I saw Noah earlier this week when he brought Oliver back, and the urge to ask him about his engagement and why he didn’t tell me about it was hard to beat down. And finding out that Soren had told me the truth was a bitter pill to swallow, especially when I knew he only shared that bit of information with me out of malice. Because that’s the type of asshole he truly is.
Oliver and I are waiting outside for Noah to arrive. He’s running late to pick Oliver up for a trip to visit his family. Part of me wants to ask him ifshewill be attending, but I’m not even supposed to know about her, and how serious they are. While we have a great co-parenting relationship, I think we need to improve how we share information about who is in our son’s life.
“You excited to see Nana and Grandad?” I ask Oliver. He loves Noah’s family, and I don’t blame him, because they are incredible people. I loved being part of their family, and I’m gladOliver has that support system since all my family lives out of state.
“Yes. And Taylor is coming with us this weekend,” he says excitedly.
“Taylor?” I ask casually.
“Yeah, she’s Dad’s new friend. She got me a Nintendo Switch,” he says, as if I should know that. I assumed Noah had bought it for him. It didn’t even occur to me to ask.
“That was nice of her.” I try to keep my emotions in check, but I can’t lie and say a little sadness doesn’t pass through me, knowing Noah didn’t share this with me himself.
I hear a car pull up behind me, and I turn, expecting it to be Noah. But who I see step out definitely isn’t Noah.
No, it’s fucking Soren Nixon.
The man himself.
The dickhead of all dickheads.
He looks me over before his gaze moves to Oliver. He runs one hand down the front of his suit jacket as he approaches us.
Without saying a word, I glare at him. The last thing I want is for him to meet my son, especially with his vague threat toward my son.
“Good afternoon, Miss Knight. Who is this young gentleman?” He’s still eyeing Oliver.
Oliver smiles brightly at him. “I’m Mr. Knight,” Oliver says proudly, puffing his chest a little.
I can’t help the smile that touches my lips.
“Soren, why are you here?”
His gray gaze comes to mine before he says, “I was thinking you could join me for a drink.”
I scoff. “So, I can wear the wrong attire…again?”
“Of course not. What you’re wearing is fine.”
“Yeah, Mom, you look great,” Oliver chirps, and I pat him on the shoulder in thanks.
I’m dressed in jeans and a light-pink shirt. I finished work early so I could spend the afternoon with Oliver, since he’s going to be away for the week with Noah. I changed clothes to take him out for ice cream.
Before I notice what I’m doing, my back straightens a little, and Noah looks just as surprised to see me waiting out here. Usually, he comes inside and collects Oliver, which I’m guessing is what he thought would happen today. It’s probably why he brought her. He steps out of the car, and that’s when he sees Soren standing nearby, watching us.
“Dad!” Oliver goes straight to Noah and leaps into his arms. “I packed all my things, and I’m ready to go.” Oliver turns back to me and gives me a wave. “See you in a week, Mom. Love you.” I give him a small wave in return as he climbs into the back seat of the car.
The car door is shut, and he can no longer hear me, but I couldn’t care less that Soren is standing there as I ask Noah in a biting tone, “Taylor meeting the family?”
A crease forms between his brows as he stares at me and says sheepishly, “She already has.”
I wave a hand at him. “Of course, you’re engaged. How could I forget?” I glance at Oliver to make sure he isn’t paying us any attention before I look back at Noah. “Have a good week.”
Goddammit!I turn and walk back to my house, but just as I reach to the door, I look to Soren and say, “You can go now. You aren’t wanted here.” Then I slam the door shut behind me.
Leaning against it, I can hear them speaking.
“Are you two working together?” Noah asks Soren.
