Fake (A Pretty Pill) by Criss Copp Read Free Book Online Page A

not chucking a spaz waiting for us to get our asses down there.”
    “I have no idea , I turned my phone off 20 minutes ago after she texted me three times in ten minutes.” He chuckles.
    “And tell me again why you love that woman?”
    “I can’t tell you everything, but rest assure she keeps things interesting, very interesting.” he smirks.
    “How’s being a Dad?”
    “Good.”
    “Just good?” I ask a little confused.  I would’ve thought Ben would have something incredible to say.
    “When she lets me near the little fella, it’s awesome.  Unfor tunately, she’s all territorial and doesn’t like to share very often.  So yeah, it’s good.” Ben explains.
    “So I won’t get to have a cuddle?” I ask.
    He huffs.
    “She’s that bad?” I ask incredulously.
    He nods raising his eyebrows for added effect.
    “Well, you need to get in there Ben, use your elbows or something.  Make her back off.”
    “Uhuh.” he huffs again, noncommittally.  “I’d have more chance with a ravenous bear fresh out of hibernation.”
    I give him a quizzical look before moving on.
    “So, can I call him Benji?” I tease.
    “Can I punch you in the face?”
    “Oh, come on.  You really want me calling him junior?” I ask.
    “You call him junior, and I’ll knee you in the nuts.”
    I give him an incredulous look.
    “Wow man, parenthood has really refined your skills of being an asshole.” I argue; walking into the sunshine and out of the main doors for the first time in months.
    “You can call him Ben.” Ben states.
    “That’s going to get confusing.” I explain.
    “He’ll get used to it.  I did.” Ben reasons.
    I chuckle.  I have no intention of rocking the boat too much.  But I have already decided to call him Reynolds around Jade.  I just can’t help myself.  I’m in a good mood.  I’m leaving LA and moving on to a new life.  I’m off to San Luis Obispo – a beautiful area, and entering into a program to ease me back into the world.  And despite the fact that I’ll be doing it alone, and I’ve had no contact from Shae this whole time, I’m feeling positive, really positive.
    I’m walking alongside Ben, towards a nondescript silver four door sedan.  As I get closer I see a frantic Jade jump out of the back seat and stomp forward.
    “She’s all yours.  I’m getting in the car to talk to the little guy.” I explain, quickly removing myself from the ensuing battle.
    I haven’t met little Ben yet because he wasn’t allowed into the acute setting mental health unit.
    I ignore the two of them ‘discussing’ their issues, and set about talking to Ben.
    “Hey there little guy.” I soothe, settling in and pulling the door closed behind me.  He’s two weeks old now, and he’s awake.  Pumping his little fists and punching himself in the eye.  He’s so cute he makes me feel this groundswell of hope and love.  He’s so tiny too.  I’ve never seen something so beautiful and tiny like this.  I’m enamored by him.
    Fuck it, I’m getting him out of this contraption.
    It’s a bit of a mission getting the straps unhooked around his little arms, and lifting him from the basket styled holder ; all the while supporting his head, but I manage. Meanwhile Ben is smirking at me, because he’s seen me interfere with his kid and probably considers I’m in for an extreme reaction from Jade.  But Jade has yet to see me, so I plow on through.
    I realize he smells a little, but I don’t care, I just pull him tight to my che st and cling to his little body while we sit in the air-conditioning.  He’s kind of my flesh and blood.  I’ve wanted to meet him for so long now and I think I’m very much in love with him already.  I can feel him, so helpless lying against my chest.  He’s beautiful.
    Jade swings herself around and marches back to the car completely oblivious to me and little Ben sitting in the back.  Ben goes to the boot and dumps my bag in it.
    He then hops into the