December 28 2020
The Brewster apartment smelled like sazon and roasted chicken — AJ's comfort food simmering on the stove. But the warmth of home didn't stop the storm brewing between her and Dave.
He paced the kitchen, fists flexing, his jaw tight.
Dave- I should've hit him, AJ. The audacity of that kid—kissing you? At the hospital? Right in front of me?
AJ leaned against the counter, arms crossed, letting him burn through it. Her expression was unreadable, but her silence wasn't indifference — it was restraint.
AJ - Dave
she finally said, her tone measured.
AJ - I handled it.
Dave- Handled it?
He spun to face her, incredulous.
Dave- He put his mouth on you. He disrespected *you.* He disrespected *us.* You're his boss, for Christ's sake—
AJ - I know!
AJ snapped, louder than she intended. She rubbed her temple, exhaling sharply.
AJ - You think I don't know how bad this is? You think I wasn't shocked? I froze, Dave. I didn't even react because I couldn't believe he actually—
Her voice broke off. For the first time, her shoulders sagged.
Dave's anger wavered, but it didn't disappear.
Dave - So why are you defending him?
AJ - I'm not defending him
AJ said quickly, but then hesitated. Her gaze drifted to the floor.
AJ- I'm... trying to understand. Because when he kissed me, Dave, it wasn't cocky. It wasn't arrogant. It was... desperate.
Dave's brows furrowed, his expression tightening.
AJ - He looked at me like—
AJ's voice softened, conflicted.
AJ - Like he was drowning. And I hate it. I hate that I even noticed. But I did.
For a moment, the only sound was the simmer of the pot on the stove. Dave raked a hand through his hair, frustration etched across his face.
Before he could speak, tiny footsteps padded into the kitchen.
Mateo, hair sticking up from his nap, rubbed his eyes with one fist and held his toy truck in the other. He looked up at them both with a sleepy frown.
Mateo - No, Papa
he said firmly, his little voice carrying surprising weight.
Mateo - No shouting.
The room stilled.
Dave blinked, his anger cracking just enough for guilt to seep in. He crouched down, gathering Mateo into his arms.
Dave - You're right, champ. No shouting. Papa's sorry.
Mateo leaned against his chest, thumb creeping into his mouth.
Mateo - Mama too
he added drowsily.
AJ's lips twitched despite the heaviness in her chest. She reached over, brushing her son's curls back.
AJ - Mama too.
For a beat, the storm eased — the three of them folded together in the kitchen, fragile but whole.
When Mateo finally padded back toward his toys, Dave looked at AJ again, softer now but still raw.
Dave - I don't care how desperate he looked, AJ. He doesn't get to do that. He doesn't get to cross that line.
AJ nodded, though her eyes were far away.
AJ - I know. But I also know desperation when I see it. And if Gabriel doesn't learn how to control it... he's going to destroy himself.
