Page 57 of Beauty Of Her

“Brett. His name is Brett.”

“That’s an even cuter name.” Peter shook it off. “Anyway. Whenever I call and you’re not home, he picks up instead of a babysitter answering because our girls choose not to answer the phone. And what’s crazier? The last time I talked to Zoe, she said she needed to go because Brett was going to show them how to barbecue marinated skirt steak. That should be me, Julia. Showing them those things. And I could if they’d let me. I bought a new grill last year, and it’s sitting out there, barely touched.” Peter pointed to the sliding glass door off the side, showcasing the stainless steel grill, probably half the size compared to the one back home I was permitted to keep from the divorce agreement. “Zoe likes Brett more than me.”

“Think whatever you want. I really don’t care if your insecurities are suddenly driving you crazy. But you need to withdraw this custody threat. Immediately.” I had to be careful. This was a test. I couldn’t humor Peter’s tantrums that would spawn a custody threat every time he felt insecure over the relationship he had with his daughters. “Look, Peter. Zoe is complicated. We know this. Even with me, she acts cold half the time.” My lungs deflated, realizing how Zoe only acted happy with Brett around. Was she only angry at me and Peter? “Sara is our happy-go-lucky child. And Zoe, there are more layers. It’s just who she is.”

Peter shook his head, unconvinced.

“Zoe won’t always be like this. She’ll come around.” I swallowed down the words, not believing them fully. “I’ll talk to her when I get home. I should check in and see where her head is with everything.”

“Careful. She has sharp teeth.” Peter laughed lightly and placed a cautious hand on my knee. “I’m sorry about what I pulled with the custody. I promise I won’t do it again.”

My eyes dropped to Peter’s heavy hand on my leg, making my skin crawl. “Don’t touch me.”

“Oh. Sorry.” He pulled his hand away instantly. “I’ll call my attorney and tell him I changed my mind. And I promise not to do it again.”

“I would never pull anything like that with you. Even when you’re at your worst. Never.” Venom spilled from my mouth, wanting it to burn Peter’s complexion and leave permanent marks.

“I know you wouldn’t. You’ve always been better than me.” His eyes dropped, staying glued to his boat shoes.

“This isn’t a competition, Peter. This is about our kids and what’s best for them. For once, stop making it about yourself. It’s not about you, and it never will be.” I stood, so done and ready to leave. “And if you pull something like this again, I swear I will drag you through fucking hell.”

“You swear a lot.” Peter winced.

“Are you going to take me to court over it?” I gathered myself, already walking to the door.

“Very funny,” Peter called after me.

“Yeah? It won’t be funny next time.” I kept walking to the door with only silence following me. My hand reached for the doorknob when Peter’s voice pierced the quiet.

“Julia?”

I stopped, my breath hitching before turning to meet Peter’s dark, regretful gaze.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said.

The old me would have said something back, but I didn’t owe Peter another word. So, I left.

After dinner, I arrived home, reprieving my babysitter of her duties, and thanked her for staying late. Because I had to duck out of the office in the middle of the day, it meant staying later to make up for lost hours. By the time I got home, it was dark, and to my surprise, the twins were in their rooms, winding down for the night.

I rapped my knuckles against Sara’s door first because it was always open for a welcome. “Hey, kiddo.” I smiled at Sara, who sat cross-legged on her bed in a pink tie-dye pajama set, and her hair rested in a messy bun atop her head.

“Hi, Mom.” She set her laptop aside and opened her arms for a hug.

I embraced Sara tightly, relishing her warmth. She was my sunshine, always there to brighten up my day. As I pulled away from the hug, I couldn't help but notice a glimmer of concern in her eyes.

"Is everything okay, Mom?" Worry laced her voice.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, just had a long day at work and some things on my mind. But I'm okay."

“Are you and Brett okay?” Concern pooled in her big eyes.

The question threw me, and ice ran through my blood for a split second. “Yeah. We’re great. Why?”

“It’s just that…” She paused, searching the room for something. “I don’t know. I really like him.”

It didn’t surprise me that Brett fit in well within our home, but to hear my daughter admit it made everything all the more real. I also realized that with all the craziness from the day, I missed Brett’s calls, didn’t return any of them, and only shot him a quick text saying, ‘crazy day.’

“Brett and I are great. Seriously, Sara. Don’t worry, okay?” I pressed my forehead against hers, and when a smile cracked across her face, I knew she believed me. I kissed her cheek and left her room.

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