Page 105 of Play Dirty

“That feeling will pass when you get my bill,” she says, cracking a smile.

I chuckle. “I’m sure.”

“Anyway, we have two weeks until the custody hearing. Let me have someone look at your financials and I’ll come up with an official offer for Brenna. In the form of alimony or as part of the final divorce decree, whatever my money guy thinks is best. We throw in the kids as part of that deal. Maybe she’ll just sign it.”

“Don’t hold your breath but thank you.” I shake her hand and make my way out to my SUV.

I really want to call Stevie, tell her everything is okay.

But she blocked me, and if I’m honest, that hurt my feelings.

There was no reason to do that.

We’re both adults.

We could handle a breakup without completely icing each other out.

Or maybe not.

Because she asked me not to call her, and here I am thinking about doing exactly that.

Because I already miss her.

Because my bed felt gigantic last night, without her curled against my side.

Because the house was eerily quiet as I made my coffee and headed out this morning.

Because she left a bunch of toiletries in my bathroom and clothes in my closet, but I can’t bring myself to pack them up.

I don’t know if I can make things right with her, but I wish she’d at least given me a chance to try. Now that I’ve had a day to think about what she said, I know she thinks she’s protecting me, taking herself out of the equation so I have a better chance of getting custody, but I don’t need her to protect me.

I think about her the whole drive to the gym and as I’m working out. Trying to come up with a solution that will bring us back together without impacting her mental health.

Or maybe I’m just a selfish ass.

Maybe that’s why Brenna left me.

It’s always about what I want.

And this time I promised myself I would be better.

Stevie deserves better.

I step off the treadmill and dry my face.

I see a text notification and there’s a message from Gabe.

GABE: Golf tomorrow?

MARTY: Sounds good.

GABE: It’ll just be us. Everyone else is gearing up for the season. Us old guys are the only ones thinking about enjoying every last drop of summer.

MARTY: Who are you calling old?!

GABE: Us. See you tomorrow.

I laugh and am about to put the phone away when I see a bunch of notifications on social media.

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