I sat up and opened a few online stores that sold lingerie to see how they displayed their products. I wasn't sure how I felt about becoming a lingerie model, but if it meant getting my shop live, then it would be worth it.
I opened the notes app on my phone and jotted down my ideas. I considered them for a few seconds. I could do all of them. That was probably the best solution. Do everything and see what worked.
I had some time tonight and tomorrow to get things started on the online shop. Once Ayla was back, it was harder for me to work.
My phone buzzed.
Gus: I brought Ayla, but you're not here.
Angela: A pipe burst in the shop.
Gus You're not answering the apartment door either. Where are you?
After the stress of the day, I couldn't believe that Gus was bringing Ayla back when everything was a mess.
Angela: You're supposed to keep Ayla for the weekend.
Gus: I have something to do tomorrow.
Angela: What if I had plans or needed to do something?
Gus: Don't make this difficult.
I always wanted to see Ayla. That wasn't the problem. It would have been nice to have some time alone to come to grips with everything that happened today. But Ayla was back, and it would make my plans more difficult.
I couldn't model lingerie while Ayla was around. She'd have way too many questions.
Angela: I had to rent another place because the water's shut off in the building.
Then I waited for Gus to ask where I was staying or whether I needed help.
Gus: Are you coming here? Ayla's hungry.
I should tell him no, but my attorney had said to always take Ayla back and make a note when Gus didn't utilize his visitation time. One day, it might come in handy if he ever changed his mind about custody.
I wish that Gus was a better dad and didn't make Ayla feel like she wasn't wanted. Over the years, I tried to understand Gus's hang-ups, but they didn't make sense to me. The expectation of parenting was too much for him. He could only have Ayla for short bursts of time.
Angela: I'll be right there.
I was exhausted from the stress of the day and packing up my store. I wanted to order food and pass out on the bed. Instead, I was going to be answering a million questions Ayla was sure to have about everything that happened.
Ayla was naturally inquisitive. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but tonight I was hoping for a few hours of quiet so I could plan my next steps.
I grabbed my purse and got into my car, heading to Christmas Town. Gus never failed to disappoint us.
Mom gave him the benefit of the doubt. He saw Ayla; he just didn't step up the way I'd want a father to. I should feel lucky that he was present in her life and paid child support. But I wanted more.
I wanted a man to be invested in Ayla's life like I was. I should have known he'd drop her off early. I shouldn't expect him to hold up his end of the deal. He never did.
I was jealous of the other moms who had husbands that were present and grandparents who showed up at games and school activities. But here, it was just me.
If there was an emergency or a doctor's appointment, I didn't call Gus until after it was done. He wasn't good at handling those situations. In fact, I was fairly sure those calls sent him into panic attacks, and then I had to manage his emotions as well as my own. I had to be the primary parent twenty-four seven.
I pulled to the curb in front of my shop.
Gus and Ayla sat on a bench.
As soon as Ayla saw me get out of the car, she ran for me.
