Page 37 of Everything For Love

“I text him.”

“That’s not the same. He needs to see your face, hear your voice.”

“And he would if you didn’t allow him to stay in Beaumont.”

“Do you really want to talk about why we’re not in Beaumont?”

Silence.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so.”

“I feel like you’re trying to scold me or something, Nick. I’m sorry I’m not as perfect as you when it comes to our son.”

“Stop,” I tell her. “Stop with the gaslighting. Just call your son. Let him know you’re okay, that you’re happy. Let him see your life here so he understands why you made this decision without thinking about him.”

“That’s not fair, Nick, and you know it. You’re turning him against me.”

“I’m not, Aubrey. We rarely talk about you. If you think he’s distant, it’s because you’re not putting in the effort with him.”

“Well, the effort goes both ways.”

“Not when you’re sixteen and you're navigating life without your parents, knowing they’re going through a divorce. Call your son, Aubrey.” I hang up, wondering if I’ve done the right thing. It would be so easy to push this all under the rug, to not encourage her to reach out to him. But I can’t do that to Mack. He and Amelie are innocent in all of this. They didn’t ask their parents to get a divorce or to move away. Adults making rash decisions and not fully thinking about the ramifications did. I get that Aubrey wants to live where she grew up. It makes sense. And I understand she wants her children or at least one of them with her. I’d want the same, but not at the expense of their happiness.

I finish the beer, lock up, and turn off the lights. In bed, I stare at the ceiling, still waiting for it to fall on me some night. Hopefully, I hear it start to crumble before that happens. Who knows what’s up there, living and breeding. The thought makes me shudder.

13

It’s Aubrey’s week to have Amelie, but instead my daughter and Talisa walk into my apartment. I mute the television and instantly rush to Amelie. I give her a once over, looking for bumps, bruises, or scrapes before asking why she’s not with her mom. Believe me, it’s not that I don’t want her with me because I do. It’s more that her mother will have the biggest freak out and she’s the one I don’t want to deal with.

“Mrs. Ashford has company for dinner,” Talisa says. “Ms. Amelie didn’t want to stay and asked that I bring her here.”

Amelie nods, looks over her shoulder and up at Talisa. “What she said.”

“Who’s at the house?” I ask.

“Mommy’s new boyfriend.”

My heart sinks for Amelie, knowing this is the first time Aubrey’s brought him over when Amelie’s there. I sensed things were moving along and they were ready to move in with each other when she brought a few of my items over that I left there, but I’ve not actually asked Aubrey if my instinct is correct. I have done my absolute best to stay out of her life, to let her live it, as long as Amelie isn’t affected. Honestly, I’m surprised Aubrey waited this long to introduce them. If what my director says is right, they’ve been engaged for a while and dating well beyond that. Maybe my ex is trying to save face with her daughter.

“Thanks, Talisa. You can go home. I’ll take Amelie home later.”

Amelie heads right to her room while I walk Talisa out to her car. It’s dark and while my neighbor is okay, I don’t trust things that lurk around corners. Once Talisa is safely inside her car, I head back in, lock up and go to Amelie’s room.

“Wanna talk?”

“Did you know she had a boyfriend?”

I nod, step inside her room, and sit on the edge of her bed. “I did.”

“How come you didn’t tell me?”

“Well, mostly because it’s not my place. That’s something your mom needs to share with you and because while I knew, I found out in a way your mom never intended me to and she hasn’t confirmed it. So, I really couldn’t go around saying something. I take it this is the first time you’ve met him?”

She shakes her head.

“No?”

“He’s been over before, but as a work friend, mom said.”

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