Page 35 of Blindside Love

“I know,” he says, looking bored.

“I was wondering if I did one less day the week before if I could have her on Saturday instead of Sunday that week so I can spend it with her. Then?—”

“No,” Tom scoffs, cutting me off.

“But—” I start, but he raises his hand, immediately cutting me off.

“I said no, Eleanor. You made the choice to leave. Deal with the consequences.”

“You’re really putting this on me, aren’t you? Are you delusional? How have you convinced yourself that this is my fault?”

“Who filed?”

Oh, for fucks sake. What the fuck did I ever see in this man? I can’t even say that I was dickmatized because he didn’t know how to use it. The fact that he’s being so rude and adamant that he can’t even be slightly flexible on my birthday is ridiculous. And now, to blame the divorce on me just because I filed? I didn’t fucking destroy us.

He did.

“For the millionth time, you thick-headed jackass, YOU cheated on me. You are the one who caused us to fall apart, and I will not let you convince anyone otherwise.”

He just smirks like what I’m saying doesn’t matter to him, and I fucking hate it.

“Well, I’ve already convinced my father, and he’s the one selecting someone to represent me in court. He says it wouldn’t look good if I did it myself, so be prepared to lose your daughter, Eleanor. Now, I’ve got to go. I have places to be,” Tom says before turning on his heel and walking out to the car where his driver is already buckling Addy into.

It breaks my heart that she’s not here with me right now. Her little hand waves as they pull away, and I can’t help the tears that well in my eyes.

I don’t want to do this. I don’t want her to be at her dad’s every other week because he doesn’t give her anything she needs. He doesn’t give her love or comfort, and he sure as hell doesn’t give her his time.

It might just be fucking time to crack down and find a lawyer willing to go up against his father’s firm. It might be tough, but I’m sure I can get someone to see my side.

At least, I hope I can.

I don’t know how long I stand there staring out the window in the lobby, but a deep voice snaps me out of my trance.

“Hey, kitten,” Trevor says, and when I turn to look at him, he’s as handsome as ever. He looks absolutely delicious wearing black jeans, a white shirt, and Converse.

“Hi.”

I feel like an idiot. He’s all smiley and happy, and I’m sitting here moping around because I have a week without my girl, and somehow, all I can muster up to say is hi.

His face falls, and he looks concerned as he takes a step forward. My natural instinct is to take a step back, but for a reason, I stay put.

“Oh… he just came to pick her up, didn’t he?” Trevor asks solemnly, looking around like he’s going to be able to spot Addy and go get her back for me. Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done about it. Yet.

I just nod, afraid that if I talk, I’m going to cry. I hate not having her with me all the time, but not enough to go back to the home where she’d never learn what a family should look like.

If I go back to that house, all I am doing is letting him control our lives, control our happiness. He doesn’t care about either of us. The only thing Tom cares about is himself. His image, his reputation, his job, his money, but most of all, his status.

He doesn’t care who he has to hurt or manipulate in the process of climbing the ladder; he just wants to get there, and he wants to use me and Addy in the process.

I can’t let him do that.

“I’m sorry, Ellie. That really sucks,” Trevor says, his thumb tipping up my chin until I look at him. “I really am sorry. You’re the best mom in the world, and that little girl adores you. From what you’ve told me and the brief encounter I had with her ‘father,’” Trevor adds air quotes for dramatic effect, “He’s a piece of shit all around and isn’t deserving of attention from either of you girls.”

I feel my eyes welling, tears threatening to fall as his words hit me right in the gut. I’ve only ever wanted to be a good mom, and this man is praising me, making me feel deserving of a daughter as special as Addy. He’s making me feel like I’m the mom I’ve always dreamed of being.

When his thumb presses against my cheek, swiping the tears away, he freezes, holding my face in his hands as we stare at each other.

“Please don’t cry,” he says.

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