“I got it, kiddo,” I grinned, holding up the wrapped box, “Don’t worry.”
She gave me a satisfied nod. “Pool bag?”
“By the door.”
“Snacks for me in case I don’t like the cake?”
“Yes.” I sighed dramatically. “Got those too. Anything else, Your Highness?”
“Nope,” Ivy said, beaming as she hopped off her chair.
I smiled, feeling momentarily lighter. It was moments like this, the easy rhythm of the morning, doing the dad thing, that made everything feel normal again, even if only for a few minutes.
When we arrived at Natalie’s, her backyard was already teeming with kids who were running, laughing, and splashing in the pool. The scene was pure sun-soaked madness in the best way. Bright pool floats bobbed on the water, the kids shouted with glee, parents mingled in small noisy clusters, and the smell of sunscreen mixed with pizza and Doritos.
Before I could even figure out what to do with myself, a tall, dark-haired man walked over. I knew immediately who he was.
“Welcome to the chaos,” he said, extending a hand with a friendly smile. “I’m Jason.”
I hesitated for half a second before taking his hand. “Will,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.
Jason seemed solid, handsome, exactly the kind of guy you’d expect Natalie to be married to.
Before the silence could stretch, Natalie appeared, her face flushed and her smile bright.
“Hi,” she said quickly, stepping between us. “Come on, Ivy. Let’s get you to the pool.”
Ivy grabbed her pool bag and ran off with Natalie, leaving me standing alone again with Jason.
“Blackhawks fan?” I asked, nodding toward the TV inside, where a hockey game played.
Jason’s face lit up. “Yeah, I’m from Chicago. Been a fan for life.”
That was all it took to get us talking about hockey, teams we liked, who had the best shot at the playoffs, and which players were overrated. It was easy, natural, the kind of small talk you make with another dad at a kid’s party. But the whole time, I couldn’t shake the tight feeling in my chest. Jason had no idea. He was just being nice, offering me a beer and talking about sports, while I was standing in his house, fucking his wife on the side.
I stayed to the side as much as possible after that, blending into the background. I focused on Ivy, who was happily cannonballing off the ledge of the pool and shrieking with laughter. I tried not to let my eyes drift toward Natalie, who moved fluidly between groups of parents, handing out drinks, cutting slices of cake, making it all look so easy. At one point, I spot Camille lounging on a patio chair. I can’t help but flash back to Natalie’s girls night with her and Meredith; thatonenight that poured gasoline on the flame and jump started this all.
“Well, look who it is,” Camille said when she saw me, her voice teasing. “Will, right?” “Hey, Camille,” I said cautiously, walking over.
She smirked, sliding her sunglasses down just enough to meet my gaze. “Didn’t expect to see you here today.”
“Birthday party for Ivy’s friend,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.
Camille gave a knowing nod, the corners of her mouth curling into a smile. “Sure. That’s what today’s about, but I’m guessing this is a little weird for you.”
I didn’t respond, and she laughed softly.
“Relax. I think you and Natalie are good together,” she added, her tone casual but pointed.
I froze. “You think so?”
Camille shrugged, pushing her sunglasses back up. “I have eyes, and for what it’s worth, I’m not judging. You two make sense.”
I glanced around, suddenly hyper aware of the backyard and Jason chatting with another dad across the pool. “Camille, you?—”
“Don’t worry. I’m not saying anything,” she interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m just here for the party favors and free drinks. But let’s just say I approve.”
Her approval made me feel worse. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected from Camille. Sympathy, disapproval, silence—but the idea that she thought this was okay only made the whole situation feel messier.
