Page 97 of Suddenly Entwined

“Should be soon, hon–” I stop myself in time. “Should be soon, Nat.”

I back away from the door, check in on Louisa, who is reading some library books on her bed, then head to the kitchen. If I’m being honest, I don’t really know what to do with myself. Natalie marched into the house and promptly locked herself in her bathroom. Of course I’ve had the odd hard day with each girl. Bedtime isn’t always simple, especially when they areovertired, and Natalie definitely knows how to cop an attitude. But this feels different, and I don’t know how to fix it.

“I’m out here if you need me.”

I startle when the opening chords of a pop song blasting in the kitchen.

Striding toward the source of the music I call out, “Louisa! That’s too loud.”

“You said dancing can cheer us up! Maybe it will help Natalie!”

The sentiment is sweet, but I don’t really think this is the right time for a kitchen dance party. I move to walk around her so I can at least turn the volume down but she snags my hands in hers and begins shaking her hips and jumping up and down. I open my mouth to tell her that I’m not in the mood, but it’s not Lou’s fault that everything went sideways today. If Lou wants to process her hard day by blasting a little music, who am I to stop her. Maybe she’s right and Natalie will want to join in. I do my best to mimic Louisa’s moves, my socks slippery on the kitchen floor. I’m out of breath two songs later when I hear the front door slam. Berg walks in and I’m beyond relieved that he’s home.

“Hi!” I smile, rushing toward him with my arms open.

After this afternoon, I’m so ready for a big bear hug.

But Berg’s expression is anything but welcoming and I stop short of him, arms falling to my sides.

“Turn that off,” he growls.

I tap once on top of the speaker and the song ends mid chorus. “What’s wrong?”

“You tell me.”

Berg holds his cell up, open to an email from Principal Miller.

“Yeah, it was a weird afternoon. The school called me and I got there as quickly as I could.”

“Why didn’t they call me? I’m their father.”

I raise my eyebrows but press my lips together before I say something biting.

“Yes. I’m sure they know that. They also know that I drop them off and pick them up every day.”

“Because I’m at work,” Berg blurts out, folding his arms over his chest defensively. “And you’re here doing what? Having a dance?”

My chin dimples, but I’m not going to break down at the first sign of confrontation.

“Lou, honey, there’s some gum in my purse if you want to have a piece.”

A hint of worry clouds her brown eyes, but she leaves the room in search of some Hubba-Bubba.

“Right. So they probably knew you couldn’t leave at the drop of a hat. They called me, and I responded. It was urgent, Berg. All I focused on was driving there, doing the meeting, getting them home, and then the last hour Natalie’s been locked in the bathroom, sassing me through the door. Sorry I haven’t given you a fucking military grade briefing.”

My chest is heaving, so I take a slow breath to calm myself. There’s enough anger in the house without me getting sucked down into it.

“Okay.” He scrubs a hand down his face. “Why is she locked in the bathroom?”

“Ask her. She doesn’t want to talk to me and I’m not allowed to call her honey anymore, apparently.”

His expression softens, posture relaxing as he registers the hurt in my voice.

“I was excited to hear you come home because I thought I’d have some backup. Some help. But instead you came in hot and now we’re fighting.”

Berg sighs, holding his arms open, but I hesitate for a moment. He’s not getting off that easy.

“We’re not fighting,” he says, letting his arms fall back down to his sides.

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