AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jillian and Luke are standing on the other end of the room, watching the interaction with interest. For people who don’t have big families by any means, they must be horrified by the smattering of opinions and overtalkative dialogue.
“I should have known you were doing it for selfish reasons,” Rob bites accusingly.
“Why did you think I was helping out? I never met your kids, except that one time Jesse tried to get a beer from me at the wedding. And I’m happy I did because Molly and I had a great day until you came in. And let me remind you, you said it wasn’t going to work out.”
“Dad, you told Tara it wasn’t going to work out?” Molly looks at him like he’s crazy. “She’s, like, the only person who gets me.”
“That’s because she’s a grown child. You need an adult.”
I send him laser-beam daggers and imagine punching him in the balls right now. “Don’t be such an asshole.”
Rob stands up and declares, “See? This is the problem.”
Jillian steps forward and interjects, “Perhaps this is a conversation you two should be having outside. Away from the children.”
Rob gives her a curt nod. He steps toward me, takes me by the elbow with a rough pull, and escorts me out of the den, through the kitchen, and out the back door to the yard. I only allow him to because Jillian’s right.
What I’m about to say to this Neanderthal is in no way appropriate for the ears of babes.
And boy, do I have an earful for him.
CHAPTEREIGHT
As we step into the cool evening air, the tension between us is palpable. I hastily brush off his touch, wanting to distance myself from his brutish presence. I walk briskly onto the deck, wrapping my arms around myself, a facade of annoyance covering the turmoil inside. I look back at him, my chin tilted defiantly, awaiting his words.
Who am I kidding? I’m not good at thisstrong yet silentthing.
“You’re moodier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”
“What the hell does that even mean?” he retorts.
“I can’t keep up with your mood swings. One moment, you’re nice, and the next, you’re a pompous ass,” I snap, my patience wearing thin.
“I can’t believe you lied,” he accuses.
“I didn’t lie. You are a pompous ass,” I fire back, my temper flaring.
He takes a stern step forward. “Not about that.”
“I had an awesome time with Molly. Why would I lie?”
His boots make a heavy thud as he approaches. “You lied about why you were helping me out.”
“Sorry if my embarrassment isn’t something I care to broadcast to everyone.”
“Not wanting to see an ex-boyfriend is what teenagers do,” he comments dismissively.
Oh, for the love of …
“Stop comparing me to a child! I have emotions. You should try having some instead of bottling them up into this cage of pent-up steel.”
I grip the railing tightly and turn toward Rob, pouring my heart out with raw emotion in every word. “Patrick wasn’t just an ex-boyfriend. I was supposed to marry him. The marriage license was filled out. I was in my wedding dress, for Pete’s sake. My dad was ready to walk me down the aisle when I found out Patrick had gotten cold feet. Frozen feet that I wish I could wrap in concrete and push into the ocean.”
I pace toward Rob. My head is swimming with ragged emotions, and my body is vibrating with nervous energy. I clench my jaw and will myself not to cry. I refuse to cry over Patrick.
“ Patrick’s not just an ex. He’s not some guy. He was going to be my husband, but he left me. Are you happy? Is that adult enough for you? You’re not the only one who was left by someone. And please hold the judgmental comments. You were married for years and had kids. I didn’t even get down the aisle, so there’s no comparison. Doesn’t matter what you think. It is fucking hurtful, and now, he’s in my town with his family, and I just … I need to get the fuck out of Newbury!”
My rant leaves me feeling both vulnerable and empowered. I swallow my emotions, narrowing my eyes at Rob, daring him to belittle me. There’s no denying the pulsing knot that’s formed in my stomach.
