I remembered Natalie’s words from months ago. “No matter who you date, Madison’s going to hate her.” Natalie wasn’twrong. Madison’s reaction was proof of that. And maybe it was why I hesitated to bring anyone else fully into my life.
It was the Sunday before the first day of school, and we were finishing up the last of the school prep. Ivy was labeling her supplies while Chase and Carter argued over who was moaning loudest about school tomorrow. I putona playlist to drown them out—mostly classic rock, the kind of music that always helped me focus.
“Dad, why do you always listen to old music?” Carter asked, wrinkling his nose as Led Zeppelin started playing.
“Because it’s the best,” I said, smirking. “When you’re older, you’ll thank me for giving you good taste.”
“Whatever,” he muttered, but I noticed he didn’t leave the room, moving his fingers to the beat like a little drum. I smiled to myself.
Ivy started humming along, and I felt a rare moment of peace settle over the house. The kids were happy, the music was grounding, and for a few minutes, I let myself believe I was getting the hang of all this; divorced, single dad. I started singing right along with Robert Plant. “Leaves are falling all around.”
The doorbell rang, breaking the calm. I wasn’t expecting anyone. When I opened the door and saw Blake standing there with takeout bags and her perfect smile, I felt a mix of wonder and unease.
“Surprise!” she said, holding up the bags. “I thought maybe you could use a little help with dinner tonight, since you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.”
I forced a small laugh and invited her in.
She went into the kitchen and held up the In and Out bags. “Anyone hungry?” she asked.
“Me, me” said Ivy with a big grin. The boys mumbled something and said sure. All I could think was I was glad Madison wasn’t here. She would have gone ape shit knowingBlake showed up unannounced. Madison had insisted on staying at Kelly’s tonight. She preferred my ex’s for nights like this. The first day of school, I guess, is a big deal to girls, especially teenage girls; they care so much about how they look. She wanted her mom’s help. The plan was for Kelly to see Madison off in the morning and meet us at the gate. Kelly was a great mom; she would show up for anything important for the kids, even if the kids were with me.
During dinner, Ivy talked excitedly about the first day of school. “You should come with us, Blake!”
Blake laughed. “I’d love to.”
I wasn’t prepared for this. The idea of her at school, with both Kelly and Natalie there? It made my stomach turn.
But Blake was different. Or at least, she wanted to be.
After dinner, Blake seemed to get the hint it was time to leave. I told Ivy to get ready for bed, but from upstairs, she called down, “See you tomorrow, Blake! Don’t be late!”
“I won’t,” Blake said with a laugh.
I wasn’t laughing. I walked her to her car, trying to find the words to tell her this wasn’t a good idea. But somehow, I couldn’t say it.
“What time should I be here?” she asked.
“Uh, 7:30,” I mumbled.
“Great, I’ll be here at 7:15 to help,” she said, kissing meonthe lips before driving off.
Man, I was in trouble. Most women would run for the hills when faced with four kids, but Blake seemed to be diving in headfirst.
I considered texting Kelly a heads-up about Blake coming to drop off but decided against it. Better to ask for forgiveness later—or hope Blake miraculously came down with the stomach bug and skipped it altogether. Kelly wasn’t much of a fan of Blake to begin with. After meeting her, she smirked at me with one ofher trademark judgmental looks and said, “So, is this another rebound? Or just your next midlife crisis?”
That night, I satonthe edge of my bed, staring at my phone. My instinct was to text Natalie. To tell her I wasn’t ready to see her this week. To tell her I thought about her all the time.
I couldn’t say that. I shouldn’t even be thinking it. I didn’t even know if she was still married. The last time I saw Natalie was at the school massonthe last day of school, with her husband, Jason.
Natalie wasn’t mine anymore. She never really was.
CHAPTER 3
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NATALIE
Walking into The City Center for my first project meeting felt like stepping onto a tightrope. Excitement and anxiety coursed through me in equal measure. This was everything I’d been working toward, a chance to showcase my designs and finally make my mark.
