Page 79 of The Perfect Divorce

I stare at the hand on the screen again. The pointer finger is significantly longer than the middle one, and suddenly, the familiar gait makes sense. I recognized him in the crowd too, the day I gave my statement to the media. The beard threw me off because I’ve never seen him with one, but it was him. He must have shaved it off before he decided to kill Stevens, but now I can see him as if he were wearing no disguise at all, walking around with his face clear for all the cameras to see.

“It’s Scott Summers,” I say. “He’s back.”

FORTY

SARAH MORGAN

“Will you please put your feet down, Summer?” I say, gripping the steering wheel as I drive down a back road, heading into town. It’s a bright sunny day without a cloud in sight, and I’d probably enjoy it much more if it weren’t for my angry passenger. She’s continuing to give me the cold shoulder. But today, her attitude is much snarkier—slamming doors, stomping her feet, random huffs and puffs, refusing to eat breakfast, and anything else she can do to annoy or frustrate me.

Summer huffs.See?Like I said, random huffs and puffs. She begrudgingly removes her feet from my dashboard and places them on the floor.

“Thank you,” I say, glancing over at her and forcing a smile.

Her blond hair hangs in front of her face like a curtain, so I can’t see her expression, but I’m sure she’s wearing a scowl, especially for me.

“Why’d you pack my stuff up in a suitcase?” Her tone is harsh, almost accusatory. But at least she’s talking to me. Summer crosses her arms over her chest, sinking deeper into the passenger seat.

“You’re gonna be staying with Aunt Anne for a few days.”

“Why?” she snarls.

“Because you said you wanted a divorce from me too.”

She huffs again, blowing a piece of hair out of her face.

“Anne will pick you up from school and take you to her house. It’ll be good for you to have some space and time to process these new changes.”

It’s only a half truth. Yes, I’d like her to cool down, and I think it will be beneficial for her to talk to someone who grew up with divorced parents. Anne can resonate with Summer in ways I can’t. But I also have no idea what Bob’s up to, and I’m sure as soon as he hears about the protective order, he’s going to blow a gasket. I can’t have Summer around if or when that happens. Last night, I dreamt Bob took Summer, and I never saw her again. I know it was a dream, but I wouldn’t put it past him to do something like that. He wants to hurt me, and that’s the way to do it. So, at the very least, having her stay with Anne will put my mind somewhat at ease.

“Why can’t you and Dad just stay together?” she pouts.

“We’ve been over this, Summer, and no matter how many times you ask, the answer isn’t going to change. Why don’t you look at the bright side? You’ll have two Christmases, two birthdays, two of every holiday, and two bedrooms.” I slow the vehicle down, stopping at a red light, and smile at her again.

Summer’s neck is craned toward the passenger window, and I can see the reflection of her face in the glass, all scrunched up and angry. “I don’t want any of that. I want you and Dad together.”

“Well, I don’t want to be with your father,” I nearly yell as I press the toe of my shoe on the gas pedal, accelerating through the intersection.

Summer swivels her head, staring at me. “Why?”

“Because I don’t trust him. He broke our trust,” I say, turning the vehicle onto her school’s street, located just a few blocks down.

“Can’t you just... trust him again?” Her tone has changed from cutting and full of disdain to one of understanding, or at least trying to understand.

“I wish I could. But the damage’s already been done, and there are some things you just can’t salvage.”

“What did Dad do?” she asks.

I pull up to the school and throw the vehicle in Park. Other kids hop out of their parents’ cars, smiling and waving before they sprint toward their friends.

Taking a short, deep breath, I turn partially in my seat to face my daughter. Her green eyes have a sheen to them like she’s scared or already upset at what I’m going to say.

“That’s between me and your father, Summer. Your dad may have broken my trust, but he still has yours. And although he hasn’t been the best to me, he’s been that to you. We both love you more than anything, and whether your dad and I are together or not, that’ll never change.” I reach for her hand, fearing she’ll pull away, but she doesn’t. Instead, she squeezes mine, and I squeeze back. “I’m sorry you’re unhappy, sweetie, and I know none of this is easy. But one day, you’ll understand that everything I’ve ever done is because I only want the best for you.”

A tear rolls down her cheek, and I quickly swipe it away. She outstretches her arms and leans into me. I wrap mine around her small body and hug her tight, running a hand through her soft hair.

“You’re the only thing that matters to me in this world,” I whisper. A tear falls from the corner of my eye, splashing onto the top of her head. She hugs me even tighter.

“I’m sorry Dad hurt you.” Her words come out muffled.

---