Page 193 of More than Friends

I frown. “Why?”

He clears his throat. “I’ve decided to travel.”

I scoff. “Of course.”

“Isn’t that what you want? You don’t even want to discuss a real custody agreement. You’re pushing me aside.”

“You’re the one who moved out,” I interrupt.

He just holds eye contact for a beat and then says, “It was necessary.”

“Just like you running away is necessary.” I stand up. I’m not exactly sure why, but I can’t have this conversation seated. “Why the hell did you even ask to be a part of this? You don’t want to be a father. You never did. Why wouldn’t you just let me do this on my own?”

He doesn’t respond.

“I told you that being a dad was going to cut into your nomadic, throw caution to the wind lifestyle.”

He cuts me off. “I can’t just have threesomes with teenagers whenever I want?”

I motion my hands toward him. “Exactly.”

His eyes have turned to ice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this angry before – but it’s not hot and loud. It’s cold and still.

“When do you leave?” I ask.

“Today.”

I scoff again. “Of course.”

“I won’t go if...”

“Go.” My voice is hard. “Go and think about whether you want to do this at all. I’d love for you to terminate your parental rights. That’s what I always wanted.”

His eyes narrow down to slits. “You think I’d do that?”

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” I wrap my arms around myself – trying to keep from trembling.

“You won’t let me do anything. Why am I even around?” he snaps.

“Have a nice trip,” I respond.

He presses his mouth together in a hard line before saying, “Do you want a nanny or not?”

“No. I don’t want anything from you.”

“Fine. Text me if you change your mind.” He moves toward the door. I open my mouth and then shut it again. What else is there to say? He leaves without another word, and I sink down into my chair and cry.

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