Page 149 of Can't Text This

Just like I can’t quit on Monty—not really.

I have to fight for her, for us.

I nod in agreement. “We’re in a good place.”

“Damn straight we are. We’re civil. Hell, I’d even call usfriends.”

“That sounds scandalous.”

“I think a lot of people would agree. Now, take your spawn and get the hell off my porch. There’s a glass of wine calling my name andTheBachelorstarts in like five minutes.”

I roll my eyes. “Some things never change.”

“When they’re good, why should they?” She winks. “Make sure my kid calls me tonight before bed. I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“See ya Sunday. Oh, and Hols? Thank you. Your talk really helped.”

She waves me off. “I know. Now go. Shoo!”

The door slams shut in my face and I can’t help but laugh.

She’s still the same girl she was when I first met her: obsessed with her wine—even though she wasn’t even legally allowed to drink it yet—and in love with those cheesy reality TV shows.

I climb back into the car and hand Xavie his crabs.

“Here. Hold these creepy critters and buckle up.”

“On it, Pops.”

“Pops? That’s a new one.”

“Just something I’m testing out.”

I chuckle and pull out into the street, turning right to head back to our apartment.

“So how was your day, dude? Do anything fun?”

“Mom let me have not one buttwodonuts for breakfast,anda Yoo-hoo.”

I cringe but remind myself he’s just a kid and deserves a treat every now and then. Besides, a donut sounds damn good right now.

“You guys go to Magic Holes?”Worst donut shop name ever.

“Yep. They were yummy like always. Oh, Dad!” he says excitedly. “Can I take a donut to school tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? A donut on a school day? I don’t know about that. Donuts are weekend treats, you know that.”And only when you’re with your mom,I want to add but don’t.

“It’s not for me.”

“Then who’s it for?”

“Miss Andrews.”

That pit that’s been forming in my stomach grows at the mention of Monty.

“You want to take your teacher a donut? Why?”

“Because she’s sad. She’s been super sad all week. She keeps smiling like she isn’t, but I can tell, Dad. I can tell.”

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