Page 105 of Curveball

I cross my arms. “What do you want? I hope this is to hand me signed divorce papers.”

His jaw stiffens. “It’s not. We need to figure things out.”

“There’s nothing left to say. I’m super clear on where you stand. I need to put you in my past once and for all. I’m moving home tomorrow.”

“Home as in Cali?”

“Yes.”

“Where will you live?”

“With my mom for a few months while I figure things out. I’ve requested a trade. All I ask is that you sign those papers. If you care about me at all, you’ll sign them and let me live my life.”

He visibly swallows. “Can you give me a minute to digest this? You dropped a bombshell on me.”

“You’ve had three weeks to digest. Five seconds after I told you, you were doing shots off some bimbo’s boobs. I have to thank you for that though. It was exactly what I needed to finally let go.”

“Is that what you’ve done? Let go of me?”

I’m trying to be strong, but tears fill my eyes. “I’ve loved you nearly every minute of my life. Despite your words and your actions telling me we wouldn’t ever be anything, I never truly lost hope in our happily ever after—”

“Good.”

“Until three weeks ago.” I clutch my chest. “You broke my fucking heart. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from it, but I want to try. Honestly, Quincy, you’re not good enough for me.”

He nods. “I know. I’ve always known that.”

I wipe a few tears that have managed to spring free and roll down my cheeks. “If I can love a man who doesn’t love me back the way I love you, imagine how hard I could love the man who truly does. I know he’s out there.”

“I…I…I think I do love you.”

“Then I need you to love me enough to finally let me go.”

He briefly closes his eyes.

“Like I’ve told youmanytimes before, I want, no, Ideserve, to find someone who will love me in the light. I know it won’thappen anytime soon, but I’ll never give up hope of finding the man who wants forever with me. Who loves me openly and proudly.”

“That’s not—”

I shove my finger into his chest. “Don’t fucking insult me with excuses. Relationships are a two-way street. I’ve always given more than I’ve received with you. I won’t accept that in my life anymore. I don’t want to teach our child that it’s okay. It’s not. It never was. I was too weak to admit it, but not anymore.”

He blows out a breath. “Tell me what you need.”

“Theonlything I need from you is to sign those papers. The rest of my needs became inconsequential the moment I found out about our child. That’s what parents do. I want nothing to do with you ever again. I’m leaving town tomorrow. I’m only returning for one day when Arizona comes home, so I can tell her everything in person.”

“What about money? You need money.”

I’m so angry right now. “Money? You think I want money from you? Have you even read those divorce papers? I want absolutely nothing from you ever again. Goodbye, Quincy. Have a good life.”

At that, I turn, walk out of the room, grab my mother, and leave Quincy Abbott in my past for good.

QUINCY

“Goodbye, Quincy. Have a good life.”

She means it this time. I can tell she does. I’ve officially broken her.

I want to pull her into my arms and never let go, but I know I’m no good to her as I am right now. So without another word, I let her walk out the door. I’ve never been in more pain than I am right now. I’ve never hated myself more.

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