Page 27 of Takedown

“She came up here earlier and upset Mel. Told her after everything you’ve done for her, she thanks you by pretending to be married to me. Later, while we were outside with Addy, Mel went to get buttons for the snowman, but she was gone a long time and agitated when she came out.”

“It’s a family matter. Don’t worry about it.”

I go and stand in front of him. “I’m family now. Whether you want to admit it or not, I’m your brother.”

He stops pacing, looks at me, and opens his mouth to say something, but then shakes his head, probably thinking better of it. He takes a seat at the table again. “I don’t like your tactics, Flynn,” Jason says. “And if you have questions, ask Mellie. All I’ll say is that they don’t get along, and part of that is because of me.” He runs a hand over his head.

I take a step closer to him and say, “What the fuck did you do?” He abruptly stands up, and we’re like two lions ready to fight to the death. He takes a step closer, and I arch an eyebrow, daring him to do something. Little footsteps come running into the room, and I take a big step back.

“Hi, Daddy.” Addison runs to her dad, and he scoops her up in his arms. “I want Mama.”

Mel comes out, and I wrap a possessive arm around her waist. Jason’s eyes narrow, so I lean down and plant a lingering kiss on her lips. When I lift my head, she’s blushing. She walks over and gives Addy a kiss goodbye.

“Bye, Unco Ada.” Addy waves at me on her way out the door. “Play tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here,” I tell her while looking directly at her father. “Uncle Adam’s not going anywhere.”

Jason slams the door behind him.

As soon as they are gone, Mel walks away and opens the fridge.

“Do you have any wine?” she asks without bothering to look at me. When I tell her that I don’t, she grabs her laptop and sits on the couch. I take a seat next to her, sitting closer than necessary since I haven’t touched her in hours.

“Not a drop of booze in here. I eat a really clean diet. Not much room in it for alcohol.”

“Except when in Vegas and you want to trap me in a marriage I don’t want.”

I lean close and gently grasp her ponytail. She freezes.

“Do you really believe that, or does that story make you feel better?” I say close to her ear. She turns her head, and I meet her stare. I lean closer to her and whisper, “How long are you going to pretend you don’t remember?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I let out a sigh and close my eyes. I rub the bridge of my nose in search of patience, but I find none. The only thing I feel is anger and irritation. Both at my wife and her brother.

“You know what, Mel? There’s the door.” Having had enough I point in the direction of the front door. Her eyes widen in shock and she jumps off the couch. “I’m really fucking tired of being your punching bag. Not only that, I’m sick of your idiot brother too. If you’re so unhappy, the exit is right there. You’re the one who asked me if you could stay here. I’m not holding you hostage. And if you want out of this marriage, fine. I don’t have to beg a woman to stay married to me. I get plenty of offers. You of all people should know that.”

I turn on the evening news and put the volume on full blast. She grabs the remote from me and mutes the TV.

“You’re being an asshole,” she has the nerve to tell me.

“Someone’s being an asshole, but it’s not me. I’ve given you everything you’ve asked for, and you’re still making me the villain. I’m done taking shit from you and Jason.” I snatch the remote and unmute the TV, dismissing her in the process. It’s a gamble. She could walk out of here and never return, but that’s highly unlikely. There’s a snowstorm, and I know she’s not going downstairs under any circumstances. She stands off to the side of the couch and says nothing. Part of me wants to go to her, but she also needs to know that I won’t be her punching bag.

From my peripheral vision, I can see her pursed lips. She flares her nostrils, grabs the laptop, and sits next to me. She opens it up, points to the screen, and says, “Can you please take a look, Adam?” The indignation in her voice earlier is gone. She sounds calm, almost contrite.

“Does that mean you’re staying?” I ask without looking at her while I flip through the channels.

“Yes.”

“Of your own free will?” She stares blankly. “I need you to say it, Mel. You’re not going to play the part of helpless victim. We both know that’s not who you are. I don’t force or manipulate you to do things.”

She looks away from me and sighs. “You’re not forcing me to stay here, Adam. I’m sorry. There’s just been a lot of change in the last few days.”

“You’re not going to take it out on me anymore.” She nods and inches a little bit closer. I hold out my hand and she hands me the laptop. I pretend to look. “These tabs are of things I’m considering for this place.” She looks around my apartment again, and I resist the urge not to laugh at her disgusted look.

“Okay. I told you to get what you want. The only thing I ask is that you don’t touch my chair.” I point to my recliner. I hand her back the laptop.

“Fine, even though that thing is hideous. It’s really, truly ugly and it looks like it smells.” I don’t argue with her there. It’s faded and the color of shit brown, but it’s comfortable, and I refuse to let it go.

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