Page 59 of Enemy Daddy Next Door

It’s a stupid nickname now, but back in the day could charm the pants right off me. Literally. However, it’s the rest of what she says that blows my mind. “Sorry?”

“I know it’s been, what, almost three years? But…” Veronica swallows, her eyes fall to the ground. “I’ve done a lot of work on myself. And I’ve changed.”

“That sounds exactly like what someone who hasn’t changed would say.”

She glares, her green eyes sparkling. I used to be so infatuated with those green eyes. They reminded me of everything good in the world. Leaves on trees, grass, sea water. By the end, all I saw in those eyes was money. Greenbacks piling up in her eyes as she got thinner and thinner and her heart became hollower.

I wouldn’t wish addiction on my worst enemy. I wouldn’t wish loving an addict on them either.

“Jessica deserves a mother, don’t you think? And not whoever that girl is, but –”

“Amy is a grown woman. Alright? I’m not going to have you disrespecting her to me.”

Veronica pauses; her eyes narrow. “Don’t tell me you’re actually considering…”

“I’m considering lots of things; you’ll have to be more specific.”

She clears her throat and doesn’t dare finish what she was saying. “Amy is not fit to be Jessica’s mother like I am.”

“I beg to differ, considering everything.”

“Hunter, don’t be cruel.”

I’ll be however I want. “You walked out on her, Veronica.”

“I was sick.”

“You were on blow. That’s not –”

“It is a sickness!” she says harshly.

I stare into her eyes. Her pupils are dilated. Just the way they always used to be when she was on cocaine. However, she isn’t acting like she’s on cocaine. Still, I don’t trust her. Not one bit.

“So, what are you going to do? Marry her? Have her be Jessica’s new mother? You’re going to replace me?”

“I haven’t heard from you in years. Jessica has no reason to believe you’d ever act like her mother, why should I?”

“You don’t want me back, then,” Veronica says sternly, reaching for her purse.

Thank god, get the fuck out of here. “No, I’m glad that’s been made clear.”

“Fine, then I’m suing you for custody,” she announces as she stands.

I shake my head. Did she really just say what I think she did? “Sorry?”

“I’m clean now. I’ve been to rehab. Twice, actually. And –” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a ring. She slides it onto her left ring finger. “I’m engaged, so.”

“What the fuck is going on?” I say, clutching my head. “You just wanted me back and –”

Veronica shrugs. “If I could have our family back, that’s what I wanted. He knows I’m here and I had to try. For my daughter’s sake.”

What kind of man who would go as far as to ask a woman to marry him would allow for that? Her story not only doesn’t make sense. It’s suspicious beyond belief. I don’t believe for a second she ever wanted me back. “Don’t you dare call her your –”

“I gave birth to her. That’s what she is.”

I would never take that away from her. She did carry Jessica, nurtured her with her body as long as she could. I pray to god she truly remained clean the whole time Jessica was in Veronica’s womb. For all intents and purposes, from the way Jess turned out, it seems all signs point to yes.

“I want to be in her life. And you had the chance to have it the way you always wanted, H.”

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