Page 99 of Come Back for Me
My mother married a man who was not like Kevin, though. She wasn’t plagued by anger, fists, and the never-ending feeling of not being good enough.
Sometimes, I wonder if she would’ve stayed if she were in my shoes. I like to think that she wouldn’t have.
I send Sydney a text back.
Me: I’m in shock, but there is also a huge sense of relief. Thank you. Thank you for everything.
Sydney: You’re welcome. Thank you for trusting me.
I almost tell her that Declan is in town, but I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be welcome news. Plus, I don’t know how long he’s staying. The note that Connor left this morning explained that they had business to deal with but thathe’dsee me later—not they would see me later.
I did tell Hadley about him being here in case she sees some really tall guy who kind of looks like Connor walking around.
Me: You’re a great friend, Syd.
I suddenly don’t feel like one.
The last thing I want is for her to be blindsided, so maybe I should at least warn her there is a possibility of her running into him. As I start to type out the text message, the bell rings, and I have to get back to my class.
“Shit,” I say looking at the phone. If I send this now, I won’t be able to reply to her inevitable questions, which will probably leave her freaking out for the next hour.
I’ll just have to tell her later.
Right now, I have a job to secure.
* * *
“I got the job!” I yell as I enter the door to find Connor, Hadley, and Declan all in the living room.
“You did?” he asks with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
I nod. “I did. Mrs. Symonds said I nailed it and then offered me a full-time position! It means benefits and time off. I’m so excited!”
Hadley runs over and wraps her arms around my legs. “Good job, Mommy!”
“Congratulations,” Connor says and then he kisses my cheek before retreating quickly.
I don’t know why he’s being weird, but I’m going to assume it’s because his brother is sitting here.
“It’s a day of a lot of great news.”
“What else?”
I hold up my finger, asking him to give me a minute. This last part I don’t want Hadley here for. Regardless of how great she seems to be taking everything, I’d rather not say it like this. She knows I’m divorcing who she’s always known as her father, but she doesn’t need to know all the details.
I look down at Hadley. “Did you finish all your homework?”
“Yup.”
“And did you do your chores?”
“Yes.”
Of course, the one day she’s on top of her life is the day I need her to have something else to do for a minute or two. I look to Connor for a little help.
He puts his hand on her shoulders. “Why don’t you show my brother the tree house?”
Her eyes widen, and she turns her smile to Declan. “Do you want to see it?”
