Page 49 of 7+Us Makes Nine

“Hannah, listen to me. You need to get back to rehab. You’re supposed to be there for two more weeks.”

“I don’t need rehab, Cat. I have everything under control,” she said.

“No you don’t. I can hear you slurring your words the more you continue to speak. It’s two in the afternoon, for crying out loud.”

“What? Being drunk’s more acceptable at night time? At least when I drive home I’ll be able to see the damn road.”

“No. No you won’t drive home. Where are you? Where’s this party?”

But there was more wrestling on the other end of the line.

“Those are my children. They’re not yours. You’re not their mother, I am. And I’m coming for them. You let Jace know that I’m coming for what’s mine, you greedy little bitch.”

“Anya, settle down,” I heard my sister say. “Cat’s a prude. If anything, she’s probably trying to get your husband to eat rabbit food or something.”

“Ex-husband,” I said.

“Only someone fucking him would make that distinction,” Anya said.

“Holy shit. Cath. Are you screwing around with Jace

Logan? What’s his dick like? He almost had a full-frontal scene in one of his movies. Mmm, what I wouldn’t have done to-”

“Shut up!” Anya exclaimed. “That’s my husband you‘re talking about.”

“No, it’s not,” I said as I looked around. “He hasn’t been for over two years. Get over it.”

“I’m coming for my family. You let him know that. They’re mine, and just because I’m struggling right now doesn’t mean I won’t be when I come for them. Don’t think you could ever hold a candle to me. And get your hands off my fucking daughter!”

I wasn’t going to listen to this any longer. I hung up the phone and shoved it into my pocket before I hoisted Michaela into my car. I quickly buckled her in and gave her a blanket and some water, then I slammed myself into the driver’s seat. I needed to get us home. I needed to get us to a place that was secure. Jace had a restraining order against her and she also had a protection order out on her that meant she couldn't approach the house. I had to get back there so I had a way to protect myself and the kids in case she made good on her word.

“Miss Caffy? W’as wrong?”

“Nothing sweetheart,” I said as I sped out of the park. “Just need to get home before the boys get off school.”

“Will Daddy like my dress?” she asked.

I looked into all of my mirrors to make sure no one was following me or anything.

“He’ll love it. I know he will,” I said.

The smile on her face warmed my heart as I sped through town. My heart slammed heavily against my chest. Panic flooded my veins. Did my parents know Hannah had skipped out on rehab? I figured not. They would’ve called me had they known. I think, at least. I honestly didn’t know anymore. I didn’t stop speeding until I got to Jace’s house, then I grabbed Michaela from the car seat and ran into the house.

“Miss Caffy, w’as wrong?” she asked again.

“Nothing, honey. Now, I want you to do something for me, okay?”

She nodded as I crouched down in front of her.

“I want you to go into your room and start gathering up all your clothes on the floor. I want you to throw them into the hallway.”

“Throw?” she asked as her eyes grow wide.

“Yes. Throw. As hard as you can. But only the clothes on the floor, okay? They’re too small for you and we need to donate them.”

“Okay,” she said as she rushed up the stairs.

I went and stood on the porch, my head on a swivel.

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