Page 54 of More Than a Friend
I’ve never felt more content than I do right now.
Chapter 26
Ava
The next day,Skylar goes home after lunch so she can get things prepped at her place for the work week, and it’s harder to let her go than I thought it would be.
Is it too soon to move in together?
On the one hand, we’ve known each other for over a decade. It’s not like we’re strangers who just met. We have a previously established relationship.
On the other hand, I have to think about the kids. I would need to talk to them and make sure they’re on board. Then I’d have to tell their dad…
I’m not sure I’m ready for him to give his unwanted opinion on who I’m dating. I’m not sure how he’ll react, and I want to live in ignorant bliss just a little bit longer.
Shea texted me to ask if he could bring the kids back early so we can talk, and anxiety has been thrumming through my veins ever since.
When they get here, Gus rushes into my arms and squeezes me, while Zoe flounces to the living room with what looks like a new doll.
“Hey, buddy, you okay?” I whisper in Gus’s ear.
He nods, but I don’t believe him. Something happened, and I’m going to get to the bottom of it. But I have to talk to his dad first.
“Why don’t you go build something with your magnets while I talk to your dad, okay? I’ll come chat with you when we’re done.”
“I love you, Mommy. No matter what,” he whispers before he runs off.
“I love you, too, buddy.”
Okay, something is definitely wrong.
Shea stands with his arms crossed in front of my door, looking at me with an expression I can only describe as disgust.
“You want to tell me what you were doing this weekend?” he asks.
“I don’t know why you care, but I went out to dinner with Skylar yesterday and went grocery shopping today. I was home the rest of the time.”
“Anything you want to tell me about your relationship withSkylar?” He spits her name out with such vitriol it makes me step back.
“If you have something to say, Shea, thensay it.” I’m surprised when my voice comes out strong and not shaky.
Shea lets out a sardonic laugh. “Your mom called me last week after you left her house. She wanted to know if I was aware of your ‘relationship’ with your so-called best friend. Obviously, I told her I had no idea. She told me you said you and Skylar are ‘in love!’ I had to find out my wife’s a freaking lesbo from hermother.Do you know how embarrassing that is for me? Then you go parading around in public holding hands, making a fool of me! People saw you, Ava. Peopleknow.”
“Lower your voice,” I hiss, not wanting the kids to hear us fighting. “And I’m not yourwife, Shea. Our marriage ended long before I realized I was in love with Skylar.”
“Are you worried the kids will find out their mom is a liar? Don’t be, they already know. I had to tell my mom today at lunch, and the kids overheard. They know all about how you’ve been sneaking around with your ‘friend’ behind everyone’s backs. Was this going on when we were married, too?”
“Of course it wasn’t! I’ve only ever been faithful to you. I didn’t even know I was interested in women until after I moved out. I haven’t dated anyone in the two years we’ve been separated, Shea. Stop making baseless accusations because your ego is bruised!”
“How many times did she spend the night at our house, Ava? How many times was she over there when I wasn’t home? You guys could have easily had an affair, and I never would have known.”
“Maybe if you cared about your wife and kids more than you cared about golf and business connections, Skylar wouldn’t have been over so much! But Inevercheated on you. You don’t have to believe me, but it doesn’t change the fucking facts. How many business trips did you go on? For all I know,youwere cheating onmewhile I was home with our kids.”
“Yeah, maybe I was! But can you blame me? You stopped wanting sex! Then, you got all radicalized and shit and left. You broke up our family, Ava. And now there’s even less of a chance of us getting back together.”
My brain buffers as it processes what he’s saying. Did he admit to cheating on me and then wanting to get back together in the same breath? “Did you honestly think I’d get back together with you, Shea? After every conversation we’ve had?”
Shea shrugs. “I was hoping this little temper tantrum would end and you’d realize you made a horrible mistake. I’ve just been biding my time until you came back.”
