Page 95 of A Love Like That

What the hell was wrong with me? Storming off from the table. Nearly coming to blows with one of my best friends. I planted my hands on my thighs, panting. If I kept acting like this, Gloria really might have grounds for challenging my custody of the kids.

“Tristan?” Asher placed his hand on my back. “Talk to me. I know I’ve been an ass, but I’m here for you. What’s going on?”

I drew in a few more deep breaths then straightened. “Fucking Gloria,” I spat her name like the curse she was. “Everything’s out of control. And your comments about Elle aren’t helping.”

“You know I’m just messing with you, right? I was never going to pursue her. I was actually trying to give you a push to go for it.”

I dragged a hand through my hair. Asher as a matchmaker? Who would’ve guessed. Though considering Asher had always loved to stir the pot, maybe I should’ve suspected as much. “Oh, I went for it, all right.”

His eyes widened. “Oh shit. Seriously?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “You cannot tellanyone.”

“Of course I won’t.”

“I’m sorry I grabbed your coat.” I brushed the white fabric as if that would somehow erase what I’d done.

He patted my shoulder. “Nah. I should know better than to rile you up. You always act like you’re so calm and in control, but it can take a lot of restraint to mask the truth.”

I furrowed my brow. “Sounds like you have something you need to unload too.”

He shook his head. “Maybe another time.”

I slumped against the wall. “What a fucking mess.”

“Everything okay?” Enzo’s voice called from down the hall. “I was told I might have to break up a fight outside the kitchen.”

I chuckled, clapping a hand on Asher’s shoulder. “Nah. We’re good. Right?”

Asher had been my friend since forever. I knew he only had my best interests at heart, even if his methods were a bit misguided. Still, I felt like I could be a better friend. Something was weighing on Asher, and I vowed not to let my own shit get in the way of helping him.Soon.

Asher nodded. “Right. Catch up with you later,” he said and then returned to the kitchen.

“You look like you could use a drink,amico mio,” Enzo said.

I scrubbed my face with my hands. “I could certainly use something.”

“Come on.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Elle and the kids are with Harper and Aiden. I have some new whiskey a brand wants me to endorse. Let’s try it, and you can tell me of your troubles.”

Oh, my troubles. Elle was leaving soon, and Gloria was threatening to take my kids.

I was going to disappoint everyone I loved, even Tessa. And I would only have myself to blame.

TWENTY-THREE

“Ellie?” Harper asked, placing her hand over mine. “Are you okay? You’re shaking.”

I stared at the flames, watching them flicker in the firepit behind her house. The kids were playing flashlight tag among the vines, their laughter ringing out in the night air. It was a beautiful evening, peaceful. At least if I ignored everything that had happened at dinner.

“I’m—” I lifted my hand to drag it through my hair. “Yeah. No.” I shook my head. “I had a big fight with my mom.”

“Oh no.” She winced. “Living near family can be a good and bad thing.”

“It’s never a good thing when it comes to my mom. She drives me crazy.”

“She’s a strong personality,” Harper said, laughing.

I returned my attention to the flames. “Strong is an understatement.”

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