Page 69 of A Play for Love

“Ah, shit. I’m heading down there now.”

“Thanks, Shaun.”

“No problem. What the fuck is she doing here?”

“I have no idea. It could be good or bad,” I said.

* * *

Sofia

“That was Nathan. He said he’s going to pick Ella up from school.”

“Ella is his daughter?”

“Yes. I’ll ask you again, Mother. Do you think you can just show up here after all this time?”

The sliding door opened, and Shaun stepped in.

“Rose.”

“Shaun.” Her brow arched. “Where did you come from?”

“I live on the beach.”

“Shaun, thank you for coming, but I’m fine,” I placed my hand on his arm.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes.” My lips gave way to a small smile. “Go home to your wife and babies.”

“You’re married now? With children?” my mother asked.

“Yeah, I am. Family is life, Rose, and life is family.”

She sighed as she rolled her eyes.

“I’ll see you later,” I said, practically pushing him out the sliding door. “Now, answer my question.” I turned and stared at her.

“No, but I did anyway because I felt it was time we talked.”

“Ah, I see. So, because you feel ready, it’s okay? Well, guess what? I don’t want to talk to you. Every action has consequences, Mother. You don’t get to talk to me anymore. That is your consequence. I reached out to you, and you ignored me.”

“Because I hated you for leaving me, Sofia. I know I’ve dealt with this situation in the worst possible manner, and I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” I breathed out a laugh. “You’ve never been sorry for a damn thing in your life!” I shouted as I pointed my finger at her. I heard Nicholas cry through the monitor, and he wouldn’t go back to sleep. “Great.” I shook my head and went upstairs.

When I returned, I saw my mother in the living room, staring at the pictures I had sitting on the sofa table.

“You have a beautiful family, Sofia.”

“Yeah, I do. I have a beautiful, supportive family.”

She turned around and swallowed hard when she saw Nicholas.

“May I?” She held out her arms.

Reluctantly, I handed her my son. She took him over to the couch and sat down.

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