Tale The 79

Posted by Adminh, Released on March 5, 2025

79: Warts Part 2

Stormi

“The screwed up kind. Why did she have to come back now?” She laments.

“To show her warts.” I say and she laughs. “Honestly, I have a strong suspicion it has to do with you dating Easton.”

Syd nods along. “I think so too. Otherwise why approach you at all tonight. Jason Reed needs to know. You don’t want a bodyguard, but I’d feel better if you had one after that.”

“I’ll tell Easton about this later.” She says rubbing her temples.

I lean over to put my arm behind her shoulders. “Let’s forget her and finish our food. I saw some very fancy looking chocolate cake that I am definitely trying. You need calories so you can insult her if she comes back again.”

I look over my shoulder and see she’s staring daggers at us. I raise an eyebrow at her and smile slowly. Don’t think you will toy with us. Luci decides to visit the restroom and I exchange a look with Sydney. She’s barely out of her seat when I lean over and whisper. “Go with her and be ready to record.”

I turn like I’m talking more to Mrs. Isabelle to keep an eye on ratchet toad. Sure enough, her eyes follow Luci. Sydney went around different tables taking her time. The minute she gets on her feet, I jump up. Janet and Mrs. Isabelle eye me. “Let us know if she needs an ambulance.

We can delay them a bit.” Mrs. Isabelle says, taking a sip of her soda slowly.

I am only five feet behind her as she steps into the bathroom. I move inside the door barely

and watch her stand there. “Thought you’d ambush her.”

She whips around, her eyes wide open. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I came to use

the bathroom.”

“Sure. Because there are two empty stalls there in plain sight and you stood here instead for almost two minutes. At least be honest about your catty intentions.”

“And what are you doing?” She fires back, crossing her arms.

“Protecting my friend from a petty, jealous bitch.” I smile sweetly at her.

“I have nothing to be jealous of. After all, Luci is my son’s nanny and nothing more. Now excuse me.” She pushes past me making sure she hits me.

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79: Warts Part 2

Syd’s voice comes out as she steps out of hiding. “Sounds like she’s trying to convince herself. Do you think she doesn’t know about you and Easton dating Luci?”

“Survey says no. He walked over and called me by my nickname while reassuring me when I was spiraling down. If nothing else she saw him holding me. And a quick search of the news would show us at the game after what they did to Marshall. Maybe she left. I want to go enjoy my dessert. She’s not ruining my night. We don’t talk about her again, she doesn’t deserve the

time or effort taken from enjoying my evening with my friends. Thanks, Stormi.”

“Anytime Luci Lou. I didn’t tell her I’m a petty b***h too.”

Easton

I get Cole in bed, reading off Luci’s text she sent that I missed. “Luci says to dream about reindeer that trade carrots for superhero capes and mittens.” I shake my head, but Cole gets a big smile. “Like the book she read me about dogs that liked hats and boots. It was funny,

Daddy.”

“I bet it was. Want me to read you a book?”

He nods and I grab two off his little shelf. Luci has been adding books I see, not recognizing

some of the titles. “Cole, did Luci buy you new books?”

“Yep, she had a big box on Monday. She bought me some of her favorites.” He smiles as he

talks about her.

“She’s always thinking about her Coco.” I sit and read a hilarious book about a hippo who can’t

stop hiccuping. Cole is giggling through the whole thing.

“Daddy, do you love Luci yet?” He asks when I turn the lamp off and tuck him in tighter.

“Yeah buddy I do. I love her a lot. Is this what you wanted to ask Luci?” I won’t lie to him.

“No different Luci. More than you loved my mom?” I lay down on the bed to face him.

“Would that bother you, Cole?”

“No.” His little fingers trace over my cheek slowly and I wonder if Luci does that to him too. I

take a second to think of how to explain this to him.

“I had a different love for your mom. Because I was too young to understand what real love

was when we were together, Coconut. Now I know what real love is and it’s Luci. I did love your

mom, but it wasn’t the same. Like how you used to love sugar cookies but chocolate chip is

what you found you loved the mostesttt after you had one. You learned that chocolate chip are

your real cookies that you always want to have. Understand?”

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79: Warts Part 2

He nods. “Luci makes your heart happy Daddy.”

“Very happy, Cole.”

“Good. I love you Daddy.”

“I love you Cole. More than any kind of cookie. Did you know that you taught me what real love was? I didn’t know until I held you as a tiny baby.” He smiles happily and I run my fingers through his hair until he falls asleep, watching that little face that has lit up my day since I saw him. Long after he’s asleep, I whisper to him. “I can’t ever lose you buddy. It would break

me.”

I finally tear myself away and head for the game room. I need an extra workout. I text Luci to remind her not to forget to call me. I step in and find Jackson hitting the bag. Kingston and Becker are on the treadmills. Dad is sitting with his laptop on the couch. He glances up at me. “Did you tell Luci she will have a guard tomorrow morning?”

