Page 115 of The Me I Left Behind

“And blueberry syrup,” Carol added.

“Yum!”

“Got coffee, Mom?” Jason stumbled to his seat.

“Of course. Coming up.”

Carol’s phone pinged. She turned it over and read the text, then looked up at Maggie. “He’s coming. Almost here. And he said thanks!”

Maggie grinned. She loved seeing her daughter happy. “I’m looking forward to spending a little time with him other than a fly-by.”

“I know.” Carol nodded. “Me, too.”

“Sausage patties and scrambled eggs are ready.” Maggie placed platters of both on the island. “Pancakes coming up.”

“Goody!” Chloe called out.

Maggie had to laugh about her enthusiasm for food. She wasn’t concerned about her eating habits, right now. She hadn’tgained weight, and she was eating healthy foods mostly. Besides, she was a growing child. Let her enjoy.

“I’ll help you, Chloe,” Carol said, filling her little sister’s plate.

“Hey, leave some for me!” Jason said.

“Kids, there’s plenty. I have more over here on the griddle.”

The doorbell rang and Carol looked up. “I didn’t even hear his truck.” She ran off to open the front door.

Maggie turned back, flipping pancakes. Since Logan was here now, she’d need to put a few more on. Grasping the large measuring cup full of batter, she poured two more cakes onto the flat griddle.

Footsteps sounded behind her, and she turned with a smile. “Hi Logan. It’s—”

She made eye contact with the person standing on the other side of the kitchen, slightly behind Jason and Chloe. Her heart jerked, and her hand went to her chest.

The measuring cup of batter slipped from her hand, crashing to the floor.

“Max…” she whispered.

“I’m sorry, Mom.” Carol rushed toward her. “He just came on in.”

“Dad!” Jason jumped up and gave him a hug. Max didn’t fully reciprocate.

Chloe’s eyes flashed wide, and she shoved her eggs away. Turning slowly, she looked at her father, then slid off her chair and rounded the island to Maggie.

Maggie graspedChloe’s slim shoulders, tugging her closer.

Her child turned, burying her face in her tummy.

Maggie circled her little body with her arms.

“You need to leave, Max,” she said calmly and directly.I will not let this escalate into a scene.

He simply stared at her, a stupid Cheshire cat grin on his face. “We have some things to discuss.”

Maggie glanced from Carol to Jason, trying to gauge their reactions. “We talk through our attorneys. You are not supposed to be here.”

Jason took a step forward. “Mom, it’s fine. Let him stay. We haven’t seen him in months.”

She shook her head. “No, Jason. He can’t be here.”

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