When We Go Back Again (Mason Brothers Book #1)

Chapter 34

FLETCHER

Dinner was fucking awkward and dessert wasn't much better. This guy, who Joey hasn't talked to since August, is intently listening to every little story that he's telling. Stories that he should be telling me. The damn kid is glowing with his dad there and I'm one moment from turning green with the jealousy spewing in my body.

"This was all really great. Thank you so much, Eden and Alice!" My mom starts to stand up with her dish, but Eden jumps up quickly instead and starts collecting plates. "I've got the plates, everybody. Does anyone need refills on drinks?"

"I'll take another beer while you're up, Eden," Damon lifts his empty bottle in Eden's direction.

"No problem Damon. Anybody else? Fletcher?"

"No, I'm fine." My words bite a little harsher than I intended, but she still smiled at me when she came to pick up my dessert plate. Soon after leaving for the kitchen, Caleb stands up.

"Let's go help your mom, Joseph. She did a lot of work, the least we can do is help clean up."

The insult wasn't hidden on me and was especially obvious when he glared my way as he stood up. The second they left the room and the kitchen door closed everybody around that table let out a long breath.

"Fletch, what the fuck is he doing here?" Cade was the first to break the silence.

"Cade, language," my mom chastises him.

"Sorry mom, but seriously? He just waltzes in here like he owns the damn place and all of a sudden is acting like Joey is his favorite thing ever? What a douche."

"Yeah, I get it, thanks," I huff.

"What are you going to do?" Parker asks.

"Nothing, what can I do? I don't want to start any shit at Christmas. No disrespect, Alice and Carl. I know this is your home and your Christmas."

"Nobody is as surprised as we are." Alice's tone tells me that she's not thrilled about the situation either. It seems like everybody is on the same page around this table.

The sound of some dishes being dropped gets everybody's attention again and then Joey walks out of the kitchen with his head down looking like he damn near tears. "Hey, come here, buddy."

He sits on the chair next to me that Eden was sitting at and I rub his back. "Daddy can't stay any longer and I think he and mommy are fighting."

"Oh, well he kind of just showed up so maybe he had other plans for tonight."

"It's not fair," he sobs.

"Sorry, Joey."

I don't really know what to say to him. What I want to say is your dad is a giant asshole and I'd rather kick his ass than see him at Christmas dinner, but I can't do that, not to him. I find myself biting my tongue instead. Finally, Eden and Caleb come back out, neither looking very happy. Eden is trying to put a smile on her face when her eyes meet mine, but I glance away.

"So thanks for dinner. I'm going to head out now. It was nice to meet you all."

Everybody gives a pleasant goodbye to Caleb and once he leaves and Eden comes back, Alice tries to save the night by inviting everybody to the living room for a nice fire in the fireplace and opening gifts. I take the opportunity to get some fresh air out by my truck. While out there I take the ring box out of my pocket and tuck it into the side of my truck.

"What are you doing?" I jump as I hear Damon's voice and quickly stash the ring and close the truck door. I lean up against my truck and he stands next to me.