AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t have a wife. That would have been my ex-wife and daughter.”
My face falls, but I recover quickly. Taking a sip of my wine, I pop a fry into my mouth and chew it. I need to think for a minute.
An ex-wife and child.
Baggage…
I drop my gaze to the table, then drag it slowly back to him. What does this mean for me?
I’ve never dealt with an ex-wife.
It was never in my future plan to take on someone else’s child.
And now what?
I’m only twenty-six and just starting my life. And sometimes I think I’m a child myself, so how could I possibly be responsible for someone else?
It’s still silent between us, neither one of us speaking for a moment. I’m lost in my own head, trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do.
“She remarried and had more children,” he adds, obviously wanting to make it clear they are over. It seems to get my brain working again.
“Okay, so she is your ex-wife, but it still wasn’t fun to see. It was a huge shock.”
“I bet. I wish you didn’t find out like that.”
As I look at him, he stares back with hurt-filled eyes, and it kills me to see him like that.
But I have to ask. “Would you have told me?” Taking a sip of my wine, I wrinkle my nose.
He leans forward to grab my hand, and I look down at his large one covering my small one. “Of course. I didn’t think a text message or a one-night stand was the appropriate time. Not yet, at least.”
I pull my hand away and play around with a fry before eating it.
“How long have you been divorced?”
“Twelve years.”
My eyes bulge and I rapidly blink before eating another chip. “So, what happened?”
“I worked too much and wouldn’t change my work/life balance. I was barely home.”
I nod but don’t say anything and I worry for a moment. He sips his drink, waiting for me to ask the next question.
“So, she remarried and had kids…and you?”
He shakes his head vehemently. “Not even close. I worked more than ever when she left. And no one has made me want to give it up. Well, not until recently.”
Trying not to get my hopes up, I just nod, not wanting to read too much into what he’s insinuating. “And you share a daughter.”
He smiles. “Yes. Aria. She is thirteen and my best friend. She stays whenever she wants to. Me and my ex have an open-door policy. So, if she wants to stay at my house for a week, she can, and vice versa.”
It’s what co-parenting dreams are made of, but most don’t end up that way.
“That’s a really good relationship you have.” I smile, but it’s not as easy as usual. I’m tight and not at all relaxed. Whereas he looks totally comfortable with our conversation; he’s even undone his tie and top button. Usually, I’d find it hot where his exposed neck is on show for me, but I can’t get my head out of the cloud it’s found itself in.
“Yes, we all do. Including her husband and step kids.”
“I’m sorry. This is a lot to take in,” I say honestly, rubbing my forehead, feeling overwhelmed. The start of a headache forms behind my eyes.
