Page 94 of Broken Grump

“Because I just thought that maybe, just maybe, he’d be my daddy.”

Well, the flood works are released from there. And I can’t stop my mind from spinning with horrible thoughts.

Was all of this a mistake? What did you think would happen, Addie? You entertained all of this in your mind and then just watched to find out whether it crashed and burned in real life. What kind of mother does that? You knew all along what type of person Hayden was, and you knew this was how things would end. You knew it.

Once I get my bearings together, I blot at my face and hold Luna’s shoulders.

“I completely understand your feelings, baby. Remember? I grew up without a daddy, too.”

There are still blueberry-sized tears falling from her face, but she nods.

“And look at me! I turned out just fine, and you will too.” Iboopher nose to get her to laugh, and it works.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“You guess? What’s that supposed to mean?” I tickle her sides to make her giggle further.

“Mom!” she pleads for me to stop.

When I do, I pull her shirt down and then rub her cheek. “Like I was saying, we’re going to be just fine if it is, and always is, just the two of us. Right?”

Perhaps I’m a bit sadistic. But the fact that those words are probably killing Hayden to listen to isn’t lost on me. Not at all.

“Uh-huh! Because we’re likeRick and Morty.”

She has no idea what that show is. But after Sam talked about it, repeatedly, she started to pick up on the fact that it was about two people who go on adventures throughout time and space together.

I wipe more moisture from her face before saying, “Exactly.”

Then, we do our secret handshake, and I ask her if she wants to go home.

“Yes, please.”

“Alright. Come here.” I get up on my feet first, and after she wipes more tears off her face with the back of her chubby little hands, she lets me pick her up.

Like when she was little, her head finds its natural place near the crook of my neck, and I hold her close.

I swear, having children is like experiencing what it feels like to have your heart live outside your body. So, when she’s all cuddled up to me like that, and safe in my arms, I feel whole.

However, as we pass Hayden in the darkness, I don’t even pretend to pay him any attention. Instead, my eyes remain straight and focused on our path to the car.

But apparently, this gesture didn’t convey the hint that I wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. Because soon enough, I heard footsteps following after us.

Don’t you dare say a word to her,I warn in my brain, my teeth clenched.

He abided by that, and after I put her into the back, I hoped he’d be gone for good.But no.As soon as I round the corner towards the driver’s side, there he is.

“I’m sorry.” He looks defeated with his head hung low.

“Sorry?” Stepping closer, I jab my finger into his strong chest. “This is the chanceyouasked for, Hayden. I didn’t want—didn’tneed—any of this. You did. But if this is how you’re going to act around her? Well, then we’re better off without you.”

He opens and closes his mouth several times before words come out again. “Listen, I’m not going to make excuses for my behavior. I was out of line. I’ll make this up to her, I promise.”

Oh, Hayden Cohen and his illusive promises.

After opening the door and angling myself inside, I ask, “Will you?” I then slam it in his face, turn the key in the ignition, and take off down his long driveway.

Chapter twenty-six

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