“Yes. There is no need for name-calling or sexiest insults. There has to be a reason...”
My words are cut off when Andrew laughs dryly. “Now you want to be a parent?”
His words caused me to startle. At what point have I not been a parent?
“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask placing my hands on my hips.
“If you were more focused on being a decent mother and not out here wasting time getting a fucking makeover to look younger, then this wouldn’t have happened.”
I stand completely dumbfounded by the direction this has taken. How the hell did my makeover, which I got three days ago, have anything to do with this? And who said I was trying to look younger?
“I’m a damn good mother, even before I got a haircut. Maybe if you spent more time with your children when they are with you instead of leaving them home so you can run off with your new girlfriend, we might have seen this coming.”
“Oh, so that's what this is about? You’re jealous cause I moved on and you’re still lonely and desperate.”
“Excuse me?”
“You can get your hair cut all you want, Ella. No man is going to go chasing after some divorced mother of two who can’t hold a conversation past books and fucking cake recipes.”
Despite how much his words hurt, I tamp down on the pain. He will not get the benefit of seeing my anguish.
“You know what? I will not let you bait me into an argument. This is about AJ.”
I turn to my son, giving him my attention.
“What happened? This isn’t like you. Do you need to go back to counseling?”
Before AJ can answer my question, Andrew tosses his hands in the air.
“That’s his problem. All you do is baby him. You have no idea how to raise a man. Take your fucking titty out of his mouth, Ella.”
“Enough, Andrew!” I shout.
The door opens, and Mitch walks in. He looks pissed. His gaze rakes over me before it swings in Andrew’s direction.
I take this moment to turn my back on everyone. I needed to get my thoughts together. Andrew has a way of shaking me up. Whenever we argue, he always resorts to the most hurtful insults. It’s like he finds your weaknesses and holds a mirror up to your face as he points them out.
“Do you not know how to knock?” Andrew asks.
“I was invited over.”
“Well, this is a family matter. You can head back to your house.”
Mitch folds his arms across his chest. “This isn’t your house. If Ella wants me to leave, I will.” He turns to me as if he’s waiting for me to respond. Honestly, I’d prefer he stayed. His presence helps ease my frayed nerves.
“This may not be my house, but this is my family and my money helps keep this shithole running.”
“Actually.” I cross my arms over my chest, matching Mitch’s stance. “Your child support money goes into a trust for our sons. My money takes care of this house.”
And that is the reason I didn’t want alimony. I knew it would be just one more way he could attempt to control me.
The glare Andrew shoots at me could stop traffic; it’s so evil.
“Can I go to my room now?” AJ asks, standing to his feet.
We’ve been so busy bickering with each other we’ve almost forgotten why we were here in the first place.
“We’re not finished talking, AJ. We need to discuss what happened.”
