Page 56 of Ruin

Even still, I feel like I did something wrong when I didn’t, and it’s not fair of him to make me feel that way.

“Is Zweus mad, Mommy?”

My eyes swing to her. “No, of course he isn’t.”

“He looked angry.”

“He’d never be angry with you.”

“Not me, Mommy. You.”

Crap.

I hate that my girl is so perceptive at times.

“I think he’s just disappointed that I can’t make dinner with you guys tomorrow night.”

“You totally should come. Zweus and me are more fun than Wich.”

My brows furrow. “Do you not like Rich, Gigi girl?”

“He’s okay. But I wike Zweus more.”

My heart clenches painfully, and I realize that maybe Gigi has been picking up on more than I thought.

“You know that Rich is just Mommy’s friend. Like Zeus is Mommy’s friend.”

“I know.”

“And you know that it’s good to have different friends.”

“Yes, Mommy. But I fink people always wike one fwiend more than all the others. Like a best fwiend. And I fink you should be best fwiends with Zweus.”

I was. Once upon a long time ago.

Until he ruined it.

Unsure of how to respond to that, I get back to my feet. “Come on, Gigi girl. Let’s clear these dinner plates away, and then you can watch some TV before bed.”

I’m a coward.

After the frosty reception that I received from Zeus when he came to pick Gigi up to take her to dinner, I ensured I was already gone well before he was due to drop her back home.

I wasn’t meeting Rich until eight, but I texted him and asked if we could meet earlier. Thankfully, he was able to; otherwise, I’d have been sitting in the bar alone for an hour before.

I’m sitting at a table that we snagged near the bar. Rich is up there, getting us drinks. I’ve asked for my usual—a Corona. It will be my one and only alcoholic drink for the evening. I’ll be on soda after this. Rich offered to pick me up, but I prefer to be in my own car, so I can leave when I want. And not drinking more than one drink doesn’t bother me.

As any mother knows, a hangover and a four-year-old do not go well together at all.

It’s just nice to be out for a change and to also have a reason to get a little dressed up.

Not that I got overly dressed up. I’m wearing black skinny jeans, a sheer off-the-shoulder black top, and leopard-print ankle boots. My hair is down and straight, and I actually spent time doing my makeup. I went with red lips and smoky eyes. I look good, and for the first time since Zeus showed up, I feel good.

I get my cell out of my bag and check to make sure I haven’t missed any calls or texts from Zeus or Aunt Elle about Gigi. Nothing. I place my phone on the table in front of me just in case.

When I lift my eyes, Rich is walking over with our beers. I watch as he comes toward me. He looks really good tonight in khakis and a button-down. It’s not often that I get to see him in normal clothes. He’s usually in his uniform—or naked—when I see him.

And…I’m not going there.