Line of Sight - 9. Chapter 9

“Why didn’t you just tell me that?”

I shook my head even though Jamie couldn’t see me. She’d decided to call me after she got home to give me some more of her thoughts on telling Jake about me and Tony. I’d finally managed to interrupt and tell her Tony was on his way over.

“When did you give me a chance?”

“I’ll let you go, but you’ve got to call me tomorrow and tell me how it goes!” Trust her to ignore my question.

“Yeah, yeah. Good night.” I hung up and headed down the hall to get Jake out of the tub and into his pajamas. I was actually surprised to find the bathroom empty, except for the towel dropped on the floor and the water in the tub. I drained the water, hung up the towel, and headed to his bedroom. My son was sitting on his floor playing with his cars, his hair still dripping and soaking the collar of his pajama shirt. “C’mon buddy, let’s take a towel to your hair.”

He groaned but stood and followed me back to the bathroom. I handed him his towel and watched as he scrubbed it over his hair. I bit back a chuckle when he stopped, his hair sticking up everywhere, and handed him his comb just as the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Jake’s comb dropped from his fingers, forgotten, and he tried to dart past me but I grabbed him.

“You know the rules; you don’t answer the door by yourself.” I released him and headed for the door. Jake stayed close and once we got to the door he looked up at me. I was still nervous about his reaction but nodded. “Go ahead.”

He opened the door and stared.

“Hey, Jake.” Tony smiled down at my son who turned to look at me.

“Daddy! It’s Mr. Tony!”

“Yes is it. Aren’t you going to invite him in?” I pointed to the bag in Tony’s hand. “I think he brought ice cream.”

“Playdough!” Jake reached out and grabbed Tony’s free hand and pulled him into the house. “Can I have some now?”

I shuddered just thinking about the nasty flavored ice cream. I’d let Jake talk me into trying it once and it was more than enough. I closed the door and followed behind as Jake, not waiting for an answer, pulled Tony towards the kitchen, eager for his treat.

“Jake? Why don’t you get spoons and the ice cream scoop for me?” I slid past Tony and grabbed bowls out of the cupboard. While Jake was busy I turned to Tony. “Thanks for picking up the ice cream. I’d forgotten we were out.”

“It wasn’t a problem.” Tony motioned with his head towards Jake. “I was surprised you called.”

I sighed and met his eyes. “He’s going to know eventually, might as well be now.”

“Know what, Daddy?” Jake dropped the spoons and the scooper on the counter and looked up at me.

Shit. I’d tried to keep my voice low, but it always seemed like kids heard what they weren’t supposed to. I looked down at my son and tried to smile despite my pounding heart. Now I just needed to know how much to tell him.

“That Tony will be spending time with us, is that okay with you?” I opened the ice cream and started scooping some into a bowl for Jake.

Jake nodded.

“Mommy said Mr. Tony is your boyfriend.”

I dropped the scoop at stared at Jake. I couldn’t believe Jamie had said something to our son. I looked over at Tony and he seemed as surprised as I did. I tried to keep my cool as I picked up the scoop and started on the ice cream again.

“When did your mom tell you that?” Tony sounded a lot calmer than I felt.

“Not me! She told Paul!”

I groaned. Knowing Jaime, I wasn’t sure I wanted to ask what Jake had overheard. I knew one thing, Jamie and I were definitely going to have to watch what we said within hearing distance of Jake. He heard everything. Unfortunately, I refused to lie to him and I couldn’t be sure exactly what I should say until I knew what he’d heard.

“What did she tell Paul?”

“She said Tony was a much better boyfriend than Dave.” Jake grinned and looked up at Tony. “Are you going to take me to school like Dave used to?”

“Okay, that’s enough questions for now.” I handed Jake his ice cream and a spoon. “Go into the living room and pick out a movie.”

“Any movie I want?”

“Any movie.” I was ready to agree to anything if it would stop the questioning. I watched him go and sank against the counter. “I don’t even have words.”

“It could have been worse.” Tony glance at where Jake had disappeared into the living room before stepping close.

He lowered his head and brushed his lips lightly against mine. I wanted to deepen the kiss. Only my son in the other room kept me from wrapping my arms around Tony and encouraging him to take it further.

“Daddy! I found one.”

I pulled back at the sound of Jake’s voice and hoped Tony understood. His smile assured me he did and I turned back to the ice cream. I finished scooping ours, some peanut butter and chocolate kind, into bowls and put the ice cream away. I turned and watched Tony already headed into the living room, both of our bowls in his hands.

I followed behind. We’d watch a movie with Jake, during which he’d likely fall asleep. Then, after I got him settled into bed, I could have a little adult time with Tony. I grinned and settled on the couch between my son and my boyfriend.