Page 54 of Roll With The Punches

“I’m just telling you how I feel.”

“Well, I don’t ever plan on setting eyes on Pat again, so don’t feel guilty. He doesn’t get any more chances with me. Maybe this will be enough to wake Mom up.”

“Your mom’s doing the best she knows how.”

“Stop making excuses for her. You’re fine. You didn’t turn me against her. She did that all on her own. She didn’t need any help from you—she had Pat to do that for her.”

* * * *

Stuart kept his mouth shut. After the afternoon’s events, he had nothing nice to say about Tracey.

No way could he even attempt to be the slightest bit impartial. Not after what he’d seen and heard.

As far as he was concerned, Brandon was showing remarkable restraint. Had Brandon taken a swing at Pat earlier, Stuart would have been jumping in right behind him.

Jeff would have been bailing them both out of jail, but totes worth it to wipe the smarmy look off Pat’s face.

On the other hand, he didn’t feel he should jump in and mouth off about Tracey and Pat in front of Emma. Alone with Jeff and Brandon? Sure, but technically, Emma wasn’t his daughter, even though he was growing more every day to love her as one.

If it were up to him, Tracey would never see Emma again, unless Emma made the decision to see her.

And Pat would beundera jail somewhere, not in it, for trying to keep Emma there against her will.

Brandon hugged Emma. “So did we decide what’s for dinner tonight?”

Jeff ran a hand through his short blond hair. “We’re thinking about calling in a pizza instead of grilling burgers.”

“That works for me,” Brandon said. “Don’t forget the cheesy bread.”

Emma yawned. “I’m going to grab a shower and call Grace. I’ve got some homework I can do.”

“You all right?” Brandon asked her.

“I will be.” She pulled away from Brandon and hugged Jeff, then Stuart, then back to Jeff once more. “Thanks again, guys. I know I can always count on you to have my back.”

Stuart stared after her as she walked out. He kept his voice low. “I know what happened sucked, but hearing that was worth it.”

Jeff fist-bumped with him.

A handsome smirk curled Brandon’s lips. “Just remember this moment when I need you two to have my back when she acts out or starts dating. United front.”

“Absolutely,” he and Jeff said in unison.