The Absolution of Aidan(56)

What started to be a cozy, relaxing bath turned into a nightmare. Aidan told me everything last night. Not this morning, though. I know he’s hiding something from me. I knew it the moment he told me it was nothing. I’m sure it was to protect me, to not make me worry. But how can I not, when another man has disappeared, only to resurface when he thinks it’s the right time to strike? This time, I refuse to let a sick man out for revenge prey on innocent people, to get the best of me or those I care about.

My fingers fiddle across my phone, texting Alina to tell her to hurry her ass up, while my eyes repeatedly dart back at Jackson, who’s paying no attention to me at all. His eyes are glued to the computer screen in front of him. Investigating, I’m sure. I toss my phone down and clear my throat, which gets me his eyes over the top of the computer.

“You’re quiet over there. Are you building a resume for a dating site?” My mannerism is joking.

“And why would I do that? You know damn well I’m not single.” No, he’s not. Jackson is head over heels for the woman he’s dating. I have yet to meet her. Everyone else seems to love her. She’s a nurse at the hospital where Alina works, that’s about all I know.

“I’m messing with you, Jackson. Lighten up, for god’s sake.” I stand and make my way toward him. The minute I’m within a foot of him, he snaps the lid to his laptop shut. Damn it.

“Nice try.” He bends and tosses the contraption on the ottoman.

“It’s not nice to keep secrets, you ass.” I tilt my head and place my hands on my hips.

“Look. I get it. You’re going out of your mind wondering what the hell is going on. You need to trust him, trust all of us that we will handle it.” I scoff at his words. I’m not pointing any fingers at anyone, but look where trusting people got us the last time this happened.

“I hate this. The not knowing, the feeling like I’m being left in the dark. Come on, tell me something.”

“At this point, there’s nothing to tell. We’re looking for him, that’s all I know.” I roll my eyes, knowing this conversation is a dead end. I reach for my phone and put in my password, which I never changed. I’m not going to, neither will I change my background photo. I smile when I look at the photo I snuck the other day of Aidan cradling Diesel in his arms while rocking him to sleep. Reaching up, I swipe the single tear escaping. These should be the happiest times of our lives. Watching our son grow and change every day. Being able to enjoy every single moment. I hate this.

I stare at the picture until I reach the baby’s room, check on him, and continue on into mine. Curling up onto my bed, I adjust my phone, swipe the screen again, and hit the FaceTime icon next to my dad’s number.

“Well, hey there.” Dad’s big, meaty head comes into focus, right along with his loud booming voice echoing through the small speaker. I laugh.

“Hi.” I try to sound cheerful, but this man can read me like a book. I know he has me pegged right away when big frown lines crease across his forehead.

“Talk to me, my girl.” I shake my head, not knowing where to start. He knows everything. Both of my parents do. Well, up until the news Aidan told me last night anyway.

“Have you talked to anyone today?” I ask, trying to feel him out, to see if he already knows.

“I’ve talked to Calla.” His answer is cryptic.

“This is such bullshit, dad,” I blurt out. Like I said, I don’t hide things from my parents. Not even my dirty mouth. They accept me for who I am, which is more than I can say for Aidan’s mom. She has no idea what kind of man she is missing out on in her life. Instead, she has her head up the ass of a deceitful woman beater.

“I know, baby. You holding up okay?” I know what he means. He wants to know if I’m losing it again. If I’m breaking down. I’m not. I’m much stronger than I used to be. Part of it has to do with him. Not once did he coddle me when I was going through the toughest part of my life. He stood by my side, held my hand, but he let me do the walking, talking, and placing my trust in myself that I could get better. And I am.

“I’m fine, dad. Well as fine as I can be. I’m worried, but I’m not going to lose it. I won’t become a victim to some sick, sinister asshole who’s out for revenge again. Not when I have a son to protect.” I watch my dad’s face change from concern to appraisal in a flash.

“That’s my girl.” He beams. And I swear to god I can feel his pride. His love for me zaps me through this phone screen.

“I love you, dad.”