Page 41 of Could Be Worse

Really? That was it? He knew I was being guarded. Of course I made it home safely. I replied out of respect for him. He didn’t have to check up on me…

Sadie: Yes

Bryce: Good. I wish you were in my bed right now.

I rolled my eyes.

Sadie: I’m not into threesomes, nor do I share my man.

Bryce: Am I your man?

Honestly, why was he screwing with me?

Sadie: No

I jumped in my seat when the phone rang. “What?” I answered in a harsh tone.

“I don’t accept your answer.”

I laughed as I reached for the doorknob, then closed it. “Too bad. My man wouldn’t have chosen his ex over me.”

“I didn’t choose Connie over you.”

“Bullshit you didn’t. She’s there and I’m not.”

“She’s not here. After we talked, she went to her hotel. I’m in bed alone and wishing you were here.”

“Well, keep on wishing buddy because I won’t be any man’s second choice.”

“Goddammit! You’re my first choice. The only woman I want.”

My heart squeezed so tight it was painful. “Why’d you text and call? I’m sensing there’s more you want to tell me.”

He sighed into the phone. “It’s the weekend.”

“Yes, and I won’t be watching the girls.”

“Right. But during supper, we talked about taking them to the pumpkin patch tomorrow.”

A lump of emotion shot into my throat. The outing was going to be the highlight of my weekend. “Mhm.”

“Connie wants to take them.”

“How nice. Have a magical time.”

“Sadie, try to understand.”

“Have you found someone to watch the girls? Our arrangement was only temporary.”

“Fuck no, I haven’t! I want you, Sadie. I want you to watch my girls and to go to the pumpkin patch with us, and to make love to.”

“Again, I’m here and she’s there. Good thing it’s the weekend. It’ll give us both time to think.”

“To think about what?”

“Don’t forget, I’m connected to a motorcycle club. You weren’t thrilled about the dangers earlier. Maybe this is your way out. You can get back together with your ex-wife and have a perfect little family.” I hated myself for pushing him away. But it was the truth. He should want a whole family for the twins.

“Jesus Christ, you don’t mean that. I would never take Connie back. I never loved her. And she doesn’t want to be a mother. Even now, all she wants is to see them and then she’ll leave. You don’t know how she treated them when they were babies. I’d be putting them in harm’s way if I let her back into their lives.”

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