Page 82 of Other Side Of Never
“Are you ready to talk about Aaron?”
“I probably should.”He narrowed his gaze on the horizon.“When we first met, I had hope.He smiled at me.He grilled me a bit, but it seemed hopeful.I don’t know what happened between then and now.I don’t know what to do.”
“What have you tried?”
He winced.“I tried to give him the money I put aside for child support all these years.”
My eyebrows flew up.“You’re such a good man, Kian.I don’t know of any other man who would do that.It must be a sizeable sum.”
“It is,” he agreed.“I invested it well, but Aaron doesn’t want it.I don’t think he wants to be beholden to me.”
“Would he be?”
“Of course not.If he wanted me to leave and never come back, I would.And I would leave the money with him.
“He’s angry, and rightfully so.The money doesn’t make up for anything, but Wren should have had it all these years.”He frowned.“She doesn’t want it, either.
“I’ve invited him and Nadine over countless times, but he only comes if it’s to babysit Isaiah.
“I offered to fix them up a little house with the money.He said he’s happy in his apartment.
“Everything I offer, he turns down.And he won’t spend any time with me, so it’s not like I can win him over with my charm,” he joked but the pain in his voice made it fall flat.
“I’m sorry, Kian.Do you want me to try talking to him?Wren has tried but maybe a different perspective might help?”
He shook his head.“Leave him be.He’s got a right to be angry.”
I countered, “You know he’s not the only one who suffered a loss.”
“It’s okay,” he murmured.
“It’s really not,” I protested.
He shook his head.“I don’t expect you to understand.You don’t have kids.”
You don’t understand.They’re not your kids.
“Ouch,” I whispered.
“Fuck,” he spat, rubbing his hand over his face.“I’m sorry.You probably understand better than anyone with everything you’ve been through.”He squeezed my thigh.“I’m so fucking sorry, Bridget.”
I nodded.“It’s okay.”
But it wasn’t.
Not at all.
20
Secrets and Lies
IlayinbedSaturdaymorning with fury burning a hole in my stomach, my body rigid.Eyes open wide and staring at the ceiling, I faced the inevitable truth with clenched fists.My email and cell phone number, the only link to Jakey I had left, had to go.
Waking up to a perfect summer morning, excited to spend the day with Kian and Isaiah only to catapulted into rage after reading an email from Gary was a unique brand of emotional whiplash Gary had specialized in.
And I was woefully out of practice.
All hope of keeping my contacts intact was gone.
