Page 62 of Everything We Thought Was True
“None of your business,” Teresa snapped, raising her voice and stepping out onto the landing. Frank could still see Anthony’s head peeping out, curious as ever. “He’s my boyfriend.” She looked Frank directly in the eye.
Frank had known this day would come at some point, but that didn’t mean he was ready for it. “Your boyfriend? Spending Christmas with my wife and kids?”
“I’m not your wife anymore, Frank.”
“Technically, you are. We haven’t finalized the divorce yet.”
Teresa had started the process a few months before, which Frank knew had been a long time coming, but it still stung.
“Seriously? I haven’t been your wife for years, Frank. You can’t just decide we’re still technically married when it’s convenient for you. You have no say in what I do or who I see.”
Frank slammed his hand into the door. Teresa and Anthony both jumped back.
“Frank!” Teresa screamed.
In a moment, a large man was standing in the doorway, placing his hand on Teresa’s shoulder. “Is everything okay, Teresa?”
The man didn’t look at Frank, instead keeping his eyes glued on Teresa. But Frank couldn’t turn away. He was staring at him—this man who was datinghiswife and spending the holiday withhischildren. He had a thick mane of brown hair and a trim mustache and was neatly dressed in slacks, shoes, and a button-down shirt. He was tall—and stocky. He made an imposing figure, standing next to Teresa, claiming her.
“Son of a bitch,” Frank muttered.
Larry turned and looked at him directly. His face was calm but serious. “I think you should leave.”
Frank felt his anger rise a notch higher. This bastard was telling him what to do. He couldn’t believe the nerve.
“Yes, Frank, I need you to leave. You can give the kids their gifts when they come to your apartment later tonight for your scheduled visit,” Teresa said in an even tone.
Who is this woman?Frank thought. She seemed so different. He didn’t like it at all. Not one bit.
“Fine. I’ll leave. But this is bullshit. Absolute bullshit.” He turned to go, thought about it again, and then dropped the bag of gifts at his feet on the landing. “I want my kids to open their fucking Christmas gifts on Christmas morning. Is that too muchto ask? I’m leaving these here. The least you can do is bring them into the house and put them under the tree.”
He knew he had no right to be angry and was being unreasonable, but he couldn’t help himself. His feeling of propriety was strong.That’s my wife and kids in there, dammit. No matter what.
Chapter Thirty-Five
LENA - ORANGE, CA
August 2015
Isipped my coffee and marveled at Atticus, splayed on the grass, legs spread, ample belly exposed to the sky. He groaned in pleasure, a ball underneath his back while he rocked back and forth, giving himself a massage.
Smart dog. I could sit here all day and watch him, but knew I should get a move on. Kevin was playing in a double-header softball game with his league, and I had the place to myself. My plan was to get caught up on work stuff.
My phone chimed, and I groaned, hoping it wasn’t said work stuff interrupting me on a Sunday. I was relieved to see a text from my niece, Ella. Our text exchanges were always a highlight of my week.
Aunt Lena, I can’t wait to see you for the wedding. Less than two months! It’s getting closer. I’m so excited. I got a new dress. Mom took me to Forever 21. Here’s a photo. Do you like it?
I beamed, looking at the selfie of my niece looking oh-so-pretty in a peach dress that set off the natural highlights in her hair.
Oh, I love it! And I can’t wait to see you too. It’s going to be a great time. Hey, what’s Christopher planning to wear? Think you can get him in a suit?My nephew was seventeen and not one to get dressed up.
She replied with a laughing emoji and then followed it up with,I don’t think he has a choice. Dad told him it was a suit or else. So they went shopping too. Chris is so tall now he doesn’t fit into his old one.
I figured,I wrote back.I’m sure he’ll look great!
I can’t wait to see Grandpa and Oliver all dressed up as the grooms! Do you think they’ll wear rainbow bow ties?She sent emojis of two men wearing tuxedos, along with the Pride flag.
I hearted her text. I remembered Ella adding a rainbow flag to her Facebook profile photo when the Supreme Court decision was announced earlier that summer.Yeah, I’m sure they’ll be looking very dapper. But not sure if they’ll do the rainbow bowtie theme. Ha ha.
