Page 13 of Fight For Us
I fixed my ponytail to give my hands something to do. From what little I’d heard about Lilly’s mom, I didn’t think much of the woman, but her dropping Lilly off without warning took the cake. Wes moved to sit behind his desk and without thinking I took hold of his hand. I didn’t expect him to wrap his fingers around mine the way he did. They were warm and calloused and strong.
“I’m sorry. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.” I squeezed gently, trying to convey that I meant it. I was used to being a single parent, but I’d also had help my entire life. It wasn’t until moving that I’d been slapped in the face with the reality of not just parenting on my own but also learning the hard way what it took to function as an adult in this world. I was lucky enough to have Mia and Kendahl and the support of the Krav family behind me. Knowing I had them here, even as a small anchor, was a comfort I never appreciated until I moved. I didn’t know who Wes had in his life other than his parents, but the look on his face told me he needed to know he had me in his corner.
He nodded and I pulled my hand away. “I should get back on the floor to check on Alex and handle my tables. I’ll let youmake your calls.” I gestured toward the door with my thumb, and turned to leave.
“Thanks, Tiger.” His words were barely a whisper, but I heard them. I hoped he knew I’d meant what I said. With a quick glance over my shoulder, I saw him shuffling papers around, likely looking for his cellphone. I shook my head at the endearing disaster that seemed to surround him, wondering how the hell this man was going to take care of a kid like Lilly.
After my shift, Alex and I went to the beach for a quick swim before the late afternoon thunderstorm rolled in. Clouds hung low and the air was heavy. Splashing cool water over my sweaty brow was just what I needed.
I was reluctant to leave Lilly at the restaurant, but Wes insisted they were fine and that his father would bring her home shortly. I didn’t argue. The man had a rough enough day and I’d already said my piece about being there for them. I couldn’t help but think about them the entire time I watched Alex play, though. Being away from my son would break my heart—not hearing his laugh or seeing his eyes light up when he discovered something new. Even hearing him yell at his video games in frustration held a place in my heart, because it was him.
I had an explicit set of words for my parents and how they’d conducted their lives all these years but at least they were there. They stuck with me when I was at my lowest and they neverstopped supporting me and Alex when I’d needed them. They weren’t the warmest people, and they sure as hell weren’t what I’d call good parents, but I had to give them credit where it was due.
I hoped Wes could figure his shit out enough tonight so Lilly would know he wanted her there. I knew he did, deep down. He was just terrible at showing it. As for his ex, who was I to judge? I didn’t know anything about her or their past. Just because I couldn’t be away from my son for an extended period of time didn’t mean all parents felt that way.
After rinsing our sandy selves off, I microwaved our last bag of frozen veggies and warmed up some of Alex’s nuggets. Learning to cook needed to be higher up on my to-do list. Funny thing was, I worked in a restaurant and my only real friend back home was our chef. You’d think I would have picked up a few tips.
My phone rang just as I finished cleaning the kitchen and was about to start unpacking a few boxes in my tiny closet. I groaned seeing my mother’s contact photo flash across the screen of my phone. Better to get this out of the way, I thought, hitting accept.
“Hello, Mother.” I hit the speakerphone button so at least I could have free hands to unpack while I listened to her drone on.
“Can you believe what your father did today?”
I didn’t even get a greeting. Not that I was super surprised at that. This was how most of our calls started since I’d moved.
“Am I supposed to know what he did or are you going to tell me?” I tried to keep my tone pleasant. I really did. But it was a long day and I felt my eye starting to twitch.
She huffed. “I don’t need that tone from you. Not today of all days.”
“Sorry, Mother. Please go on. I am so eager to hear what slight my father dealt upon you today.”
“He froze all the joint credit cards.” Clearly my sarcasm went right over her head. “I have never been so embarrassed in my life. I was out to lunch with Geneva from The Met. You remember her from the last gala I organized. We were discussing details for my upcoming charity event. Oh Olivia, it’s going to be sublime. The theme is vintage couture.”
I let out a few well placedoh wowsanduh huhs, focusing instead on organizing my small collection of purses on the top shelf.
“Can you imagine anything more humiliating than having your credit card decline at the Four Seasons? My blood pressure is skyrocketing at the mere memory of it.”
“That must have been awful. What did you do?”
“I knew it was your father’s doing. He’s been livid that I’ve been staying in the city while he’s home upstate. I called him immediately and demanded he fix the problem.”
This story was more interesting than I’d thought it would be.
“And did he?”
“Of course. Your father hates a scene more than anyone I know. Thank goodness we have an appointment with the mediator next week. I can’t live like this.”
I bit back a laugh. If anything, separating from my father has upped my mother’s drama factor by ten. This personality must have been tucked away behind years of politician’s wife plastered on smiles and repressed sexuality. Oh, and lots of vodka tonics.
“I’m sure you’ll get it figured out.” I hoped it didn’t continue to be the mess it's been since word got out that my mother had cheated on my father with a senator. My parents had been in the public eye my entire life. My father went from high profile attorney, to judge, to attorney general. Neil and Pamela Murphy always put on a great show. If they were good at one thing, it was just that, acting.
“I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’re finally on your own. Imagine if I still had you and Alex to care for?” She let out a humorless laugh. “What a mess that would be.”
Don’t let her get to you.She was right even if my clenched jaw begged to differ. I was almost thirty years old, it was about time I left the nest. It didn’t feel great to hear my mother practically having a party over it though.
“Yup,” I said.
“Oh don’t be that way. You know what I mean. It’s just chaotic over here, is all. And our finances are a mess, mostly frozen and untouchable. I even had to let go of Samuel.”
