Page 83 of Enemy Daddy Next Door

Jessica didn’t cry.

It’s like she knew we were better off. Even when she was barely out of the womb.

Here I am again. Veronica proud for her cruelty. My daughter in my arms. This time, she can understand that she has nothing to lose in casting Veronica aside.

“I’m your mother, Jessica,” Veronica says.

Jessica shakes her head.

“I am. Whether you like it or not. I carried you.”

“I don’t care. Amy is my mommy. Right, Daddy?” Jessica looks at me and touches my cheek. “Amy’s my mommy.”

I can’t confirm or deny. “Veronica, I think you should go.”

Her jaw tightens. “You’re feeding her lies.”

“I’m not –”

“And you can be sure I’ll be using this in court.”

I remain silent. I’d expect nothing less.

“Don’t bother walking me out. I know the way.” Veronica starts out of Jessica’s bedroom and then stops. She turns, forcing a saccharine smile. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Mommy’s feelings are just hurt.”

Jessica pulls her face into my neck, unable to watch the horror movie unfolding in front of her.

“I hope you can understand. We’ll try again another time.”

Fat fucking chance.

I don’t feel safe until I hear the front door slam after Veronica. I cradle Jessica in my arms, and though she’s grown, she feels as small as she was three years ago.

“Amy is my mommy, Daddy,” she whimpers adamantly.

“Shhh, sweet pea…”

“She is.”

I’d love to tell her that she’s correct. Nothing would make me happier than building that kind of life with Amy.

But I barely know where I stand with Amy, let alone my daughter.

One thing at a time.

23

AMY

Another day, another rejection.

“We’re not doing a story about Petunia’s dad getting a girlfriend,” Kris says sternly. She isn’t doing her usual placating routine, throwing a Kitty in here and there. “Especially if the dad and girlfriend aren’t together in the end.”

I gulp and eye Fiona across the table. “It’s real, though.”

“We write children’s books, Amy,” Kris replies, her consonants aspirating tightly in her posh British way. “Christ, you’d think this is Chicken Soup for the Soul, the stories you’re spouting off.”

I take a deep breath. “Children deal with real problems.”

---