Page 22 of Playing with Fire

“Why did you guys get divorced?”

I flinched. Jesus. I wasn’t expecting that. She didn’t have a filter, that was for sure.

“What?” she asked with a shrug as she studied me. “I’m just curious.”

“Ever heard of what curiosity did to the cat?”

“But I’m not a cat.” Her lips lifted into a wide smile.

I fought the urge to laugh at her ridiculousness. But I didn’t have anything to hide, and I wouldn’t lie to her either.

“We were young when we got married, both of us focused mainly on our careers. Looking back, we should have tried harder to make each other a priority. And I don’t think either of us realized how much having kids would test our marriage. Neither of us wanted our kids to experience what we did as kids—parents who fought all the time.”

“I can’t imagine you two fighting. I mean, you’re both so patient with the girls.”

I shrugged. “We’re better apart than together.”

Silence engulfed us as she thought about what I said.

“Were they good for you tonight?” I’d yet to get any bad reports, and they were usually well behaved, but her statement about us being patient with them made me wonder if they weren’t good with her.

“They’re always good, and they were adorable tonight.” She chuckled. “Got so excited when I mentioned my dad was a firefighter too.”

“Yeah?” I could picture them thinking that was a cool thing to have in common. “I always worry they'll look back and only remember all the nights I wasn’t home in time to say goodnight.” Why did I even admit that to her? Maybe because I thought she’d understand?

“I don’t think they will.” Her head cocked to the side. “I remember my dad being the one who came to most of my school stuff because he would have random days off during the week.”

“What does, or did, your mom do?” I wanted to know more about her, and it surprised me that this was something I didn’t know. Jay’s dad being a firefighter was memorable, but if he ever mentioned what his mom did, I couldn’t recall.

“Mom works as a receptionist in a vet’s office.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “She’s been there for like fifteen years. No plans to retire anytime soon. Says she’ll go crazy stuck home with my father all the time.” A smile tugged at her lips.

She glanced around the kitchen, almost like she was trying to find something else to talk about. And as much as I wanted that too, it was getting late. The girls would likely have me up before seven. She must have read my mind, because before I could say anything, she said, “I'd better get going.”

I glanced at my watch. “Yeah. It's getting late.”

She smirked. “Maybe for you, old man. I'm grabbing drinks with friends.” She grabbed her phone and small wallet off the island. “I'll see you Tuesday morning.”

I locked my jaw tight as she turned to leave. Why did I hate the idea of her going to a bar, where guys would be competing for her attention? Like the two guys a few nights ago. Would she go home with one of them? The thought had me seeing red.

But that didn't matter. There was nothing I could do about it. Izzy wasn't mine, and never could be.

Chapter Fourteen

IZZY

Why didI think going out for drinks last night was a good idea? Especially knowing I had to work at the hospital today. Maybe I should have skipped the shots.

My head throbbed and I popped two over-the-counter pain relievers in my mouth, swallowing them with a sip of my coffee. After stashing my bag under my desk, I pulled up my email and began sorting through the messages, making sure I didn't miss anything important since I hadn't been here since Tuesday.

The morning went by quickly as I submitted claims and prepared invoices to go out. My phone vibrated in my pocket as I made my way down to the cafeteria. I'd been good about packing lunches, but today I was barely functional after getting out of bed, so it looked like it was a soup and salad type of day. Once I was seated with my food, I pulled my phone out and clicked on the notification from Nicole.

Nicole: Any update?

Me: ...

Nicole: With the sexy single dad? I totally caught him looking at you at the bar on Tuesday.

I rolled my eyes. Was he not allowed to look at me? Now I had Nicole reading into things that weren’t there.

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