Page 207 of The Bonus

“Oh…and we’re changing our name to Ferrara,” Dominic says casually.

“What?” I frown.

“We’re changing our name to be the same as our dad’s.” Lucia smiles as she steps into the shower. “Isn’t it great?”

I see red.

“Back in a moment.” I storm down the stairs like a woman possessed.

Oh no he didn’t…

I dial his number and he answers first ring. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I spit.

“Whatever the fuck I like.”

24

Grace

The phone clicks as he hangs up on me. My blood boils. “You did not just hang up on me.” I dial his number immediately. Ring ring…ring ring…

You’ve reached Gabriel Ferrara.

Leave a message.

“Ahh.” I hang up in a rush, the asshole has declined the call. I try again.

You’ve reached Gabriel Ferrara.

Leave a message

“That’s it!” I explode. “You’ve gone too far this time, asshole.”

“Mom, am I washing my hair?” Lucia calls from upstairs.

I close my eyes and take a deep steadying breath; I have to be calm until they go to bed. “Yes, I’m coming,” I call sweetly. I trudge upstairs. I’m so sick of this egomaniac thinking he can just do whatever he wants with the kids without even consulting me.

Change their name. Ha…he’s kidding himself. That is not how this works.

I sit on the toilet as the kids shower and bathe while I go over my choices.

There are none.

Tomorrow, I have to go and see a lawyer. This stops now.

I run into my office at 9:05, running late as usual.

Another sleepless night followed by a chaotic morning. My phone rings and I glance down at the number.

School

Oh no, what’s happened?

“Hello,” I answer.

“Hello, Grace, this is Shelby from the school reception.”

“Hi, Shelby, is everything all right?”

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