C9 Chapter 9

He leaned back in his chair, looked over the statistics, and muttered a curse. Yes. They were not good. Up until a few months ago, the drop-off had been slow; after that, they were dropping like flies. He wondered how many of his regular readers had been lured to the bright new Man About Town website, which was giving away a free six-month membership with every new register since there was a new site, a rival site. Although The Playbook provided a tonne of free stuff (they would be crazy not to), there was a fee to read his blog as well as some of the other blogs on the site. It was comparable to the cost of a print magazine membership, so it was understandable why his viewership was declining when Man About Town offered six months of free material.

Fuck it.

He had no desire to engage in a sexual rivalry with another website. And what was even more unappealing than that was opening fire in a conflict that would harm only men and women worldwide. None of us would benefit from a conflict of the sexes to begin with. However, what option did he have? She began it if he was truly trying to convince himself of that. The nameless lady who was full of hate and who compared all men to her former partner. He was only answering her challenge, for that is what it was. How could he leave that behind? She was the ideal lady for him to pursue in an attempt to win over the guys who read his blog by showcasing his skills. It was simple to pick up a bargirl who was eager to hook up, but how about a girl who was anti-men? That posed the most difficulty.

He turned to the video of the unidentified woman and smiled. He still thought that, if you could get beyond the weird eyes and boring clothes, she was sort of pretty. Beneath her shabby yoga pants and t-shirt, she undoubtedly had a smashing figure and a spunk personality. The red hair and the pouty mouth appealed to him. She had a seductive, girl-next-door vibe that was hard to resist. She could certainly have any guy she wanted if she wore a short little skirt and a blouse that flaunted her endowments. But then again, what was wrong with her—her ex had left her for someone else?

He gave himself a snort. Her mental state was evidently unstable; she was completely insane. If not, why did she share it online? If the remarks he had read were any indication, she was not garnering much pity. It was also a low blow to point out her ex's poor technique in the bedroom. Finn gave a sigh. He would need to identify her and then arrange a meeting of some kind. Before he met her in person and learned if she was certifiable or had just experienced a mental breakdown, he was unable to properly make a judgment.

He opened his email and sent a few brief questions to some of his coworkers. This was a woman that someone had to know or know someone who did. These days, the globe is tiny, and the idea of six degrees of separation is starting to seem unsettlingly true. He would simply need to relax and bide his time now.

With a whoosh, the elevator doors opened, and Finn entered. He detested hospitals for their stench, stillness, and the nurses' creaking rubber-soled shoes. But as long as he got to meet them outside of a hospital, he loved nurses just fine. The elevator stopped, and as the doors opened, he got out. If nothing else, the children's ward had a little bit more color and energy to it than the other wards. He itched from the relaxing pastel green that they painted on the walls.

At Riley's room door, Jack greeted him.

"How is he doing? Finn questioned a somewhat agitated and disheveled-looking Jack.

"Achieving better than myself."

Finn gave his pal a backslap. "He's a child, mishaps do occur."

"For this, I should sue the school."

"It's only an arm break—"

"Things could have gone worse,"

However, it wasn't. Inhale deeply. Ever since he entered, have you even left his side?"

Jack ran a hand over his hair, which appeared to have been combed excessively already. "Last night, I slept very little."

"You took a nap here?"

Jack gave a nod.

Finn gave him another grip and a pat on the shoulder. "Return home. Take a shower, then go to bed. Riley and I will remain here until you return.

"Are you certain?"

Finn grinned and shrugged. "There is nothing else I can do. I can work if I need to because I have my iPad."

Jack took a long, deep breath. "Man, thank you," he murmured before entering the room to bid his kid go.

Jack was an only parent. When Riley was two years old, his mother separated, leaving Riley and Jack on their own. The remaining members of The Playbook team had pitched in when they could, but they were all single people with no experience with childrearing. Riley, then seven years old, was like a member of the crew five years later. Riley had one father and four ignorant uncles, yet they managed to raise him despite the adage that it takes a village to raise a child.

As Finn entered the room, he observed Jack gathering his belongings while maintaining a conversation with Riley. Riley wasn't even paying attention to what his dad was saying since, in classic male fashion, he was too preoccupied with the video game that had been wheeled into his room. With a quick glance up, he saw Finn. He smiled and, wonder of miracles, the game was halted.

"Uncle Finn," he said, and Jack glanced over his shoulder at Finn, rolling his eyes.

My purpose is to amuse you while your father takes a little break. Is that acceptable?"

Riley scowled. He snarled, "I don't need a babysitter."

"Who made a comment on watching babies? With ease, Finn pulled up a chair and sat down. "My purpose is to assess the nurses."

Jack scowled and Riley smiled.

Jack stood at the doorway and said, "I'll be back in an hour."

Finn answered, "No." Return home, then take a nap. Return later and don't forget to pack dinner. I'll be alright with Riley.”