A Package Deal

Tag:

One drunken night turned Phillip’s life upside down. Could Janet be just what he needs to turn it right side up?

Blurb:

A drunken decision in college changed Phillip Drake’s life forever. Once the chaos slowed, he knew the life he’d planned with his girlfriend, Janet, could never happen. An unforeseen tragedy brought Phil home to his family with a son. When Phil sees Janet for the first time in three years, he runs the other way not wanting to put his own wants before his son’s needs. Will Janet get the chance to show Phil that she would be what’s best for him and his son?

Chapter One

Phillip Drake sat in the back of the limo holding his son close to his chest as the small boy slept peacefully. He watched the scenery go by for a while and then looked down at the child.

His poor little Tyrell had no idea how much their lives had changed. The toddler stretched in his arms. Phil smiled for the first time in two weeks. Tyrell's little fist flailed around innocently for a moment as he adjusted in his father's arms before he settled back down to sleep.

Phillip let a lazy finger slide down the light brown skin of his son's chubby cheek and sighed. Abruptly, Phil held the boy fiercely close, rocking him back and forth as tears flowed freely down his cheeks. It was up to him to take care of him now all alone and he had no idea how he was going to do that. The limo slowed to a stop, and then the back door swung open moments later.

Mr. Drake, we're here.

Yes, right. He wiped his face quickly. Gathering Tyrell and his things, he shifted the boy to his shoulder and slid out of the limo. Thanks for everything, Dennis. I know you were only supposed to drop me at the church, but—

Dennis held his hand up, shaking his head. No thanks necessary, Mr. Drake. I couldn't leave you and your boy stranded at the church.

When we got dropped off this morning, I.... Well, I guess it didn't occur to me how we would get home, he explained softly.

Yes, well, you had other things on your mind. Dennis closed the door. Again, Mr. Drake, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope everything turns out well for you.

Thank you, Dennis.

Dennis turned to leave but looked over his shoulder. Will you be alright? I mean, you know, you’ve got someone you could call?

Yes, one of my friends is—Oh, here he comes, he said with a nod.

Dennis turned to see a man approaching them. He smiled and tipped his hat before returning to the car.

Phil nodded and watched the limo drive away as he waited. Thanks for coming, Rick.

Rick leaned into the shoulder Tyrell wasn’t on. Of course, man. It was bad enough I couldn’t be with you at the funeral. I was definitely going to be here when you got home.

It’s okay. I knew they couldn’t give everyone the time off.

Rick followed him into the house. He stood in the vestibule of the little house and took a deep breath. Rick clapped his shoulder and they walked into the living room together.

The whole place screams of Monica, Rick.

I know, dude. It’s going to be rough for a while if you decide to stay here. Have you even thought that far ahead?

Not really. We only just moved in a little over a year ago. Grab us a beer. I’m going to lay Tyrell down.

Phil returned and sat in his chair. Rick handed him a bottle. They sat quietly drinking.

I don’t have the words, man, Rick finally said. I wish I could say something that could help, but this situation is outside my field of practice.

What? Professor Browning is speechless? That’s got to be a first, Phil said with a chuckle. Your students would never believe that.

Rick laughed. That’s true, but even my psychology majors would be hard-pressed for any words that would ease your pain, my friend.

Phil took a deep breath. That’s because there are no words, he muttered. I’ve made my peace with being a single father. I will raise my son alone and we will be happy.

"Alone? Why must you be alone? You’re a young man with great potential and a not so bad looking face. Surely another woman would be glad to have you and your son. The boy will be your way in. He’s the handsome one," Rick added in a teasing tone.

Phil shook his head. No, that’s just too much to deal with.

Rick stopped drinking and tilted his head. What do you mean?

Rick, when my son gets older, he will start to notice the obvious differences between us.

Rick nodded. Yes, I know Phil.

"Tyrell may not question his light brown skin tone or even his curly hair, but those green eyes he got from Monica.  He will one day ask me why he looks different from me. I have to prepare for