Book two in the Santa Katrina Trilogy. Download books one and three.
Greg had the perfect life. It had always been good. He liked school, was a natural at baseball and his dad was not only the most lenient but the most fun of any he knew. What tipped the scale to perfection was undoubtedly Katie, his girlfriend. She came with baggage -- 3 older territorial brothers and the twins were a metaphysical mischievous force. When a new stepmother and stepbrother moved in - perfect was bound to change. But Greg's problems weren't about his new family but from his old family -- family that he had written off years before.
Excerpt:
Gregory Andrews looked out the window wondering where his dad was taking him. Wherever it
was, it couldn’t be good. Not after he shoved Brad down for taking Meg’s doll. He only meant to get the toy back but he jumped on Brad when he taunted him for being a momma’s boy. Despite the undeniable fact that Brad started it, Greg understood he was in big trouble. He knew better than to hit anybody.
They had just left his kindergarten after his father had a long discussion about his behavior behind
closed doors with Father Francis. Andy, his father, hadn’t said a word since. The silence was torture.
Greg couldn’t believe his eyes when they pulled into the Family Fun Zone parking lot. “We’re playing putt-putt golf?” He sat up tall wondering what the catch was.
“No.” Andy answered mysteriously.
They walked to the far side of the building where the batting cages were. It was better than golf. He had begged his father to take him since he could talk and now when he had been so bad, he was finally going to bat like the big boys.
Andy bought some tokens, a shiny new bat and gloves for Greg. They walked down to the slow pitch machine. He sat down on the bench and patted for Greg to sit next to him.
Greg sat sure it was a trick and a punishment was coming.
“Father Francis told me what happened.” His father’s kind eyes scanned over Greg and then his strong arms wrapped him in an ironclad hug. “You’re mother isn’t coming back. It’s my fault not yours.” He was near tears. “Never think it was because of you.”
Greg wept. It wasn’t a shock. After three years, how could it be? It still hurt to hear. “I don’t care.” He sniffled.
“I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you never lack anything.” Andy didn’t ease up his hold. “I love you, Greg. Never forget that.”
“Me too Dad.” Greg wiped his hand across his snotty nose clearing away the mucus puddle that had formed. Andy mussed up his hair. To Greg that was a greater sign of love than any words could ever be. Then his father cleaned off his hands and face with a wet nap.
“Hi Greg.” Brad said.
Greg looked up feeling like a baby crying in front of Brad. Brad’s eyes were raw and red. Clearly he had been crying as well.
“I’m sorry for taking Meg’s doll and calling you a momma’s boy.” Brad hung his head in shame. “I didn’t know.”