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“You’re just so funny, Lance. Forget being a surf instructor, you’re a shoe-in for the circus.”
“Screw you.”
“You know, with you around, I always miss my son,” I pointed out. “Even he’s more mature than you.” I opened my locker and pulled a shirt over my head.
Tyler brushed me off. “Dude, you need a good lay.”
I looked down and tossed a pair of flip flops on the floor to step into. “I’m good, thanks,” I said, ready to leave. I sent a quick text off to Stephanie, letting her know where we were going to see if Mason ate yet or wanted me to pick him up.
She sent one back quick enough.
“Hey, Mason wants to join us. I’m going to stop and get him,” I told Tyler. “You can go on without me.”
He shook his head, though, “No way. I want to see the little man. I’ll come with you.”
“He’ll be at lunch.”
“Not the same. Hunter always steals his attention.”
“You jealous of Hunter?” I asked, thoroughly amused by this side of him and returned my attention to my phone as another text came through.
He brushed me off. “Shut up. Let’s just go.”
“Change of plans, Steph’s bringing him by.”
“Even better,” Tyler said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
I shook my head. “She’s married.”
He shrugged. “I’ve been with wives before.”
“You’re incorrigible,” I said as we crossed the path to enter the café.
He swung the door open and I was struck by how many people were there. Yeah, I’d say it was definitely lunchtime. Tyler pointed to a table in the back. “Found Corey.”
I was stopped midway, though, at the sound of Mason. “Daddy!” he called and came running over.
I bent down and hugged him real tight as he held onto my neck. I would never tire of that, feeling like I was his whole world. I knew soon enough it’d all change. Our dynamic would shift. He’d get older and would be too cool for me. I’d been there myself, so I knew it well, of course. I just wasn’t prepared for it to happen yet, so I wanted to hold on to whatever bit of time he was still offering up for me.
Hunter walked in behind us. “Way to block the entrance.”
“Sorry,” I returned and put Mason down. We moved to the side. “Did you have fun today?”
“You bet,” he said waving Steph over.
She followed and smiled as she joined us and Hunter excused himself. “I’ll meet you at the table with Ty and Corey. Hey, little man,” he added and gave a high five to Mason.
“Can I go with Uncle Hunter?” he asked, jumping around at my feet.
Laughing, I nodded. “Sure, buddy, I’ll be over in a second.” Then, before he could bolt, I ruffled his hair and added, “Don’t forget to thank Stephanie for bringing you here.”
Hopping up and down now, he smiled and looked at her with so much affection. “Thanks, Stephanie!” Without another word, he ran over to the table where the guys were sitting.
I watched Tyler pull out a seat from another table when he got there and help get him settled before turning back to Stephanie. “He didn’t give you too much trouble, did he?”
She shook her head. “He was no problem at all. He’s a perfect angel.”
I scoffed. “We both know that’s not true.”
