going back to school, it seemed like she was trying to reclaim the young adulthood she didn’t get to
experience, and Willow was the one paying the price. Things couldn’t go on like this much longer
without a long, ugly chat.
Just leaving now. Marie said she would cover for me tomorrow if I have to stay home with
Willow. How’s she doing now?
In response, William sent me a selfie with Willow draped over his chest, sound asleep. As soon
as I reached the car, that was getting saved as my wallpaper on my phone. I stared at the image,
amazed by how at peace he looked and how comfortable she was with him already.
And because she had the uncanny ability to ruin my day, Lisa chose that moment to call.
“Oh, so you do remember my phone number,” I said as soon as the call connected. “Funny, since
you couldn’t be bothered to call me before bringing Willow over this morning.”
“I was going to call you after preschool said she couldn’t stay but I got tied up on another call,”
she explained. “You’re her father, Corey. I shouldn’t have to beg you to take care of her.”
“No, but you could communicate with me, so I don’t leave for work when you’re on your way to
my place. And then, you didn’t think anything of leaving her with someone you’ve never met. What
type of parent does that shit?” That was the question that had been plaguing me all day. I couldn’t
even consider how badly this could have gone if William hadn’t been who he was.
“He said he was a friend and he offered to watch her and get ahold of you.” God, I was so tired of
her excuses. I slid into the driver’s seat and banged my head against the steering wheel.
“Not the point, Lisa,” I replied through gritted teeth. “It’s not his responsibility to tell me what’s
going on with my daughter, it’s yours. He shouldn’t have to upend his entire day and cancel meetings
so he can take care of a kid he’s never met. For all you knew, he could be a sexual offender and you
would have just handed her over because it was inconvenient for you to keep her.”
“It’s not like that,” she shrieked. “Maybe I did screw up, but I know you, Corey. If you let the guy
into your apartment and he has a key to the place, you trust him. You’re a good dad. You don’t let
anyonein because you’re so paranoid about something happening to her. Hell, you’re a better parent
than I am most of the time.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear, gaping at the screen. I didn’t necessarily disagree with her,
but Lisa never praised me for my parenting. She was always quick to tell me I was too careful and
that my paranoia was unhealthy.
