My face is solemn as we set it down gently beside the headstone. My mother is buried right next to him in the far eastern pasture, under a large oak tree.
I clasp my hands in front of me while I listen to Pastor George read off some Bible verses and drone on about how my father was a strong leader, a family man, and a successful businessman.
It’s all lies. I know the truth.
My father was a weak man.
15
DALLAS
ONE MONTH LATER
Sometimes, when he smiles, I remember why I fell in love with Matt in the first place.
His smile feels like looking at all the stars without needing a telescope. It’s electrifying.
Then he opens his mouth, and the illusion is shattered.
“You’re pathetic for still living here. If you can’t make it on your own as a single mom, you should move back in with me. I have room. You could stay in the second bedroom.”
I sigh, rubbing my eyes with my hand. “I’m paying rent now actually. Eden is watching the boys while I work. It’s so much easier with the late hours I have at the bar. This place is like a fortress. They close the gate every night.”
Keeping me safe from you.
On Christmas morning, I finally found out how he was secretly tracking my location through my email address. Ididn’t even know that was possible until I found the hidden application on my phone.
Thankfully, I got the boys this Christmas, but I’m already dreading next year when it’s his turn.
He rolls his eyes and throws one of the boy’s hoodies at me. “Boys, say goodbye to Dad. I won’t see you for a week.”
Dutton completely ignores him, already playing on the floor with blocks. Dawson lifts a hand to wave from the kitchen, where Eden is getting him a banana.
I try to close the door on Matt, but he won’t budge.
“I bought concert tickets.”
I purse my lips, nodding. “Cool. Have fun.”
“For both of us.”
“No, thanks.”
“You’ve proven your point, okay? I get that I was a jerk sometimes. I’ve really changed. I’ve been taking the boys to church.”
The urge to roll my eyes and slam the door in his face is so strong that I have to shove my hands into my denim pockets. I stare at the pothos plant I managed to save from the apartment fire. By some miracle, it lived, but a few leaves turned brown and fell off. I’m still waiting for the new ones to sprout.
My voice is robotic. “That’s amazing. I’m glad to hear it.”
“You should come with us. I think everyone would forgive you.”
I grind my molars together, staring at him and trying to think of all the reasons I don’t want to go to prison for murder.
The boys need me.
I look terrible in orange.
I bet the coffee sucks.
