Page 9 of More Than a Friend
Other than getting up to wash off the mask, we’ve been lounging on the couch eating pastries and the various munchiesshe brought, pausing the show to critique the dancers even though we are severely underqualified.
Skylar getsintothese reality shows. She picks her favorite contestants and yells at the TV on their behalf when they’re treated unfairly in her eyes. She argues with the judges like they can hear her.
This season, she’s decided the US men’s gymnast who specializes in the parallel bars is her baby, and every time he gets a low score, she boos the judges.
I have to stifle a giggle every time.
“Why is he your favorite again?” I ask in the middle of watching him and his partner do the foxtrot.
“Look at him! The glasses? The smile? He’s a little baby angel! He’s so enthusiastic and willing to learn new things.” She shakes her head. “No one’s giving him the credit or recognition he deserves.”
I pat her thigh. “It’ll be okay. They’re not going to kick him off yet. He brought in a ton of views this season. We already know he makes it to the finals.”
Skylar crosses her arms and takes an aggressive sip of her mojito. Her cheeks are starting to flush from the alcohol and how fired up she’s getting. She’s so fucking pretty.
“I know, but I’m still mad they’re not scoring him higher.”
Before I can respond, my phone rings with an incoming call from Shea.
Skylar pauses the show, and I answer, my anxiety spiking.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Ava. How’s it going?”
“Is something wrong with the kids? Are they okay?” I ask instead of answering. I wish he’d just get to the point.
Shea huffs. “They’re great. Which is why I’m calling. Zoe woke up this morning chipper and happy as ever, so I asked the kids if they wanted to meet Alisa today… and they said yes.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and shake my head. Shea has a tendency to switch up plans at the last minute, and it irks me to no end. He did it when we were married, too, and I just let it happen to keep him happy.
“I wish you would have stuck with the original plan, Shea. I think it’s better for everyone if Zoe stays home.”
“Well, wearestaying home. Alisa is joining us for our movie marathon.”
I barely hold in my sigh. “Are you sure you’re serious about her? Like, truly? And she’s safe for our kids?”
Shea doesn’t hold in his frustrated huff. “I’m positive. I think she’s the one.”
What a thing to tell your ex-wife.
“Okay. You get to deal with the aftermath if the kids get attached and you two break up.” I say it, but I knowIwill be the one picking up the pieces if my kids get attached. Shea will try to pretend Alisa never existed. I’m sure if he could do that with me, he would.
“Got it. You know, I only called to tell you as a courtesy. I don’t have to run my romantic relationships by you. I don’t have to consult you before introducing someone to the kids.”
Apparently, Sky can hear Shea’s side of the conversation because she scoffs and flips off the phone.
"You’re right, you don’t. But I appreciate when you do. Wouldn’t you want to know if the kids were meeting my significant other?”
“When you start dating again, sure. But I doubt it’ll happen anytime soon. Anyway, I’ve got to go. See you tomorrow, Ava.”
I don’t get to say anything before he hangs up.
“What an asshat,” Skylar says around a mouthful of popcorn.
I don’t like to trash talk the father of my children. He’s not a terrible person, but sometimes he does things which irritate me.
Like saying he doesn’t think I’ll date any time soon. He may not be wrong, but it doesn’t give him the right to be a dick about it.
