Page 105 of The Only Goal

“Hi, Lydia. What can I do for you?”

“Can’t a mother-in-law simply call to say hello?”

Yes, she absolutely can, but you never actually do.

I force out a laugh, hoping it sounds cheerful enough.

“Is Kai there?”

“He’s sleeping.”

“Oh really? An afternoon nap? Isn’t he a little old for that?”

My insides simmer, but I work hard to keep my voice light and unaffected. “He was exhausted after a very busy morning. He doesn’t usually nap, but on the odd day, things catch up with him.”

“I see. Have you been keeping him up too late at night, then?”

“No.” I grit my teeth. “His bedtime is pretty routine.”

“Even when you were on an extended vacation with him? I know how a lack of routine can really throw a child. Hudson was always such a great sleeper because I made sure I didn’t throw him off course too often.”

I clear my throat, desperate to get out of this conversation. “So, did I tell you I found a cute little costume for Halloween? Kai’s going as a hockey player. He was so insistent, I couldn’t talk him into anything else.” Is my laughter bright enough? I feel like my heart is being squeezed to a pulp. When Kai asked to go as Casey Pierce, I nearly started bawling in the Walmart costume aisle. “But I managed to find him a jersey that fit, then bought him a little stick and helmet. He looks adorable all dressed up. I’ll send you a photo tomorrow night.”

“A hockey player. Well, that’s new. You’d think he’d want to go as a guitarist like his dad used to be.”

“Maybe next year,” I rasp, doing whatever it takes to appease this woman and get her off the phone.

“Well, I should hope so. It seems more appropriate that he’d want to emulate his father.”

“He’s only ever seen his father in a business suit.” My voice is flat. “Hudson never plays the guitar anymore.”

“Well, that’s a shame. You must make sure he does. That’ll be good for Kai.”

“I’m sure it would, but Hudson works long hours and doesn’t have much time. When he is home, he…” Doesn’t want to play with his son.

The words fall through my body like bricks, wounding and bruising me on their descent.

Clenching my jaw, I try to will the tears away.

What the fuck am I doing?

Why am I still here?

Why did Hudson even want us back?

“Yes, well, I know Hudson wants to do everything in his power to ensure you two are well taken care of. He’s a hardworking, good-hearted man. He’s sacrificed so much for you two.”

I can’t help a soft scoff.

I don’t mean to release it and instantly regret it when I do.

“Excuse me?” Lydia’s stone-cold question makes my insides shudder.

Clearing my throat, I try to brush it off. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“You just scoffed. Do you not think your husband is a good, kind man who works hard for you?”

“I think he works very hard,” I manage.

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