“No, she is supposed to call me when she gets back to Sydney’s. I’ll tell her then.” I sit next to

him and lace

my shoes.

“Marco’s boss said this guy can blend into the campus easily, looks more like a college athlete. I want him to follow her discreetly so that way we can capture any video evidence of Lorelei harassing her to use in court.” He holds up a hand forestalling me. “Not as bait, Easton. But I also think Luci might shrink into herself if some bulky guy is on top of her all day. Besides you.”

Becker snorts. “Can you make sure he’s ugly Dad? Like covered in warts or scars or something so Easton can relax about her having a male shadow he has to allow.”

Kingston laughs. “Nah, scars are hot these days. Maybe he can be a prick like Marshall.”

“His name is Vince and that’s all I know about him. You can order some fake stick on warts or

something.” Dad answers grinning, as I glare at Becker.

“Like you’d handle it any better.”

“Nope I wouldn’t. That’s why I’m trying to help you. Because I fortunately am not in the hot seat.” He says seriously.

Luci calls while we’re all still in the game room. “Have fun?” I ask her as I sit on the couch wiping my face.

“Mostly. I need to tell you something.” Her voice hitches hesitantly.

“What?” I’m on alert instantly.

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* Paints

79: Warts Part 2

“Lorelei was there.” She says quietly. I’m on my feet needing to move.

“What do you mean she was f*****g there? Did she bother you?!” I see all four of them move in closer to me. “Hang on sweetness. Let me put you on speakerphone so I don’t have to repeat this later.”

“She came to talk to me. Said she wanted insight into Cole’s favorites and his life.” The more she talks the more I pace. Until she gets to the end with her insulting Luci’s focus and

scholarship. “I uh, might have gone too far and insulted her back.” I almost laugh when she

reveals what she said.

“A devious blow.” Becker tells her.

“Good job Luci Lou, but next time think of hockey insults and lay her flat.” Kingston says shaking his head.

“Trying not to cause a war.” She answers him.

“Start the war Luci. We have an army.” Dad tells her dryly.

“You definitely have a bodyguard tomorrow.” I pass on what we learned about Nicole calling

her.

“She came back because of that? She’s got FOMO but for a human being? Seriously….”

“We meet Vince in the morning at the coffee shop. We’ll meet you there at 8.” I tell her knowing

it isn’t going to make her happy.

“OK.”

I end the call and text her that I’ll call her in ten minutes when I’m alone.

“I’m sorry about all this sweetness. I know you don’t want the guard but he’ll be in the shadows mostly.”

“Not your fault. You should go sleep. We’re going to watch our favorite Vampire Diaries

episode and do the same.”

“Fawning over vampires?”

“Maybe. We had to flip a coin for that or Supernatural.” I remember her Halloween comments

and bite my tongue.

“No drooling on the tv. Get some sleep. I love you.”

“I love

you. See you in the morning.”

4/6

+8 Points

79: Warts Part 2

I walk into the coffee shop in the morning with my brothers and Dad. “He’s supposed to be in a blue hoodie with an eagle on the front of it.” Dad reads off his phone.

I spot him and my jaw already tightens.

“Well you are fucked.” Jackson says slowly as his shoulders shake.

“In what world Dad, does he look like a college athlete?” I say with irritation. He looks like a ******g model with dark hair, tan and perfect white teeth. He spots us and nods briefly. He’s probably six–five and muscular.

“Mr. Reed and all the Mr. Reeds.” He jokes and I hear Luci’s voice behind me.

“I’m here. Sorry, running late. I overslept.”

“You must be Luci. I’m Vince.” He smiles and holds his hand out to her and she smiles up at him before she shakes it. To his credit, he keeps it brief, but I’ve got my arm around her waist the minute he lets her go. “Maybe we should go sit.”

“You didn’t eat, did you?” I ask, holding her in place as they start walking to a large table in the

corner.

“No time.”

“Let’s go order your breakfast then. The line is empty.” I pull her with me and let her order what

she wants, grabbing extra muffins for my brothers. I pull her chair out when we join them,

sticking her between Jackson and I.

“I’ll be hanging out in the halls and I will follow you to the preschool each day. Let me send

myself a text from your phone.” Vince holds his hand out and she unlocks hers. I’ll be in the

shadows mostly and you won’t see me so I can observe if she sends anyone after you.” Luci

gazes at him with alarm and he smiles gently at her holding his hands up to her. “Just a

precaution Miss Luci. Don’t borrow trouble yet like my mother says.”

I squeeze her thigh and she gives me a worried look. “I’ve also got photos of your friends. I’d like to meet thern too so they know I’m not the bad guy if something does happen.”