Page 49 of Single Mom's Guide to Love

“Well, thank you. You’re going to make his day.”

He shrugs, like what he’s doing isn’t making my son’s entire year. “It’s my pleasure. Now, you go do your boring work with painters. I’m going to go play video games and eat cinnamon rolls.”

The smile on my face is instant. “Thank you, Logan.”

“Anytime, Love.”

If he catches what he says, he doesn’t react to it as he walks toward the kitchen.

And I don’t correct him. Because part of me missed him calling me that.

But just part of me. Because he’s just a client.

That’s all he can be…

guide to love rule #122

Exes ain’t shit. That’s it. That’s the rule.

15

maeve

I’ve never once regretteddivorcing Josh. We weren’t right for each other, and frankly, neither of us really wanted to get married; we just did it because we thought it was the right thing to do for Jayce.

That being said, every time I spend a holiday without Jayce, I hate that Josh and I weren’t right for each other. Because spending a holiday without your kiddo just fucking sucks.

Over the years, we’ve done a good job of making sure that neither one of us always gets the short end. We rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, and because my son has an odd fascination with Easter, we decided to give him two of those. We figured it’s a different day each year, why not make two and give Jayce his favorite holiday twice.

It’s all about the Reese’s Eggs for that kid.

But this year is hitting me harder than before. I don’t know if there’s an exact reason why—if I was held under an interrogation lamp I’d probably say it’s a combination of a lot of things—but I do know that with each mile I get closer to Josh’s house, the more I hate that I’m about to spend the day without my son.

“Did you pack everything you need?” I ask. I always make sure to take care of any clothes he could need. And Josh hasplenty at his house. But when it comes to toys, video games, and any other thing my child is fixating on this week, he’s the only one allowed to gather those items.

Except when he forgets them. Then I have to bring them to him.

“Yup!” he exclaims. “I have my blanket. And my video game. And my new action figure that Logan gave me. I can’t wait to show Daddy!”

The action figure he speaks of is a new acquisition as of yesterday—fresh from theextensivecollection of one Logan Matthews. Having shopped for plenty of SpaceCraft toys over the years, it didn’t look familiar. That’s when I realized that it’s not familiar because it’s not sold in stores. This is a one-of-a-kind toy. And Logan gave it to my son, who insisted on sleeping with it last night.

Not now, ovaries…chill the fuck out.

I turn into Josh’s driveway and notice that there’s a new car parked outside the garage. I roll my eyes at the Mini Cooper, which I’m going on a limb to say is Vivian’s.

Also, I didn’t realize people still drove those? Especially in mint green…

Trying not to pay attention to it, or do the math of how much that likely cost my ex-husband, I get out of the car and grab Jayce’s things while he struggles to get out of his seatbelt because he refuses to let go of his new toy. Eventually he makes it out and we make our way to Josh’s front door.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” Josh says as he opens the door. “It’s cold, everyone come in.”

Really? He wants me to come in? That’s not normally how these drop-offs go. Usually it’s hey, how are you, bye.

“Daddy! Look!”

Jayce doesn’t even have his jacket or boots off yet before making sure he shows Josh his new action figure. “Wow! When did you get that?”

“Yesterday! Isn’t it so cool! I thought I had every toy from SpaceCraft, but this is new and I love it so much!”

---