Page 29 of Rooster

Before she could say anything more, Chad appeared in the doorway. He was wearing his Sunday clothes, a pair of khakis and a button-down with dress shoes, and his hair was neatly combed like he’d been to church. But I knew that wasn’t the case. He hadn’t been to church since he and Crissy got together, but he was still dressing the part. I never understood why he felt it necessary to put on a show. It repulsed me and made it hard to even look at him.

He didn’t say a word.

He simply stood there and watched as Samantha came over to me and gave me a quick hug. Once she’d disappeared into her room, he cleared his throat and muttered, “Hey, Mags.”

“Hey, Chad.” He wasn’t one to chat, especially during drop-offs, so I had a bad feeling that something was up. “You need something?”

“We drove by here on the way to the movies.” He sounded wounded as he said, “I saw a black SUV in the driveway.”

I didn’t respond. There was no reason to. We were divorced. He had no say in my private life, so I just stood there and stared at him.

“It was still here this morning when I went to get the kids’ breakfast.”

“And?”

“Whose was it?” I just stared at him blankly. “So, are you seeing someone?”

“How is that any of your business?”

“Because you are my wife, and...”

“I am yourex-wife, and who I’m seeing or not seeing is none of your business.”

“I just...”

“What?” I pushed. “Did you think I was going to sit here and pine for you for the rest of my life?” I crossed my arms with a huff. “I hate to break it to you, but that’s never going to happen. I deserve to be happy, too.”

“I want you to be happy. I just... You’re the love of my life, Mags. I don’t know if I can take you being with someone else.”

“The love of your life? You’ve gotta be kidding me!” I could feel my blood pressure rising as I fussed, “You’re with Crissy! You’ve been with her for God knows how long, and you left me, the love of your life, to be with her!”

“I should’ve never done it.” He stepped through the doorway and started over to me as he said, “I had it so good, and I...”

“Just stop. I don’t want to hear it.” There was a time when I would’ve given anything to hear those words from him, but at that moment, it sickened me. “You need to leave.”

“Fine, I’ll go, but I’m not giving up on you, Maggie.” He turned and started out of the room. “You will be mine again. Just wait and see.”

“That’s never going to happen.” He’d already closed the door and was halfway to his truck when I shouted,“Never!”

Tears of frustration welled in my eyes as his words echoed through my head. After everything he’d put me through, hearing ‘You are the love of my life’ was like a cruel twist of the knife. I couldn’t believe he had the nerve to say those things to me.

He’d shattered our marriage with his betrayal, and now, after a year had come and gone, he wanted me back. It was ridiculous. He had his chance, and he threw it away. I was still fuming when Nathan peered into the kitchen and whispered, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, sweetie. I’m fine.” I walked over and gave him a hug. “Your father and I were just having a little chat.”

“I heard.” He looked up at me with worry in his eyes. “I wish he wouldn’t do stuff like that. It’s not right.”

“No, it’s not, but let’s not let it ruin our day.” I turned and started for the fridge as I asked, “What would you guys like for dinner?”

“I don’t know. Whatever is fine.” He cleared his throat before asking, “So, is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“Was there some dude here?”

“It wasn’t just some dude,” I corrected. “His name is Ronin.”

“Is he the one you’ve been textin’?”

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