Page 69 of The Fadeaway
Katrina
I’mbeyond nervous as I pull into the driveway at Nadine’s house.
“Christian, we’re here.”
I grab his bag out of the back before I unbuckle a sleepy-eyed Christian.
Victor and I have always maintained a civil relationship, but it doesn’t make seeing him any easier. I never loved him, and he never loved me. We were a short fling that had long repercussions.
“Here, I’ll get him,” Nadine says, and I move so she can lift Christian from his car seat.
I glance around realizing Victor’s car isn’t here. “Where’s Victor?”
A look of guilt crosses her face before she schools her expression. “One of his friends asked him to fill in on a softball league now that he’s moved home. He’ll be back later.”
Unbelievable. I bite my tongue, but Nadine reads my expression.
“I tried to talk to him.”
I nod because I’m sure she did. She isn’t perfect, but she never has trouble speaking her mind. “I think maybe it’s time I talk to him about it.” I let out a long breath. “Are you sure you want to keep him the whole week?”
Technically this time is Victor’s, but we both know she’s the one that’s really going to be watching him.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Alright, a whole week buddy. You excited?” I look down to my son who is nothing but excited. I’ve never been away from Christian for an entire week, and even knowing I’ll see him Wednesday at soccer practice, I’m feeling all kinds of out of sorts.
“Victor is going to drive him back and forth for soccer practice on Wednesday. I’ll text him to remind him of the time and place. You know you can call me any time and I’ll be here as soon as I can.”
She chuckles. “I know, dear.”
“I’m going to miss him,” I admit as I brush his hair back off his forehead.
“You’re a good mother, Katrina.”
My eyes prick, but before I can thank her for the nicest words she’s ever spoken to me, she takes a step toward the door.
“Now get out of here and we’ll call later tonight to check in.”
I drive to my parents’ house still upset about Victor and trying to decide how I’m going to handle it. I’ve never hidden how I feel about his half-assed parenting effort, but I’ve never really talked to him about it either.
My mother, her best friend Lisa, and my sister sit outside on the porch when I pull up. Red wine in hand, a paperback copy ofBig Little Liessits between them.
“Book club?” I smirk as I walk up the stairs.
They giggle like teenagers.
“Let me guess, none of you actually finished the book?”
“Well we did try,” Lisa says.
My mom stands to greet me and clutches me to her chest. “I was hoping you’d bring Christian.”
“I had to drop him at Nadine’s for his week-long visit with Victor.”
“Here, you probably need this more than I do then.” She pushes the glass toward me, and I take a gulp and then cough.
“It’s an acquired taste,” she says taking the glass back.
