“Ma, don’t worry, everything will be ok.”

She stopped and turned to look at me, “I hope so Hunter. I hate that man for what he did to you two; hate what he did to all of us.” When she said all of us I knew she meant CC as well.

She left the kitchen; I finished my breakfast alone and then ran back towards home.

As soon as I arrived my phone started ringing.

“Hello?”

“Hey dude. Got any plans this weekend?” Mason asked.

“Ha, are you trying to be funny?” He was always busting my balls and I knew it was his way of making sure I was really ok.

“No, not at all. Look, the guys want to get together and get out of Jersey. Do you think you can see if we can use the house in Tennessee?”

“Hang on. I’ll go boot up my laptop and take a look.” I walked into the family room where my laptop was sitting on the desk. I wiggled the mouse and typed in the address.

“It’s loading now.” The rental screen popped up. “It’s free until…” my voice trailed off. It was free until I blocked it off for my honeymoon with CC.

“Good, it’s free. What time do you get done with work on Friday?” Mason asked.

I was grateful that he hadn’t asked what I was about to say. “Friday I get done at three.”

“Make sure your bags are packed, we’ll swing by and pick you up.” I heard some whispering in the background and I figured it was just Mason telling Hailey what was going on.

“Dude, why don’t we just go in the morning? We aren’t going to get there until after midnight.” Who the hell would want to drive on possibly snowy ass roads? “And what about Ryder? I don’t see him enough now as it is.”

“You aren’t going to see him anyway. Hailey is taking CC to the shore house for the weekend.”

I was glad that she was getting out, but was a little pissed off that I wouldn’t have the chance to see Ryder. “Alright, then I’ll be ready.”

“Thanks man and don’t worry, I’ll have plenty of alcohol.”

I was sure as hell going to need it.

After I had my talk to Jason and found out the real reason why he was here, I was getting my girl and Ryder back. Not having her with me was slowly killing me and I just couldn’t take much more. I wasn’t pushing CC to talk to me because I knew she needed the time. I just hoped she could figure out a way to forgive me after this.

28

I had no idea how to contact Jason, but I went to the one person I knew would. After work on Thursday night, I stopped at the hospital. I wasn’t sure of Lynn’s schedule, but at least I’d be able to find out if she wasn’t here.

I went up to the fifth floor and stepped out of the elevator. I shivered from all the memories this floor held for me. I walked up to the nurses’ station. There were two nurses, but I didn’t recognize either one from the last time I was here.

“Can we help you?” The nurse with the black hair said.

I folded my hands and leaned my elbows on the desk, “Yeah, can you tell me if Lynn is working today?”

The girls exchanged a look, “She’s here but actually on break. Do you know where the cafeteria is?” The other, heavy set nurse asked.

“Yes.”

“She said she was running down there to grab some dinner, but I’m afraid she’s not alone.” She explained.

“Oh okay, thanks.” I went back to the elevators. Hopefully she’s with Jason and I can knock out two birds with one stone.

When I stepped into the cafeteria it was bustling with nurses, doctors and other hospital staff. I grabbed a bottle of water and was looking around for Lynn and possibly Jason. I paid for my water and took a look in the other dining room where I spotted Lynn and Jason in a corner booth.

My hands start to shake with anger, I hated this man. I couldn’t stand to look at him. I didn’t know how I was going to get through a conversation with him without wanting to punch the shit out of his face.

Lynn spotted me coming in her direction, she said something to Jason and he turned to look at me. He stood as I approached. “Hunter.”

“Jason.” Dickbag.

I looked over at Lynn who put her head down. Figures.

“Let’s go outside and talk, son.” Jason said, the smell of cigarettes lingering on him.

“I’m not your son.” I seethed.

Jason laughed, “Yes of course, I forgot, your mother got herself pregnant with a bastard child.”

I’m glad there’s hatred, the feeling’s mutual. What my mother ever saw in this ass**le was beyond me. We strode outside and around the building, Lynn chose to come too. Jason sparked up a cigarette, blowing the smoke in my direction. What a dickhead.

He shifted slightly over to my right, “What do you want, Hunter?”

“Why do you keep calling our houses and not saying anything?”

Lynn was shooting daggers at Jason. Hope you know what you’re getting yourself into bitch.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, that wasn’t me.” Jason answered.

“I want to know why you’re back. What do you want?” I asked.

“I’m not here for you, Jaylinn, or that piece of shit mother of yours.”

The anger gripped me and took over; I got up in Jason’s face, “Don’t talk about Mom like that. She’s more of a parent than you’ll ever be. Just look at that whore you call a daughter. She damn near killed my fiancé and your grandson. Did you know about that, Dad?”

Lynn stepped up and put her hand on Jason’s chest and pushed him back a little.

Jason looked at Lynn in confusion, but then asked me, “Is that how her car got wrecked?”

I don’t know why he was asking me, “Shouldn’t you be asking her that?”

Lynn had her mouth covered with one hand and the other clutched Jason’s arm. “Oh my God, Hunter, we had no idea it was her.” Lynn said.

“Yeah well, you wouldn’t would you? You just pick and choose when you want to be a dad.” I spoke to Jason. “And you aren’t any better, Lynn. What was with all the flirting and longing looks you were giving me while you were caring for CC?”

Jason looked over at Lynn with disgust. “It wasn’t like that, Hunter.”

It was my turn to laugh this time, “Could’ve fooled me. Why do you think CC had your ass kicked out of our house in a week?”

They both just looked at me, putting the events together.