Ash by Julieanne Lynch Read Free Book Online

behind his ear.
    “We can get anything you want.”
    “Yes!” Jake fist-pumped the air and kissed my cheek. He hugged me tight and ran toward the front door.
    “See you later, buddy,” I shouted down the hall after him. “Thanks, Mom.”
    “I’ll see you tonight, honey,” she replied, making her way to the door. “I love you,” she called back before closing the door behind her.
    Stretching my arms, I poured the coffee in the sink, slipped off my boots, and walked into my room. I closed the blinds, stripped off my clothes, and climbed into bed.
    Sometimes, the silence was all I craved. After Sophia’s behavior, complete calm was what I needed. If only things went the way I wanted.
     

 
I always found it odd when I walked into the schoolyard. Some would say I stuck out like a sore thumb. Others may have assumed I was some gang banger and their kids were in danger. Either way, I didn’t give a damn. It made conversations a little meatier. Danny kept reminding me that I wasn’t meant to scare people, but if the truth were told, I was just a puppy underneath all my ink.
    Of course, a few mothers turned their attention to me. This served as a way to boost my ego. At the end of the day, I was a single father, doing my best to raise my kid. A little positive attention never did anyone any harm.
    “Hey, Ash,” Cindy said, walking up beside me and smiling at me.
    “Hey, Cindy, you doing good?” I smiled back at her.
    Cindy Callaghan was a good-looking woman. She had all the bumps in the right places and left very little to the imagination. Newly divorced, I was sure she was on the hunt for her rebound guy. As much as I appreciated the attention, I wasn’t going to be that guy. Of course, that’s not to say I wouldn’t enjoy the flirtation.
    “Oh, so-so, I guess. Busy getting ready for the summer,” she gushed. “The weather has been amazing, right?”
    “Can’t complain about much. Just taking it easy today.”
    She moved in closer. The whiff of her perfume was overwhelming, but I played it cool.
    “I hear that Jake’s really coming out of his shell,” she remarked. “He’s such a sweet little boy.”
    I nodded and replied, “Yeah, he’s a good kid. He’s surrounded with good people who understand the tough times he’s had.”
    Mentioning the hard year Jake has been through sobered Cindy up long enough for her to take a step back.
    “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy on either of you. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been. If you ever want to talk, or get a bite to eat,” she whispered, and paused for a second, looking around. “Like, only if you want to. I mean, my weekends are pretty flexible.”
    At that moment, I knew I had to let her down. “Ah, Cindy, thanks for the offer, but with Jake and work, I don’t have a lot of free time. Thanks for the offer. I appreciate it.”
    Her face turned red.
    I felt bad, but I couldn’t let her continue thinking she had a chance. False hope was a disease, and I wouldn’t do that to anyone.
    Cindy retreated to her small group of friends and avoided me.
    I let out a sigh of relief when the door opened.
    Jake’s eyes lit up when he saw me. “Daddy.” He squealed and ran toward me.
    “You ready to be the man?” I asked, lifting him into my arms.
    “Yup!” He laughed.
    The day was ours.

    Danny stuffed his mouth with noodles, leaving long strings hanging down over his chin.
    Jake burst into laughter. His little voice filled the restaurant.
    I sipped at my cola, watching the two of them at play.
    Danny continued chewing and filled his mouth with food until he let out a belch.
    “That is disgusting.” I sniggered.
    “What?” he asked, wiping his chin with the napkin. “Jake made me do it.”
    “I did not.” Jake giggled.
    Danny pulled a face. He rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out, resulting in Jake copying him. It was like babysitting two kids.
    “You guys ready?” I asked.
    They looked at each other and nodded in unison.
    “Then,