Page 30 of Delicate Storm

“We had a big house on the beach, so we didn’t have to go out; we had plenty to do.”

“Okay.” I’m dubious, but if she’s trying, I have to give her the benefit of the doubt. I want him to have a mom that makes happy memories with him. That’s why I haven’t cut her out of his life. “What time?”

“Eleven?”

“The zoo opens at ten.”

“That’s too early. I have dinner plans on Friday night and I’ll be out late.”

“Okay. You do you. I’ll have him ready at eleven. But he needs to be home by six for dinner.”

“I can give him dinner and have him home in time for bed.”

“Fine. No later than seven, then. He needs to be in bed by seven thirty.”

“God, so many rules.”

“He’s three, Macy.”

“So? A little change in routine never hurt anyone. You should try it one day.”

Her verbal jab hits me exactly where she wants it to. I’m a creature of habit. It’s one of the things we always argued about.But I have to be. It’s my job to keep in peak fitness, to get plenty of sleep, to fuel my body when it needs it. And doing all that on top of raising a son—alone—requires a routine that works.

“Help me out here, Macy. It’s important for Isaac.”

“Fine. I’ll have him home by seven.”

“Thank you.” My lips twitch but I refuse to smile. Not yet. I’ll smile when I see Isaac’s face light up after spending time with his mom. I may cringe at the very sight of her, but he loves her, and if he’s happy, I’m happy. As long as she’s making his life better. “I’ll see you Saturday, Macy. Bye.” I move to hang up but she calls out.

“Wait.”

“Yep.”

“I’ll need some money. To pay for everything. The zoo isn’t cheap and there's food on top of the entry cost. I don’t want him to miss out on anything he might want during the day.”

God, I’m a dick.This isn’t about Isaac at all.

“Of course. I’ll pack him lunch and some snacks and I’ll pre-order zoo tickets for you both. Dinner is on you.”

“What if other things pop up throughout the day?”

“Pay for them.”

“I don’t have any money at the moment. Staying at the retreat isn’t cheap and—”

“I’m paying for the retreat. I gave you half the sale of the house. Where’s the rest of that money?” My voice rises and I’m thankful Isaac isn’t here.

“I bought a house. I can move in next month. Did you think I was going to live on the streets?”

“Get a job.”

“I had a job, remember? But you wanted me to stay home and look after Isaac. It’s not that easy to reenter the workforce.”

Goddammit.Guilt eats away at me because she’s right. I wanted her home for Isaac. Yes, she always complained abouther job, but I knew she never wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and I begged her to do it.

“I’ll give you some money for dinner and emergencies. But Macy, you better not fuck this up. Isaac loves you and he needs his mom. Be a mom. Think of someone else for once.”

I hang up without waiting for a response and pace the room, my fists clenched as my frustrations rise to the surface.

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