Page 78 of Letters From Victor

“Frankie loves it here,” I said, changing the subject. “The beach, the new nursery school. He’s already made a bunch of friends.”

Edith sighed and plopped onto the overstuffed sofa. “I don’t doubt it. But it’s strange not having you just up the road.”

I joined her on the sofa, resting my hand on hers. “This isn’t forever, you know. It’s just until things settle.”

“Until things settle,” she repeated, her tone dubious. “Babs, I’m just worried. You have a lot on your plate right now. The new place, Frankie starting in nursery school, the divorces…”

“Victor’s court date is in two weeks,” I said. “Once his divorce is finalized, everything will be simpler.”

Edith raised an eyebrow. “What aboutyourdivorce?”

I sighed, knowing where this was heading. “We’ve been over this. The lawyer says I can’t file until Victor’s divorce is final. It’s a perception thing.”

“I think it’s a horseshit thing, but I won’t hash it out again.” She sighed at my silence. “I just hate that you’ve got men controlling you every which way you turn. I want you to be free, Babs.”

“I’ll leave the femme fatale act to you, Edie. I never quite got the smolder down.” I gave her a playful elbow to the ribs.

She smirked but didn’t let the moment pass. “And Frank?” Edith’s voice softened. “Is he playing nice yet?”

I hesitated before answering—not because I didn’t know the answer, but because admitting it aloud made it all so stark and real. “He’s been stoic and detached as always,” I said finally. “He makes no effort to see Frankie or even talk to him.” I paused, gathering my thoughts like scattered leaves in a storm. “Despiteall his blustering about having me declared unfit and taking custody?—”

“Blustering?” Edith raised an eyebrow.

“That’s all it ever was. Just words. He’s made no effort to actually be a father.” I hesitated, then added, “Lately, he’s gone quiet altogether. Not that I mind.”

Edith leaned back against the sofa cushions and studied me with those keen hazel eyes that rarely missed anything important. “So you think he’ll just let you go without a fuss? Let you take Frankie?”

“I don’t know, Edie. But he’s given me this much, and for now, it’s enough.”

Edith stood from the sofa and stretched her arms overhead. Her red-and-white checkered shirt came untucked from her dark blue jeans. She made pants look good—natural, even. I wasn’t anywhere near brave enough to try it.

“I should get going. Let me take Frankie for the weekend.”

I hesitated. “Edie, you don’t have to?—“

“I want to,” she said, cutting me off. “I miss the little rascal. It’ll be like old times. Besides, I imagine you need some time to catch up on sleep or”—she winked at me—“any other ‘undercover’ activities you might get up to.” She pressed a finger to her lips with a devilish grin. “I know it’s against the ‘rules,’ but your secret’s safe with me. You’re already breaking them, doll. So why not toss the whole damn rule book out the window?”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

Edith walked to the door and put on her coat. “Don’t thank me yet. I plan to spoil Frankie rotten and return him to you completely unmanageable.”

I laughed and opened the door for her. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

31

VICTOR

Asingle fading crimson-and-purple swipe over the water was all that was left of the sunset. Gino pulled up to Barbara’s new bungalow in Long Beach.

“You’re sure we weren’t tailed?” I asked.

Gino scoffed. “Positive. I took the long way, and the car is a loaner. No trace to you, Boss.”

I glanced around the quiet street before opening my door. “Thanks, Gino. Pick me up tomorrow morning at eleven.”

“Is that enough time, Boss?” he asked with a chuckle and a sideways glance.

“Hmm, make it noon.” I grabbed my leather bag and slipped out of the car.

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