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He’d regarded her speculatively for a second or two and then nodded. “I look forward to meeting him.”
And that had been that. It was mystifying. She’d concluded that Jeremy was saving all his questions for Cash.
On her last trip outside, she’d seen nothing worrying—which was in itself a worry. Telling herself not to be silly, she shook off her unease and went to the top of the stairs leading to the basement. “Cyril! It’s time to go outside. You can’t stay in your room all afternoon.”
She heard no reply, but the thumping bass she recognized as the soundtrack from his favourite video game cut off a moment later. Not waiting for him to appear, she picked up a tray loaded with spinach dip, chunks of sourdough bread, and snack crackers, and stepped back onto the deck, just as Mark and Jacinta entered through the side gate.
Her gaze flew to Cash. He was twisted in his seat, watching them arrive. Her father was studying Cash with a teacher-ish expression—one that reminded her of when he’d set an especially tricky problem, but still had high hopes his student would succeed in solving it.
She had no time to deal with that. Placing the tray on the table, she wiped her hands on her hips and went to greet Mark and his new wife.
Keeping her smile firmly fixed on her lips, she let her gaze sweep over Mark to Jacinta. If she’d been the catalyst to their divorce, Penta wasn’t sure she could bear to be polite. But Mark had met her a few months after their separation. While her existence stung for many reasons, it didn’t have the bitterness of betrayal. “Hello, Jacinta. Thanks for coming.”
The other woman nodded, her own smile frank and open. “Thanks so much for including us. Mark tells me he hasn’t been invited for a few years.”
Oh, no, you don’t. You don’t get to make me feel guilty about that. Keeping her expression guileless and her tone sugary sweet, she asked, “Your boys didn’t come with you?”
“No. They’re away at a baseball tournament with their dad.”
It had been a bitter pill to swallow when Mark had announced he was remarrying. But it was made a thousand times worse by the fact he was replacing Penta with a woman who had so much in common with her. It underscored his rejection of her as a woman, as a person. Not their life together or their family situation. Her.
A heavy arm draped over her shoulders. “Mark.” Cash’s deep voice rumbled above her head. “Good to see you again.”
She wasn’t quite sure how, but his tone managed to imply exactly the opposite. A little of the sick tension twisting in her gut eased. This is why you invited Mark, remember? To show him you’ve moved on. And with who.
Mark frowned uncertainly. “I didn’t expect you to be here.”
“I don’t know why not.” This time, he managed to imply Mark was dimwitted. Penta’s consternation morphed into affectionate amusement at Cash’s barely veiled barbs. He dropped a kiss on the crown of her head and pulled her tighter to his side. She leaned in, willing to let him take the lead.
“You’re dating?” Her ex narrowed a petulant look at her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
She shrugged, Cash’s arm warm and protective, giving her the courage to take her own subtle stab. “Why would you care?”
“Of course I care.” Jacinta glared at Mark. He didn’t notice.
“You shouldn’t.” Cash seemed to swell, looming over her softer, squishier ex-husband. “Who Penta dates is none of your business.”
Mark didn’t back down. “Considering you’ll be spending time with my kids, I think it is.”
As sometimes happens in a group, a sudden silence fell. Before she could offer calming platitudes, Cash’s response rang out.
“Are you suggesting Penta would ever put her children in jeopardy?” Menace swirled around him, black and heavy.
Even the birds stopped twittering. Everyone waited for Mark’s reply.
“No, of course not.” Defeat softened Mark’s pugnacious stance.
Penta let out a soft whoosh. The odd moment of frozen time ended and the world restarted.
“How about a drink?” she said to no one in particular.
CASH MADE SURE PENTA’S asshole of an ex was occupied at the drinks table before giving in to her insistent tugging. She towed him in the opposite direction, turning to face him when they reached a corner of the yard just out of earshot of the crowd.
He jumped in before she could speak. “I wasn’t trying to pick a fight. I just don’t like the way that guy treats you.”
“I know you weren’t. And I could tell.” Her eyes creased with devilish amusement as she placed her palms on his bare forearms, her hands soft and warm. “I’m not mad at you. Quite the opposite, in fact.”
“You’re happy?” That didn’t make sense. He’d almost caused a scene. Again.
