She pauses, then adds softly, “I really wish you could’ve come, Daddy. We had a really good time.”
As Alicia rambles on about her day with her mother and Ethan, a genuine smile reaches my face. I love my little girl more than I can articulate.
“Is your brother around?” I ask during a lull.
“He’s in the shower,” she says. “We’re roasting s’mores after dinner, just like you like to do when we come here. Oh—Mom’s out of the shower. I love you, Daddy!”
“I love you very much, my little princess.”
My breath hitches as I wait for the hand-off.
"Colin," she says. Not 'Hi, love.' Not 'Hi, baby.' Just my name.
I clench my teeth. "Ceci, why did you take the kids without saying anything?"
She sighs, and I can picture the exact look of weary patience on her face. "I sent you a text telling you."
"A text, Ceci? Not even a call?"
"I already knew you wouldn't answer. Not when you're focused on your contracts. I just wanted to make sure you knew where we were."
I bite back the retort that she could have called the office. I run a hand over my forehead, the knot in my throat tightening."We talked about this yesterday. I said I was making time. I was going to leave work early today so we could go to Prospect Park."
"Oh..."
That’s it? A hollow 'oh'?
The silence stretches, heavy and uncomfortable. "Colin, it’s their last week before school starts," she says finally. "I promised them the whole summer. We talked about this several times."
I lean my head against the wall and close my eyes. The feeling of failing her isn't new, but this time, it feels like a physical blow. "I could come over tonight? We could drive back together tomorrow," I offer, the hope evident in my tone.
She shuts it down without a second thought. "There’s no need. You must be tired after working all day. Why spend two hours on the road? We’ll be back Monday morning, in time for Ethan’s birthday cake."
She doesn't want me there. She’s moved on with her weekend, and I’m not part of the plan.
I feel the weight of a gaze on me and open my eyes. Maya is standing at the end of the hallway, watching. I give her a flat, warning look that warns her to stay silent.
"Fine. Have it your way," I say, my voice coming out harsher than I intended. My heart is aching, Ceci has never frozen me out like this. "I love you," I add, letting the longing bleed through.
"Me too. We'll talk later."
She hangs up.
Maya approaches the second the call ends, telling me the food is ready. I sit at the table and let her serve me. I can’t even taste the food past the obstruction in my throat, but I go through the motions, thanking her and offering a compliment.
Maya tries to keep a conversation going, drifting through office gossip and asking about the contracts I supposedly spent the day on. As we finish, she leans in. "Did your family travel? Sorry, I overheard part of the call."
"Yes," I say, my tone clipped and dry.
She bites her lip, sensing the opening. "You could sleep here tonight."
I look at her, and my mind drifts to the silent, empty house—the cold side of my bed waiting for me in Brooklyn.
"Alright," I say, nodding.
She beams, leaning over to give me a quick kiss as she starts clearing the table. I watch her load the dishwasher, but my mind drifts back to my conversation with Ceci, replaying on a loop.
That’s when it hits me.
