Page 44 of Tortured Tones

There was nothing I wouldn’t do for my son.

I splayed one hand across my chest. My boy was perfect in every way. “Oh, that’s so sweet. You’re the best too. You and me, we’re a team. Always remember that.”

“I know, Mom.”

Over dinner, we talked and talked. Every time Josh mentioned Luther, my heart ached. Luther came home late from the studios and headed straight into his office to do more work or had clients over to entertain. Zoe either studied or had friends around, often leaving Josh alone by himself. She’d help him with his writing, spelling, and reading, but never played with him. Meals were often home delivery. Josh wasn’t in any danger, nor mistreated. He was just lonely and unhappy. I hated that we couldn’t be together more often. Not yet anyway. I had to believe when I had my time in court, justice would be served. I’d done everything required—now I wanted more custody.

After snuggling on the sofa and watching How to Train Your Dragon for the fifth time, it was time for bed. Before I tucked him under his blankets, I gave him a big hug, breathing in the scent of his apple-scented skin and savoring his warmth. I treasured every hour, every minute, every second I spent with him. Having him here was the best.

“I love you, Mommy,” he whispered against my neck.

Tears welled in my eyes. “I love you too. To the moon and back. Now hop in.” He plonked down onto the bed. I drew the quilt over his shoulders and snuggled him. “Night. Have a beautiful sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” I kissed the top of his head, switched off his light and headed to my room. After climbing into bed, I read on my Kindle for half an hour, and was about to turn out my light when my cell phone buzzed.

I grabbed it off my nightstand. My heart skipped a beat when Cole’s name lit the screen. Why was he texting? Had some schedule or rehearsal time changed? But those details would come via April or Blake, not from Cole.

I swiped open the message:

COLE: Hey. Char’s better. No more temps. Finally.

Ooooh. That was sweet. He was giving me an update. I’d been worried about her.

ME: You survived. Well done.

COLE: Barely. Vomit went everywhere.

ME: The joys of parenting.

COLE: Thanks for NOT helping.

ME: You have a lot to learn. Today was another lesson.

COLE: Do you like watching me suffer?

I giggled. But no, I didn’t.

ME: No. You’re good with her. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

COLE: Today wasn’t fun.

ME: Not every day is.

COLE: So I’ve gathered. Going to bed. Have a good night.

I bit my lip as warmth touched my cheeks. Him in bed would be a sight to see. No...don’t go there.

ME: You too. See you tomorrow. At 2:30.

COLE: Don’t be early.

ME: You know I will be. XOXO

COLE: :-)

Oh shit! I sat upright and stared at my screen. I hadn’t meant to send hugs and kisses. Fuck! I always sent them to Josh. Damn it. Cole wouldn’t read anything into it, would he? No. No...of course not. Most of the time we were at each other’s throats. It’d be okay...yep...absolutely fine.

Ergh! I flopped down onto my pillow. It was late. It’d been a long day. Tomorrow would be even longer.

The best thing about the new day was I’d get to wake up and see Josh. Those were the days I lived for.

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