Chasing the Bartender

Bonding

LEVI POV

All night, I thought of ways to apologize for being an ass. None seemed to be good enough. How did I mess up with the woman I've been in love with not once but twice? I texted Lillian as soon as I got home, asking to meet her in the morning to talk. She, of course, responded quickly, agreeing to meet up. I'm sure she thinks it's for something other than talking.

As I get ready to head to the coffee shop to meet Lillian, my sister texts me, asking me to stop by after lunch. This couldn't have worked out any better. I can talk to Davina, explain that I'm leaving behind the hook up lifestyle, and that I'd like to give us a shot. I let my sister know that I'll be there and she sent me her address, this is the first time I've known where she has been living since she left for school.

The drive to the coffee shop went by quickly, and when I walked in, I instantly spot Lillian. Moving to her, she stands up, trying to give me a kiss as I work to avoid her and sit down. She, of course, was unhappy about it, but she sat down to talk none the less.

"So, baby, what's with the early boots call?" The was she looks at me, makes me uneasy.

"Lil, I know we've known each other for a while, and we've had some good times. But I think it would be for the best if we ended what we've been doing." That's it Levi, rip off the bandaid, just end it. The sooner this is over, the sooner I can be with my son and hopefully start a life with his mom.

"I'm sorry, what?" She scoffs, looking bewildered by the news.

"Lillian, I'm almost thirty. You're twenty-eight. It's time we both moved in and started looking for something more serious. I want a family, and I'm sorry, but I just didn't see that with you." I try to be gentle but straightforward at the same time.

"Are you kidding me?" She whispers yells, looking around to make sure no one is looking at us. I'm surprised she doesn't want to make a scene. "This is because of that b***h being back in town, isn't it? She won't be able to give you what you want, of that I'm sure. I'll make sure that you regret this Levi."

"Lillian, wh-" She stands up quickly and slaps me, cutting me off.

"You'll regret it. She'll be gone and you'll come crawling back." She walks away, pulling out her phone. I see her through the window as she walks away, she has called someone, and based off the way her hands are moving, she's telling them what just happened.

I move to order a coffee and head to the office for a little bit to get some work done. In hindsight that was stupid of me, as I was too busy watching the clock, anxious to go see my sister, my son, and my Davina. I really hope she'll give me a chance. Dane comes into my office about an hour before I was planning in leaving.

"Hey man, your sister texted me. She asked me to come over with you when you stop by today?" He seems equally surprised and worried as he takes a seat in the chair across from me.

"Um yeah, I was planning on leaving in about an hour. I'm not sure why she's asked us both to be there, but I need to smooth things over with Vi. I'm hoping we can give us a chance." Dane shifts in his seat.

"Levi, you're me best friend. I know you've been in love with my sister for a long time now, but you've also hurt her a few times now. Hurt her again, and I won't hesitate to show you what a mistake that is."

He's always been very protective of Davina. She's all he's really had, their parents were hardly ever around. Always leaving them with my parents to go on trips, or always at work. In fact I don't think either of them have seen them in person since the Christmas before Davina and Hadley graduated high school.

"I promise I'll do my best Dane. I want to give her and Xavier a stable family life. I already broke it off with Lillian. She wasn't happy, but oh well."

"Good for you man. Would you be opposed to going over to see them early?" I instantly stood up.

"Not at all."

When we got to their house Hadley opened the door inviting us in. I looked around looking for the two people I wanted to see. Not that I don't want to see my sister, but I know our relationship doesn't need as much fixing as my others.

"She's not here." I hear my sister say behind me. I turn to face her, as does Dane. "Take a seat boys."

"Where's my sister?" Dane says as he sits down at the table, with me following his lead. She moves towards us, and joins us at the table.

"She left for a little bit." The air is tense and heavy. Why would she leave again? "She said she got a work call, an archeology thing. Xave is here with me, she couldn't take him with her. So she is coming back."

"When....wen did she leave?" I whisper out, my voice cracking slightly.

"She left about an hour ago. Levi, she asked that you bond with Xave while she's gone. When she gets back she'd like to talk to you. Dane, I'm going to need a decent amount of help with him since I have to work as well. Could we come up with a schedule of who will watch him when?" Before he could respond, I spoke up.

"I'll take the week off work. Anytime you can't be with him, I'll be here, or wherever would be best."

Hadley calls Xavier out of his room, and he runs to his uncle giving him a big hug. I watch, happy I get to be a part of his life now. As I look I can see it now. His height, his hair color, his face shape, he got them from me. He quickly moves from Dane to me, giving me a big hug.

"Hey Levi, my mom said we could play lots this week while she's gone for work." He smiles big.

"Yeah, we do, buddy. I don't work this week, so whenever you want, we can do whatever you want." I say, crouching down to match his height. A huge smile stretches across his face as he leans in to hug me again.