Page 85 of Just This Once

I pause. “Okay, honey. You won’t have to.”

Her eyes expand to three times their normal size, and my heart breaks all over again. “Promise?”

My nose stings with unshed tears I refuse to let my children witness. “I promise. I don’t know how we’ll make it work yet, but I’ll talk to my lawyer. We’ll go for full custody, if that’s what you want.”

Maddie doesn’t answer, wiping her eyes with her hands, so I look to Jake, who shakes his head. “I don’t want to see him again if I don’t have to.”

“Okay, then we’ll figure it out.”

He sniffs, his mouth working side to side. “What if… What if he fights it?”

“I honestly don’t know. He probably will, but we’ll figure it out. We always do.”

Forgetting about cleaning up for now, I snuggle with my kids. Maddie rests her head on my shoulder, and I pat Jake’s knee. Thankfully, everything begins to feel a little more normal when they argue over what to watch, and I take the opportunity to text Ian, Griffin, Marianne, and Clara on one thread because it’s better to rip off the Band-Aid at once. I give them a shorthand version of the events from today and let them know that I’ll be asking for full custody, and that if they ever see Craig to not engage.

To which they respond:

Ian

Oh, I’ll fucking engage.

Griffin

With my motherfucking fist.

Clara

From the man who took an oath to the Constitution!

Clara

But, yes, I would pay to see it.

Marianne

Tar, We’re all behind you 10000000%

I suppose it’s the most I can ask for. Unwavering support in the face of an uphill battle.

Eventually, the kids wander off, Jake to play video games, and Maddie to watch yet another Cynthia Erivo interview. I curl up with Frankie until Dante texts that he wants to come over and make sure I’m okay. I don’t really have the energy one way or the other, although I know if I don’t let him see proof inperson that I am indeed okay, he’ll keep hounding me. Because that boy is nothing if not dogged.

I probably should have texted him earlier; I know how he worries. But I am completely wrung out, emotionally drained, and I don’t want to have to deal with him and all my complicated feelings about him while also trying to keep my family together. So hopefully he’ll settle for a few minutes and then let me go to sleep.

If only I weren’t such a bitch.

Maybe then I wouldn’t know what it feels like to break his heart.

Chapter 27

Dante

Taryn flew off earlier in such a rush, stress written all over her face, that I’ve been nonstop chewing my nails. After what happened last night with Craig, I don’t trust that motherfucker as far as I can throw that bald-headed broad-backed son of a bitch. And I’d been waiting to check up on her and the kids. So as soon as she gives me the go-ahead, I practically sprint downstairs and across her backyard. Through the kitchen window, I view her standing at the sink, and I raise my hand for her attention so she’ll unlock the back door for me.

“Where are the kids?” I ask once it’s open, and she steps back, allowing me inside.

“Upstairs.”

Since they’re out of sight, I duck down, placing a quick kiss on her lips. “How are you?”

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