Page 56 of Make Me Trust Again
Like when he showed me how to change the tire, or when he told me we could move into the cottage. The way he looked over my son as he played with his dog, and the gentleness with which he cared for me when I was sick.
Enigma, indeed.
I shake my head, trying to clear my mind of the images playing in my brain as I pull the truck into the driveway and get out.
Kyle is already rushing in front of me. “I’m going to play!”
I open my mouth to call after him, but then I realize it’s useless, so I press my lips together and follow after him. I slip out of my shoes and drop my bag on the little table in the foyer before going to my room to change into comfier clothes and pulling my hair up into a messy bun.
Once I’m done, I go to the kitchen and look through the options we have stocked in the fridge. I’d have to go to the store soon, but tonight we’ll have some spaghetti Bolognese since Kyle loves that. I pull out everything I’ll need before grabbing the sweet tea and pouring myself a glass. Taking a sip, I get to work.
I’ve always loved cooking. There is something peaceful in the monotony of it—the cutting and slicing of the ingredients. If you follow a recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a good meal, and if you decide to play a bit, go out of bounds, you might even create something incredible.
The meat sauce is slowly sizzling on the stove, so I grab a different pot and fill it with water and drizzle some salt over it to cook the pasta, when there is a knock on the door.
I pause, the sound catching me completely off guard. Glancing toward the open back door, Kyle’s nowhere to be found, and everything is quiet.
Is he teasing me? It wouldn’t be the first time. Because what would be the other option? There aren’t a lot of people who know I’ve moved here. My parents, Savannah, and Becky, and… Chase. That’s all. And since I know on Monday’s Mom has a bridge night with the ladies at the country club, and I’m pretty sure both Savannah and Becky have their hands full with their families at this hour, that only leaves one person.
Does he need something?
I can hardly imagine the man knocking on my door to ask for a cup of sugar. And considering the fact that he burned scrambled eggs—twice—I can’t even imagine him cooking for himself. He didn’t finally decide to come here and tell me we should find another place and soon, did he?
Wiping my hands on the towel, I bite the inside of my cheek as I go to the door and pull it open. My back goes still the moment my eyes meet the narrowed gaze on the other side. My fingers curl around the hardwood tightly as I hold it in place. “What are you doing here, John?”
His jaw clenches, fury blazing in his eyes. “When your mother said you won’t be joining us for dinner, I thought you were just avoiding me.” He takes a step forward, and my grip on the door tightens as he looms over me. “But imagine my surprise when she told me it’s because you’ve decided to move.”
Dammit, Mom.
I guess it was too much to hope this would stay a secret for a little while longer. Not that I want to keep it a secret, but I can’tdeny that it felt nice not to have to worry about my ex showing up at my house whenever he pleased, causing trouble.
My tongue darts out, sliding over my lower lip. “I don’t see how my place of residence is any of your business.”
His curled fist slams against the door, making me flinch. “You’re my wife.”
My heart is thundering against my ribcage wildly at his angry tone, my mouth feeling dry. “Ex-wife.”
“Wife,” he hisses in my face. “Until those papers are signed, you’re still my wife, Rose. Don’t you dare forget that.”
“You didn’t have an issue forgetting that little tidbit a few months ago,” I bite back.
Fury shines in John’s gaze, the muscle in his jaw twitching.
He’s standing so close I can smell a faint trace of alcohol on his breath. Over the last year, John has become a master of drinking. He knows just how to toe the line between getting buzzed to keep the edge off and drinking himself to the ground. Until he can hit the bar after he’s done with work, that is.
Kyle’s giggling comes from inside, reminding me we’re not alone. I debate it for just a moment, but I decide to slip out on the front porch and close the door behind me. I don’t want Kyle to rush inside and see us fighting. “You really shouldn’t be here, Joh?—”
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing here?” he interrupts before I can finish. His fingers curl around my forearm tightly as he pulls me to him. I open my mouth to protest, but he’s quicker. Something dark shines in his eyes, and my heart feels like it’s stuck in my throat. “Is there something going on between you and the Williams asshole?”
“Wh-what?” I blink, unsure if I heard him correctly, but his face is serious, that anger only boiling hotter than before.
“Because I don’t see why he’d let you stay here otherwise. The guy’s been hiding away for years, not talking to anybody,and suddenly he lets you stay at his place? I think not. Are you fucking him, Rose? Is that it? You give him some pussy in exchange for free rent. A win-win for both of you.”
Each hateful word that comes out of his mouth is a blow, making the color rise up my neck.
“You’re crazy.” I shake my head, trying to pull my arm out of his grasp, but he doesn’t let go. His fingers are digging into my skin to the point of pain, and I’m sure it’ll leave bruises. “There is nothing going on between Chase and me. Let me go, you’re hurting me.”
Instead of releasing my arm, his fingers only dig deeper. “I don’t believe you, Rose. I’m not going to let you do this to me. I’ve already talked to my lawyer, and we’ll take everything from you. Forget fifty-fifty custody, I’m taking my son from you. Maybe if you stop babying him, he’ll learn how to act like a man.”
