Page 73 of Make You Stay

Did this blowhard just ask me why?

Slamming down the mug, I ignore the burn as droplets of coffee land on my skin. “Let’s see. The men I’ve dated all thought me becoming a mother was the worst idea in the world, and considering they have children, they must be experts, right? You and Charlie obviously know something I don’t. No surprise, really, that there’s something wrong with me. My own mother didn’t want me, so I’ll just get a damn dog and forget the whole thing.”

I surprise even myself with the anger spewing from my mouth. Is it deserved? Every last syllable.

“Please don’t think like that, Chloe. I hate hearing you say those things.” His eyes are bright, a muscle jumping in his jaw as he speaks the words.

“Why? I figured you’d be relieved, not that I planned on botheringyoufor anything ever again.”

“You’ll be an amazing mother. You are a natural nurturer; you make it look effortless. The way you are with the girls is incredible. Don’t give up your dream, certainly not for stupid, misguided men.”

I blink back tears, my strong front cracking with each nice word dripping from his hypocritical mouth. I need him gone and fast. “Doesn’t matter. I’m fine with my decision. Anyway, did you get what you needed? I have a busy day with the realtor.”

“You’re selling?”

“Yep.”

Aidan steps toward me, but I jump back, my back hitting against the counter.

He stops, his gaze falling to the floor. “I missed you.”

A scoff flies from my mouth. “What am I supposed to say to that?”

“Maybe that you missed me, too?”

“What’s the point? Let you close so you can hurt me again? No, thanks. I’m done being a glutton for punishment.” I motion to his bearded jaw. “Barbara must be thrilled that her lumberjack is back.”

Yes, it’s a petty and unnecessary barb, but I’m not in the mood to take the high road. He deserves at least one jab.

“This,” he rubs his hand over his jaw, “is laziness. I didn’t know you were back, or I would have shaved. Also, I’m not with Barbara. I was with you. Just you.”

“Emphasis on was.”

“Chloe—”

The sound of his daughters entering the house interrupts our uncomfortable reunion. Some things never change, and I’m sure not holding them accountable for their father being an asshole.

The three of them race to my side and wrap their arms around me, exclaiming how much they missed me.

I missed them, too. In the last few months, they’ve become an integral part of my life—one that will now be relegated to my past.

“We miss you. When can we stay over?” Natalie asks, looping her arm through mine and laying her head on my shoulder.

“Soon. I have to get a few things organized, but then we’ll have a girl’s night. Sound good?”

“Our mom is dying,” Emily states, her affect so flat I can’t tell if she’s joking. One look at Aidan solidifies the truth.

“What?” It’s all I can manage as a feeling of desolation washes over me. “What do you mean?”

Aidan bites his lip, that brightness back in his eyes. “Stage four pancreatic cancer. She found out last week.”

I struggle to stay upright at the news. Adults are supposed to be strong, particularly in the face of children. That’s what we do, right? But I adore Enid, and the idea that she’s dying, compounded with everything else, breaks me.

Her poor children. Her poor husband.

Poor Aidan.

“I hate this news so much,” I exclaim, my cheeks wet with tears as I grip the girls to me. Squatting down, I force a smile, wiping my face. “You know what? We’re going to have the biggest girl’s night ever—you three, your mom, and me. I’ll buy a ton of food, even more chocolate, and enough face masks for everyone. Then we’ll play board games and watch silly movies all night. Okay?”

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