Page 76 of The Art of Deception

“Alexander Scott, you come back here right this instant!” Dad hollers.

I turn back as he glares at me. “I’m not your whipping boy anymore, Dad. You show my partner some respect, or you don’t get to see me, her, or your grandchild. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Thank you for dinner, I’ll see myself out.”

Mom sobs. Hearing her breaks my heart, but I have to stand firm on this. Tomi is my priority and my future, and I need to go now and make things right with her. I hope she isn’t too fucked off with me for not standing my ground with Dad in front of her. I hope she understands why. I know she’ll be hurt, but it was for her own good. I just have to get that across to her.

Walking out of the house, I glance over at her car to see her leaning against it, waiting with her arms folded across her chest. Exhaling with relief, I wasn’t sure she’d still be here, to be honest. She’s the type to start walking home. I’m glad she waited for me. I slowly edge toward the car, waiting to see if she’s going to turn and hurtle abuse at me. I can’t blame her if she does.

But nothing.

Her head’s down, and she’s quiet.

Too quiet.

She’s seething.

This is worse than her yelling at me on the street. The silent treatment is far more painful. As I approach, she side-eyes me, and I press the button to unlock the car. She doesn’t say anything, just opens the door and gets in.

Shit.

I walk to the driver’s side and slide in, putting the keys in the ignition, but I don’t start the car. Instead, I turn to face her. Her arms are crossed over her body defiantly as she stews in her own mind. “Tomi, I—”

“Don’t talk to me—”

“But I—”

She holds her hand up to stop me, and I purse my lips, knowing I need to let her cool off before I attempt to settle this with her again.

“Just so you know, I’m resigning on Monday.”

Her head snaps around to me as I start the car, but she doesn’t say anything. She simply shakes her head, then turns to look out of the window.

I pull out onto the street to drive us home in an awkward, tension-filled silence.

***

The car ride was so tense it was hard to deal with. All I wanted to do was talk to her, but I knew she would shut me down at every possible avenue. So I kept my mouth shut. The one thing I’ve learned about Tomi is she’s a stubborn, headstrong female, and when she sets her mind on something, she won’t shift until she wants to.

Pulling up her mini at home, I exhale as she yanks off her seatbelt and escapes the car before I can even turn off the engine. Shaking my head, I slide out of the car and walk behind her as her heels click-clack on the pavement. It must be hurting herdainty feet.

She walks to the door and opens it, storming in without me as I stroll in behind her. The smell of cakes baking and leftover chicken pot pie wafts through the air, making my stomach rumble as I close the door behind me.

“You’re home already?” Greta calls from the kitchen.

Levi’s playing video games in the family room.

I walk in.

Tomi isn’t there.

I furrow my brows.Where the hell is she?

I stroll into the kitchen, glancing at Levi, who isn’t paying any attention to our arrival. “Hey, yeah, we’re back early. Didn’t go so smoothly.”

Bang.

A door slams.

Levi groans. “Loud!” he grumbles.

---