Page 61 of By Your Side
“Morning,” I said, grabbing a mug.
Briar straightened, holding up a container. “Can I take the leftover mac and cheese for lunch?”
“Yes. Just don’t?—”
She was already halfway down the hall before I could finish reminding her to bring a fork.
Briar eyed me over her spoon. “You going to the bar early today?”
“Not too early,” I said. “Why?”
She shrugged. “You just seem less stressed. Which is suspicious.” She smirked at my look of confusion. “Translation: the stupid town gossips are working overtime. We’ve heard some things.”
My hand froze on the coffee pot. “What do you mean?”
She lifted her phone. “Maddie told me people saw you and Hunter leaving the tavern together. And before that? Dad and Hunter almost had a fight at Pennywhistle Pantry. Her mom asked her about it. So yeah, Mom, everyone’s talking. And we want to know what is going on with Dad. Please.”
I set the coffee pot down carefully, like maybe if I moved too fast, the whole morning would shatter.
“Great,” I muttered, pouring coffee into my mug. “Exactly what I needed this week. I’ll tell you everything when Briar comes back in here. I’m not trying to keep secrets, just everything is happening fast, okay?”
Before I could take a sip, my phone buzzed on the counter.
Ren: Call me when you can. It’s important.
That did nothing good for my stomach. I held up a finger to Lark, then stepped into the laundry room, shutting the door behind me before dialing him.
“Tell me it’s not what I think it is,” I said as soon as he answered.
“I’d love to, but Eli’s lawyer just sent over new demands,” Ren said. “He’s doubling down—more claims about your ‘unstable’ work schedule, but now he’s hinting about inappropriate overnight guests.”
My grip tightened on the phone. “That’s disgusting. And hello? Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? Did he forget why we got divorced?”
“It’s also easy to knock down if it comes to it,” Ren said, his tone calm but edged. “He’s got nothing but speculation. But I wanted you to know so you’re not blindsided.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Thanks. I’ll handle it.”
“No, you won’t. Paige, I have it under control,” he said. “Remember that. You do nothing, okay? All I’m doing is keeping you informed.”
I hung up before my voice could shake, leaning back against the dryer. My phone buzzed again immediately, but this time the contact’s name made my breath catch.
Hunter: Don’t panic, but I heard Eli’s running his mouth again. I’m coming by early again.
Me: You don’t have to. I got this.
Hunter: That’s cute.
Despite everything, a laugh escaped me. The man could boss his way through my bad moods better than anyone I’d ever met.
I slid my phone into my pocket and rejoined the chaos of the kitchen. Briar was rinsing her bowl, and Lark had her backpack over her shoulder, ready to go.
They both gave me that look—the one that said they knew something was up and were waiting for me to explain.
“Okay,” I said, setting my coffee on the counter. “I need to tell you both something before you hear it from someone else.”
Briar froze. Lark shifted her weight, crossing her arms.
“Your dad’s lawyer filed more paperwork,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “Along with wanting to pay less child support, he’s trying to change our custody agreement. He’s saying my work hours aren’t good for you, and that I have people staying over who shouldn’t be here. I am not embellishing or making this more than what it is. I promise to only tell you the facts. I think you’re old enough to handle it and observant enough to figure it out on your own.”
