Page 27 of Living for Truth
Whitney squares her shoulders, but before she can say anything, Liam says incredulously, “Youare on adate? Withhim?”
I shrink back at the way he spits the words, like they taste sour in his mouth. The last thing I want right now is a confrontation with my ex-husband, but Morganslides his arm around me and squeezes my hip in a comforting gesture.
“I don’t know why it’s so hard to believe, but yes, we’re on a date,” Morgan says confidently.
“Who is this guy, Whit?” Liam slides his arm possessively around Whitney, who’s glaring daggers at Morgan.
“This is my ex, Morgan,” Whitney explains through gritted teeth.
“We also share a whole child, but yeah, we dated.” Morgan drops that bomb like he’s talking about the weather, and my mouth pops open in an “o.”
So this is Aly’s mom. His ex. A permanent fixture in his life.
Jealousy and inadequacy start to rear their ugly heads, but I tamp them down. This is a fake date. Morgan and Whitney aren’t together.Wearen’t together. I have no reason to be jealous. The way he talks about Aly, it’s clear she’s the best thing that’s happened to him, and Whitney was part of that, whether I like it or not.
Liam’s head whips to Whitney so fast I’m surprised it didn’t snap. “You have akid?”
I’m suddenly very interested in this conversation. Liam made it clear at the end of our marriage he would never want kids, so the fact his date didn’t disclose that little tidbit is probably making his blood boil.
“Well, I don’t have full custody. He won’t—she doesn’t—” Whitney stutters.
“I can’t believe you have a child, Whit. You didn’t think to mention thatoncein the four months we’ve been together?” Liam’s tone is harsh. It’s one I didn’t hear often, but it was the one that stung the most. He used it when hewas blaming me for the miscarriages we experienced and when he told me he no longer wanted to work on our marriage.
Whitney looks—rightfully—chastised, and Morgan butts in, “Not to worry, man. She hasn’t seen her in over a year, so she’s not very involved in our daughter’s life.”
Whitney looks like a tomato about to burst. “I’ve been busy.”
Morgan snorts. “Sure. I can see that. Whatever, that’s between you, me, and Aly. We can arrange a time for the three of us to chat later. If you don’t mind, it seems Katie has our drinks and is trying to get past you. I’d like to enjoy this evening with my girlfriend.”
My stomach flutters, and I tamp down that shit because I’m not his real girlfriend. But to sell the lie, he gazes at me like I’m his whole world and squeezes my hip again.
Katie apologizes to Liam and Whitney, sets down our drinks, then leaves.
Liam eyes my drink with clear revulsion. “So you’re an alcoholic now?”
“What I am is none of your business anymore. But no, I’m not. One drink does not an alcoholic make,” I say, proud my voice came out strong instead of shaky.
“Were you ever going to tell me you were seriously dating someone? Has my daughter met her? Are you bringing a parade of women around her?” Whitney spits.
“I haven’t introduced Aly to Hannah, and who I date is none of your business. If you would like to have a civil conversation, then we can have one at a later time.” Morgan’s voice leaves no room for argument.It’s authoritative and calm, and even though the situation isnotsexy, I feel a small spark of something in my lower belly.
“Fine. Let’s go, Liam.” Whitney tugs his arm, leading him away from our table.
He doesn’t say anything but leaves with a look of utter disgust on his face, like the mere sight of me repulses him.
I slump when they’re no longer in our sight, and Morgan takes a long sip of his cocktail.
“Well, that was fun. Super great first date,” he quips sarcastically.
“I feel like I’ve aged ten years,” I joke back.
He barks a laugh and kisses my forehead. Then Katie is back with our first course.
I don’t have time to dwell on the intimate gesture or the fact no one was around to see it.
Morgan and I don’t really talk as we dip and munch. When the cheese is almost gone, we both sit back so we can have some room for our main course and then dessert.
“So,” I start, twirling my finger around the rim of my drink glass. “That’s Alyssa’s mom?”
