Victor McNemara is still dealing with his new reality. He has a son, his engagement has been revoked, and his career is in shambles, going from CEO to a co-owner of a small start-up company. On top of that, his best friend leaves his side due to som...
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Dale's words had been ringing in my head since he uttered them yesterday night. It was nonsense, of course. And I told him as much even though he seemed unimpressed with my reaction. But just the idea of Nelson having a crush on me was ridiculous. He never, not even once, acted as if it was the case. We were best friends, we partied together, and he had always taken care of my drunk ass when I overdid it. In return for that, I dealt with some of his girlfriends who didn't get the message that they were over. We just functioned together as friends did. There was no way Nels had any kind of feelings for me except for friendship.
But despite knowing this, despite all my inner monologues and memories of all the shit we did together that completely disproved Dale's words, I still felt uneasy. I couldn't figure out why, but my stomach squeezed and my breath quickened whenever I thought about it.
"Dad, Dad! Can we go already? I want to see my gift!" Matty yelled at me from the backseat of my car, yanking on his seatbelt, bringing me back to the present. It was Sunday, the day after Matt's birthday party. I was supposed to have him over starting yesterday, but he got too excited at the party and fell asleep before we even managed to wrap it up properly. Waking him up and driving him to my house just so he could sleep there seemed pointless, so we agreed I would pick him up before lunch the following day.
From what Oliver told me and from Matty's pouty face when I came over to pick him up, he wasn't too happy about the change of plans. But a mention of his birthday present waiting for him in his room successfully changed his mood for the better.
"I'm coming, Matt." I got out of the car and helped him out of his seat.
"Will you help me with the groceries?" I asked, opening the trunk to gather the shopping bags and handing the lightest one to Matt. It had just some pastries and bread inside, so he could carry it without a problem. But whatever he carried, it still made him happy.
Over the last couple of months of getting to know my little guy, I found out he loved to be involved in the everyday activities of adult life. Everyone around told me it was normal for kids and that they were all the same when it came to discovering the simplest of things, such as cleaning or shopping, but it still took me by surprise how insistent Matt was sometimes.
Of course, he hated cleaning his own mess, but helping me clean the kitchen? I had to be extra careful to start before he even remembered it had to be done, or he invaded the kitchen on his own, and it usually didn't end up well for the cups and plates.
"What did you get me? What is it?" he continued to ask, running toward the entrance door, eyes big and shiny from excitement.
I had a hard time not saying anything because I knew he was going to love the present. I consulted it with Oliver so we could cooperate with some of the gifts and wouldn't come up with similar ideas, and while he wasn't super happy about the price, we managed to agree.
"That's a surprise. We're going to put away the groceries, and I'll take you to your room right after, so no running away, okay?" I unlocked the door, and despite his excitement, he managed to follow my simple instructions.
