you had fun today?” Nate gripped his phone and leaned back in his office chair. He closed his eyes, listened to Luka and the sound of a barking dog in the background.
“Monty, down.” Luka giggled, the volume of his voice rising and dropping as he moved about. “It’s not for you.”
“Everything okay?”
“He wants my cookie.”
“Cookie? I thought it was bedtime.”
Luka fell silent.
“Well, whatever.” Nate sat forward. “My break’s nearly up so I guess I’ll say goodnight. Have a good day at school and I’ll see you when you get home.”
“Okay,” Luka said. “Night-night. Bye.”
There was the sound of rustling, then Kay spoke. “Hi, it’s me again. He’s on his way to bed so don’t worry.”
Nate laughed. “I’m never worried. Not when he’s with you.”
“Thank you.”
“I should get back to work. But thanks for everything.”
“It’s fine anytime, you know that. You should come around soon. I don’t feel like I’ve really seen you since Christmas.”
“Sorry,” Nate said.
“Oh, shush. I know you’ve a lot going on. Pops has been singing your praises, by the way. You, your staff, and your bar. I’m not sure he’d admit it but he’s really enjoying the work. So, thank you.”
“It’s me who should be saying thanks.”
“I’m pretty sure you already have. Several times.” She gave a light laugh. “I should let you go. Take care, sweetheart.”
“Thanks. You, too. Give him a big hug from me.”
“Always do,” Kay said. “Bye.”
“Bye.”
Nate hung up and placed his phone on the desk. He watched as the screen faded then turned off. He sighed, flinching when there was a knock on the office door. “Yes?” he called.
The door opened and Abi leaned inside. “It was quiet, so I figured you were done with your call.”
“I was saying goodnight to Luka.”
“I know. You always do when you’re here late.” Abi smiled.
Nate cleared his throat. “Did you need me for something?”
“Oh, right.” She raised her tattooed hands in front of her, as if she had forgotten her reason for being there. “There’s a guy asking for you.”
“A guy? Who? He got a name.”
“Jared something. He’s kinda cute and charming. Is he your… are you and him…”
Nate frowned as he realized what she was getting at. “No. He’s just a friend.” Though exactly what he meant by calling Jared his friend was still a little unclear.
“Huh. I see. Well, he asked if you were in tonight. I told him you were and would let you know. Hope that was okay.” She curled her lips then flashed her gritted teeth as she wore an awkward expression.
“It’s fine. As I said, he’s a friend. If you haven’t already, get him a drink and tell him I’ll be out in a minute.”
Abi raised her hand, offered him a salute. “Will do, boss.” She grinned, pulling the door closed as she left.
Nate sat back and laid a hand over his stomach. An unexpected mix of excitement and relief tumbled within him. Things had been piling up—stress of work, worry about Luka, the apartment, bills, everything. All meaning he was yet again neglecting his own feelings and needs.
My feelings? He wasn’t sure he understood them or himself anymore. Rhea had. It was as if a simple smile from her could cast a spell and make everything right. She had known what he needed before he knew himself. Always.
Sitting here isn’t going to achieve anything. It was better when he was busy. Sure, running the bar was hard and tiring but anything was better than an empty room and silence, just him and his thoughts. He grabbed his phone and left the office.
“Nate. Good evening,” Jared said with a short wave. He was perched on a stool at the bar, a bottle of beer in front of him. He smiled brightly and Nate could have been fooled into thinking everything was going to be okay. Jared’s smile wasn’t the same as Rhea’s, didn’t weave the same magic, but he had to admit it helped. He didn’t feel as alone as he had before.
Stupid, he chided himself. What was he even thinking?
“Hey, Abi said you were here. Just passing through?”
Jared shook his head. “I came to see you.”
Nate’s heart leapt, and for the briefest of moments he was happy. He swallowed hard as his chest tightened and thumbed the back of his wedding band as guilt crept in—guilt for the fleeting happiness that had bubbled to the surface.
“Nate?” Jared leaned forward, slid his hand across the bar in Nate’s direction. “Are you okay?”
“I am,” Nate insisted. “It’s just been a weird, long day.”
“Weird how?” Jared’s expression was one of innocent curiosity.
Nate blew out a breath. “I don’t know really. Guess I’m getting hung up on things I should have figured out by now. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a terrible grownup sometimes.” He quirked an eyebrow. “Wait. Is this you trying to psychoanalyze me or whatever you call it?”
Jared shook his head. “No. This is me trying to be a friend. I know you wouldn’t think it to look at me, but you should probably know, I have my moments of being a terrible grownup, too.”
“You’re just saying
