Page 50 of Enough
I manage a small gesture and a nod.
“Everly, I’d like to introduce you to Krista. Krista, this is Marlow and Kale’s mom, Everly.”
She holds out her hand to me and I glare into Mike’s eyes. He seems to find nothing inappropriate with introducing me to the woman he asked me to pretend to be in bed.
“So, you’re Krista,” I state with a smirk. “I assume you work in Mike’s office?”
Her hand drops as she glances warily toward Mike. Mike’s eyes widen in warning. “Yes, we do work together. How did you know?” she asks.
“Oh, he mentioned you once or twice while we were in bed. Glad to know his fantasy is becoming his reality.”
Gwen chokes out a laugh as Krista turns and bites her lips questioningly toward Mike.
“God, Everly. I wouldn’t have introduced her to you if I thought you were still going to be immature, petty, and jealous.”
“I’m not jealous in the least, Mike. I am pissed that, once again, you brought her to something for the kids without asking me first. But I guess I shouldn’t expect you to do the right thing.” I stand and hold my hand out to her as I remove my mitten. “It’s nice to meet you, Krista. Enjoy my leftovers.”
I sit back down and see Gwen purse her lips. A small smile threatens to spread across her face.
Mike begins to speak as the whistle blows, so I interrupt him. “Mike, the game’s about to start. I’d offer you a chair, butI’m saving one for—”
“Did I miss anything?” Grandma Kay asks as she approaches, searching for Marlow on the field.
Gwen and I both stand to hug her. She notices Mike out of the corner of her eye. She glances him up and down, paying extra attention to his hand intertwined with Krista’s.
“Hello, Mike. How are you?” she asks politely.
“I’m good, Kay, thanks for asking.” He glares at me before he and Krista head toward the bleachers. Throughout the game, I catch Krista watching me. It secretly thrills me to know she wonders about me. The craving for chocolate remains as strong as ever.
Kale returns and spends his time alternating between sitting with us and sitting with his dad. Poor kid. He’s trying so hard to be what he thinks we need him to be.
After the game, Marlow runs to Mike and Krista. I try to pretend it doesn’t bother me, but I feel Grandma Kay’s hand on my shoulder and I’m aware she recognizes my heartache.
“You know, I’m still waiting for you to visit. That door needs to be painted.”
“I think it’s wrong that he brought her here and worse yet that he introduced her to me.”
Grandma Kay listens intently. “You feel what you feel, but it’s not going to stop him from seeing her. You can’t control what he does; you can only control your reaction to it. My guess is you’ve given them plenty to discuss.”
My head falls to the side in hearing her logic. She’s right as usual. I drop my purse and take a step, reminding myself I need to move forward. Kale follows closely behind as I wander toward Mike, Krista, and Marlow.
Mike and Krista’s heads turn toward me abruptly, probablyin preparation for more negativity.
“Mom, did you see my goal?” Marlow asks.
“Yes, baby. It was awesome!” I say enthusiastically.
“Krista, I’d like to start over if that’s okay. I wasn’t expecting to see Mike here, much less you, and it took me by surprise.”
She glances to Mike’s shocked expression and smiles understandingly at me. “Of course. I will make sure Mike discusses my presence with you from now on.”
I nod my head to her, ignoring Mike. “Okay, kids, let’s get your stuff and get ready to go home.”
I wave back to them as I walk away and notice Mike staring after me. It’s clear that I surprised him, and it makes me feel good. I don’t want him to think he knows me. I’m not who I was when we were married, and I’ll never be that woman again.
Seven months later
IT’S A FRIDAY night again. I hate weekends when the kids go to their dad’s. The house seems so empty. Gwen is out on a first date with a guy she met online, and I’m dying to hear all about it. I have all my books spread out on the kitchen table, trying to study for a test, but I’m having trouble focusing.
