Page 55 of A Play for Love

“You think?” I cocked my head.

He knelt in front of me and grabbed my hands. “Listen to me. I don’t want to hurt you, babe. That’s why I didn’t tell you I went to see her. You have to believe me.”

“Just tell me why you went there,” I calmly spoke.

He sighed as he stood up, walked over to the bar, and poured himself a scotch.

“Do you want one?” he asked.

“Yes, please.”

He poured me a glass and handed it to me.

“I know it’s bothering you that she’s not around to help with the wedding. Just like I know it bothers you that she doesn’t know about our son. This entire situation between the two of you is out of control, and she has no right to do what she is to you. I wanted to tell her that because when you’re hurting, I’m hurting. You know I would do anything to protect you, and this was my way of protecting you.”

“You lying to me is protecting me?”

“I didn’t want to lie to you, but she gave me no choice. Fuck.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

The sliding door opened, and Shaun stepped inside.

“I know I’m entering a war zone, but you’re going to want to hear this, Sofia.” Shaun pulled out his phone.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I recorded the conversation between Nathan and your mother.”

“What the fuck, man? You didn’t tell me that,” Nathan said.

“I only did it because I knew you would eventually need it.”

“Shaun, don’t,” Nathan said.

“Nothing on here can hurt her any more than she already is. But she needs to hear what you said.”

“Play it, Shaun,” I spoke.

He pressed play, and I sat there and listened to every word Nathan and my mother spoke to each other. When the conversation was over, Shaun placed his phone in his pocket.

“We all have your back, Sof,” he said.

“Thanks, Shaun.”

“I’m out of here. I have to go and deal with my very angry, pregnant wife.” He smirked before walking out the sliding door.

I looked up at Nathan as he stood in the middle of the room.

“Are you going to sit down or what?” I patted the couch.

The second he sat down, I grabbed his arm, hooked it around me, and laid my head on his chest.

“I never thought in a million years I could love you any more than I already do,” I said. “You were brilliant.” I began to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

I lifted my head and stared at him. “Because of what you said to her. You totally nailed it. And telling her you know an amazing therapist who can help with her narcissistic personality.” I continued to laugh. “Along with thanking her for making me leave.”

“I only speak the truth, babe.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “But seriously, are you okay?”

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