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The jets massage away my tension as I sink lower into the spa. Yes, this is exactly what I need right now. I tip my head back and gaze up at the inky, cloudy sky, fat flakes of snow falling on my face, a strange contrast to the heat of the water.
Fuck Gabriel and his stupid new girlfriend.She can have him for all I care.
So long as she’s sweet to my kiddos. Because if she’s not, I will hurt her.
Oh, I should text everyone and let them know I made it here okay.
Climbing out of the hot tub, I scurry over to the table, goosebumps rising on my heated skin. The air’s freezing cold and the wind whips at my exposed flesh. I snag my phone off the table and clamber back into the water, holding my cell away from the bubbles.
Ashton: Made it here, safe & sound. Rental’s amazing!
Stella: Oh good! We were starting to worry. How’s the weather? It’s snowing here
Ashton: Just started snowing. Supposed to be really bad tonight. But the cabin has a fireplace, so it’s all good
Stella: Great! Have an awesome time! Love you!
Ashton: Love you too! Tell Wes I’m good. Xoxo
Stella: xoxo
Next, I text Gabriel the jerk.
Ashton: Made it to Spruce Ridge. Everything good with the kids?
Gabriel: Katelyn’s crying about Snowball. Who the hell’s Snowball?
Of course, Dad of the Year doesn’t know about our elf on the shelf, Snowball. Why the hell would he? Best case, the dad thing’s a weekend-only gig.
Ashton: He’s our elf. Did you get him from the house?
Gabriel: No. Why the fuck would I? I didn’t even know about him
I roll my eyes so hard my eye sockets hurt. No one can see me and it feels so fan-fucking-tastic to do whatever I want.
I take a deep, meditative breath and type back:
Ashton: You better go get him or she won’t stop crying. It’s a whole thing
Gabriel: Can’t. We have dinner reservations in twenty minutes and I’m still waiting on sitter
OMG. Gabriel has the kids for a week and he hires a fucking babysitter? Unbelievable.
Ashton: Swing by the house and grab him after then
Gabriel: Maybe, we’ll see
Biting down hard on my bottom lip, I punch out:
Ashton: Tell her he’s doing special duty tonight for Santa and will be back tomorrow. Then go get the freaking elf
I type ‘loser,’ but then delete it. No need to start World War III on day one of my trip.
Gabriel: I’ll see what I can do
Annoyed, I toss my cell to the ground and chug some chardy to take the edge off. Honestly, I have no idea what I ever saw in that guy. I can’t believe I actually have two kids with that asshole.
And now my wine’s gone and I’m thirsty.
