14.21
Chapter 6/
Chapter 67
“Whose kid is that?” James stood up, peering curiously toward the door. “This isn’t even an apartment building. Why would a kid be running around here?”
“He’s here for me.”
“For you?” James turned, eyes wide. “But he called you ‘Mom‘… Wait, you? You’re married? And your kid’s that old already?!”
“I’m getting divorced. And the kid isn’t mine to keep.”
Briony didn’t feel like explaining, nor did she want to face Irwin. “Just tell him I’m not here. I’m not going out.”
Before James could press any further, Briony had already turned and disappeared into the restoration room.
He blinked, a touch of mischief flickering in his eyes, then sauntered over to the front door, eager to witness the drama.
On the other side of the glass, Irwin had assumed it would be Briony coming to greet him. When he saw James instead, the smile he’d started to wear instantly vanished.
The studio’s glass door was automatic, but lately, Briony and James had kept themselves locked in the restoration room for safety, so the outer door was sealed from the inside.
James punched the release, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.
Irwin stood his ground, chin slightly raised, sizing up the stranger before him.
Inwardly, he compared:
He’s about as tall as Dad, but that’s about where the similarity ends.
Dad always wears black, usually has glasses on, looks cool but kind of stern;
But this guy… he’s pale, his eyes are really striking–almost star–like–and he looks younger than Dad by a mile… The more Irwin compared, the more uneasy he felt.
Could it be Mom wants a divorce just because Dad’s too old?
James looked down, waiting for Irwin to speak. When the silence dragged on, he frowned impatiently. “Alright, kid, who are you looking for?”
“I’m here for my mom!” Irwin shot back, voice loud and clear. “Her name’s Briony!”
James raised an eyebrow, unbothered. “She’s not here.”
“You’re lying!” Irwin glared at him, indignant. “Just because I’m a kid doesn’t mean you can fool me! Whenever my mom doesn’t come home, she stays here!”
“Oh, she doesn’t go home much, huh?” James crouched down and gave Irwin’s cheek a gentle pinch. “Is your dad not treating her right?”
“That’s not true at all!” Irwin shoved James‘ hand away. “Dad’s great to her! He’s downstairs waiting for me right now! We both came to take her home!”
James was amused.
For a kid his age, he sure had a sharp tongue.
Even though Briony hadn’t said much, her attitude told James all he needed to know–she had zero desi deal with this kid.
He took a good look at Irwin, searching for any hint of Briony in the boy’s round, adorable face.
1/2
14:22
Chapter 67
Aren’t sons supposed to look like their mothers?
This one must’ve inherited his dad’s genes wholesale.
“Time to head back, kid.” James straightened up, ruffling Irwin’s hair in a mock–sympathetic way. “Your mom doesn’t want you anymore.”
“That’s not true!” The words hit Irwin like a slap. He exploded, voice trembling with rage. “You’re a liar! It’s all your fault! If it wasn’t for you, my mom wouldn’t be avoiding me! I hate you! I hate you-!”
With that, Irwin lunged at James, fists flying as he burst into tears.
James just stood there, entirely unfazed by the little whirlwind’s flailing.
He couldn’t help but wonder: how did Briony end up with such a tempestuous kid?
“Hey, brat,” he warned flatly, “I’m going to count to three. If you don’t calm down, I’m going to step in.”
“Give me back my mom! Give her back-!”
James sighed.
There was no reasoning with a tantrum.
He reached out and grabbed the back of Irwin’s shirt, lifting him clean off the ground.
For a second, Irwin was stunned by the sudden weightlessness. Then, realizing what had happened, he started thrashing and kicking for all he was worth.
