Page 93 of A Whole New Play

“What does Mom’s boyfriend have to do with me dating Valerie?”

Abby’s eyes focus on the table once more. “Mom never spends time with us now that she’s dating Nathan. I don’t want you to stop spending time with us, too.”

The pain in her voice makes my heart ache, and my throat clogs with emotion. Abby Jones is a strong and confident little girl. It breaks my heart to think of those traits being overshadowed by her perceived abandonment by her mother. And the fact that she’s afraid her father will do the same.

"I will never stop spending time with you," Carter declares with conviction. He stands and rounds the table to kneel at his daughter’s side. “I will never do that,” he repeats, looking between his daughter and his son seated beside her. “I promise.”

“Mom said the same thing,” Andy adds solemnly. His sister’s lack of enthusiasm about us dating has understandably dulled his own.

Carter grinds his teeth before calmly saying, “I am not your mom.”

His words hang heavy in the air—too heavy for six-year-olds. Maybe Carter and I were wrong to tell them about our relationship.

They aren’t on social media.

We could have eased them into us dating over time rather than blurting it out after a meal of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. It’s only been a week since the story broke. We could’ve waited.

Andy pats his sister’s arm. “Come on, Abby. You like Valerie. It’s cool that Dad likes her too.”

“Andy,” I interrupt gently. “Abby’s allowed to have her feelings.”

“But I do like you,” Abby tells me. Concern fills her expression. She’s worried about hurting my feelings.

I’m quick to reassure her. “I know you do. And I like you and Andy, too.” I smile at both of them in turn. “I also like your dad, but he means what he said. We won’t date if it bothers you.” It may be one of the most difficult things I’ll ever have to do, but I would walk away from Carter Jones if it’s what his kids needed.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Carter stiffen. He won’t disagree with me, but I know this conversation is not going the way he wanted.

Abby’s eyes widen with alarm. “Are you going to break up with my dad?”

I look at Carter.

His attention remains on his daughter. “Is that what you want?”

“No,” she admits, her head falling forward. Her bottom lip begins to tremble. “I-I just don’t want you to forget about us.”

Equal parts relief and sadness flood my body.

Carter opens his arms and his daughter falls into his chest. Quiet tears roll down her cheeks as he strokes her back and reassures her over and over again that he’s not going to ever forget her. Andy scoots off his chair and walks to the other side of his dad. Carter draws him in to join the hug.

For a moment, I watch the family of three. A host of emotions swirl in my chest.

Andy and Abby have experienced so much heartache and disappointment in their young lives, and I am so grateful that they found their way to living with their dad. I know he will look out for them and help repair the damage caused by their mother’s actions.

Just like my dad did with me.

Not wanting to intrude on this moment, I quietly scoot my chair back and leave the dining room. I make it halfway to my bedroom before I realize I don’t want to be cooped up in my room.

I’ve been avoiding spending too much time in the common areas of the house this week. I thought it would be good to have some distance from Carter when the kids are around since we didn’t want them to figure out anything was going on between us.

But now, the idea of secluding myself makes me feel claustrophobic, but I don’t want to be an interloper while Carter and the twins work through their feelings.

A run sounds like the perfect solution.

Ignoring the fact I’m still full from dinner, I change into my running gear and make my way out the door. I text Carter my plans before tucking my phone into my arm sleeve for the run. He’d call for a search party if I left the house without saying a word.

Gravel crunches under my feet as I take off in a light jog. I turn right when I reach the end of the driveway, choosing to forego headphones for this run. Instead, I let the sounds of nature accompany the beat of my shoes slapping against the street.

Running usually helps me clear my mind, but not tonight. Tonight, just like every night this week, I think about all that’s changed in my life and wonder how I’m going to handle what’s to come.

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