“Yes, she told me,” Kelly replied, her expression unchanging. “She also mentioned you were at Natalie’s house with Ivy and left her to babysit the boys.”
I frowned. “Madison is old enough to babysit, and I was gone for three hours. Don’t turn this into something it’s not.”
“Why are you chasing after that woman, Will? You already ruined her marriage. She’ll never make you happy. She’s beneath you.”
I leaned back, her words stoking the frustration I’d tried to keep at bay. “Really? Let me get this straight. I’ve supported you with Jeff, trusted your choices, and had your back. But you’re more than okay with our teenage daughter having a boy overunsupervised than with me spending a few hours at Natalie’s house with Ivy? I’m serious about Natalie. I was hoping you’d support me.”
“You’re serious about her?” Kelly’s tone sharpened. “And spending time with her while you have our kids?”
“You’re joking,” I said, my voice rising. “I left for three hours and had Ivy with me the whole time. Real fair, Kelly.”
I stood, my patience gone. “Thanks for the support. Good luck with your next husband.”
I didn’t wait for her reply. I turned and walked out, ignoring the stares from other customers as I left.
Driving along the PCH after leaving the coffee house, I cranked up the volume asJim Morrison’s voice poured through the speakers. The haunting vocals and ominous rhythm felt like the perfect soundtrack to my mood. The salty ocean air drifted through the open window, but even the calming sound of the waves couldn’t compete with the storm brewing in my mind.
I grabbed my phone at a stoplight and texted Evan.
Will: Can I come over?
Evan: Sure, I’m nursing my raging hangover. About to order burritos, want one?
Will: No thanks. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes.
I knocked twice on Evan’s door. I could hear Bear barking at my knock.
Evan opened the door, Bear greeted me.
“Bear, get down.”
Evan was squinting against the sunlight. “Hey,” he said, his voice hoarse. “You look like shit.”
“So do you,” I shot back.
He smirked, stepping aside to let me in. “Please, come in. Misery loves company.”
I followed him inside, where he immediately flopped onto the couch and grabbed a bottle of water from the coffee table. “So, what’s going on? You look like you’re ready to explode,” he said, popping a couple of Aleve into his mouth.
“It’s Kelly,” I said, sitting across from him. “I told her about Madison having a boy over when I wasn’t home, and she twisted it into me being neglectful. Apparently, leaving Madison and the boys at home for three hours is some cardinal sin.”
Evan raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess—you were at Natalie’s?”
I nodded. “Yeah, Ivy wanted to visit Bebe after her surgery. It wasn’t even a big deal.”
“Wow,” Evan said, shaking his head. “Kelly really knows how to make everything your fault, huh?”
“Yeah,” I muttered. “And, she got engaged in Hawaii.”
Evan whistled. “Well, that’s rich. She’s moving on, but you’re not allowed to?”
“Exactly. She had a problem with Natalie from the moment she knew I was interested.” I said, leaning back on the couch.
Evan walked over to the pantry and grabbed a bubbler, packing it with weed. “Will, you need to relax. Take a hit. You’re too wound up.”
I shook my head. “No thanks. I don’t need to cloud my mind.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. It was a text from Natalie.
