Page 65 of Inspiring Izzy

"What does that mean?"

"It means," I run a hand over my face, "we need boundaries. You can't just show up for two weeks without talking to me first."

"I wanted to see you," he shakes his head. "I wanted to see my daughter."

"We're not married anymore," I remind him. "You can't just show up without letting me know first."

"I don't...I don't like that," Steve admits.

Yeah, well, I didn't like all the times I begged for help and he told me he was too busy.

"I want you to be in Brianna's life," I blow out a tired breath, "but I need some space. I need distance from you."

Steve's brown eyes bore into mine. "For how long?"

"I don't know," I honestly answer.

"We should—" Steve begins before he stops mid-sentence.

Brady appears at my side and I mentally scream at him to go back inside.

"Can we help you?" Steve fumes.

"Yeah," Brady shoves his hands into his pockets. "They're ordering and want to know what you want."

Steve scratches the side of his face. "So, they sent you out here?"

"We drew straws actually," Brady smirks. "I got the shortest one."

"We'll finish this later?" Steve says to me.

"Sure," I chew on the inside of my cheek.

Steve pushes past us and disappears inside.

"Everything alright out here?" Brady asks me.

"Did you really draw straws?"

He smiles down at me. "No. Your mom sent me out here."

"My mom?" I whip my head back.

"Yeah," Brady rocks back and forth on his heels. "I was just as surprised as you are."

My shoulders slump. "I don't know how to do this."

"Do what?"

"Be divorced," I answer.

"I don't think anyone knows how to do that," Brady gives me a small smile.

"I feel like I'm fucking everything up," I say as tears fill my eyes.

"Come here," he opens his arms.

I take a step forward and lay my head on his chest. He's warm and safe. All the things I needed Steve to be. All the things he couldn't be.

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