Page 40 of Out of Bounds
“Exactly! So why punish me when all of this is on you?”
“My kids, Masai. My kids are already having to deal with us living in separate households. You don’t think you not being there to get them from school every day isn’t hurting them more?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Then you haven’t sat down and talked to your eleven-year-old. Do you not realize that you missed her tryouts the other day?”
“Tryouts?” I whispered and tried to remember if I’d been told anything about tryouts. When nothing jumped out at me, I had to ask, “Tryouts for what, Kreed?”
“Her dance company, Masai. Apparently, you and your mom forgot. The kids were with the nanny, and when she realized time was running down, she called me.”
Shit. I had forgotten about that. I remember putting it down on my calendar, so I’d either missed the reminder or put it on the wrong week. “Wait… that’s where the two of you were coming from Wednesday when you brought her home?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
“She told me the two of you had went to dinner.”
“She told you that because she didn’t want to hurt your feelings. I’m not perfect at all, and I’m not blaming none of this on you. But, clearly, your job is a hindrance.”
“Bull fucking shit. You wereneverin support of me going back to work. Me not working means I need you, and we all know Kreedhasto feel needed. It’s the only thing that makes his dick hard.” I jabbed.
“You can say what you want to say, but I’m not the one missing important events.”
“It’s clear that me gaining some independence makes you feel a way. When I get home, I will talk to Maddie Claire about me missing her tryouts. But make no mistakes,honey…I’m not quitting my job. You can dislike it or not, as long as you remember we’re in this position becauseyouput us here.”
Grabbing the folded papers out of my purse, I placed them on the table and slid them over to him. “I thought coming here tonight, we could handle things amicably, but it’s apparent that you’re not in the right headspace to be an adult.” Standing from the table, I tossed my purse over my shoulder. “Grow up, Kreed.” Paying him one final glance, I turned and walked out of the restaurant.
If that nigga had anything, it was fucking audacity, especially for him to come atmyparenting skills as if I hadn’t given up everything to take care of his kids. He had me so fucked up if he thought one missed event was going to be the reason I quit my job. I’m sure there would be other things that I would have to miss because of work; it’s life, and granted, my kids are used tome always being there, but their father was the reason that shit changed, not me.
Let his ass deal with it.
Kicking off my shoes, I unfastened my pants and shimmied out of them. After sliding out of my shirt, I tossed it in the dirty clothes hamper and put my robe on so that I could go have a conversation with Maddie Claire.
Trekking down the hall, I came upon her bedroom door that was slightly ajar. I knocked twice before pushing it open.
“Mom, you’re back?” she asked and sat up in bed.
“Yes, Bug. What you got going on?”
“Playing Roblox with one of my school friends.”
“Can you put it up and have a chat with me really quick?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said and eyed me suspiciously. “Am I in trouble?”
“No, Bug. Why would you ask that?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged.
“Well, no. Mommy wanted to come apologize for missing your tryouts.”
“It’s okay, Mommy.”
“No, baby… it’s not.” Placing my hand on hers, I gave it a light squeeze. “I marked the wrong date down in my calendar. I know how much tryouts meant to you, and Mommy wasn’t there to cheer you on.”
“My daddy took me.”
“I’m aware. And that’s fine. I just want you to know that I’m sorry for missing it, and I promise to be more proactive with my schedule.”
