I scoff a sound and stare ahead of me at the wall. “It was. Lori was an accident, and I will always be grateful it happened. But marrying because of an unexpected pregnancy isn’t always the right move. I learned that the hard way,” I reflect.
“But you stayed together long enough to bring another child into the world.”
“Damn, Lexi. You’re not afraid to be forward. But to answer your question. We always lived separate lives in our marriage, as in even separated. Michelle didn’t have much interest in being a mom, but I still wanted it to work for Lori’s sake. Still, it got to the point when divorce was the only way, but one night I had a thought of pure desperation that we could try one more time to make it work for Lori, and then Harry entered the picture. And I’m 100% sure that Michelle planned it that way to string me along. After Harry was born though, I still asked for a divorce, especially when she…”
She gently touches my elbow. “You don’t have to say. You’ve already shared a lot.”
Why am I? I don’t really talk about this. Especially with a woman who dropped into my life. Still, intuition has me knocking down a block. My eyes whip to hers. “You’re easy to talk to.”
“It seems so.”
“Michelle didn’t want to be a mom. Simply said, she got pregnant with the hope that it would bring her the life of luxury she wanted. When motherhood hit, then reality came crashing down. How someone can walk away like that, I don’t know. But I had hoped co-parenting could still happen. So, yeah… that divorce was fun.” My head drops, and I bite my bottom lip from the recall of events. “Funny how people are. She has no interest in being a mom, yet she wanted a hefty settlement in order for me to have full legal custody of the kids. I thought that would at least keep one door open if she asked or made an effort to be involved.”
Lexi winces at my story, and her hand slides up my arm to land on my shoulder to give a few squeezes to show comfort. “That never happened,” I state somberly.
But even though I’m talking about the misery of divorce, a weightlessness comes over me, and I think it’s because of her touch. I can’t help but follow the path of where her palm traveled.
“I’m sorry that happened. Lori and Harry?”
A long exhale escapes me. “Harry was too young to remember, and Lori was almost four. Maybe it’s why she’s a little extra… difficult.”
Lexi smiles gently. “Oh, I assure you that it’s pre-teen angst too. You’re not the only parent to be going through this. I was rebellious and utter hell when I was her age… well, until now too, but you know what I mean.”
I chuckle and enjoy that her hand hasn’t left my arm, even if it’s platonic. “I’m sure your dad loves that.”
Now she lets go, and her gaze circles to the floor. “I think we can all agree that hockey is number one for him, and I’m a distant second. My dad, I mean sure, he loves me and is protective, but his time is consumed by hockey.”
“Protectiveness, for sure. The first pep talk of the season was always for everyone on the team to stay away from you. It’s supposed to be a lifetime oath.” A small grin forms on my lips.
Her mouth slants halfway up as our moment holds from my words. “Well then, oaths are not meant to be broken.” It feels like she is testing me.
I’m not sure what to say except, “Want more wine?”
Lexi softly shakes her head. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m going to go use a shower that actually works and get some shuteye. The carpet guy is meeting me at nine tomorrow.”
If my kids weren’t here, then I would storm right after her to help her undress and join her in the shower so I can get a little relief. I’m not immune to having someone on call for physical gratification, but it’s been a solid few months since I got laid.
Attempting to gather some composure, I decide to be the exemplary older one. “Of course, and thanks.”
“Anytime. Communication isn’t breaking an oath… even if it’s dirty. Night-night.” She wiggles her fingers at me, pleased with her closing sentence.
The moment she’s gone, my upper body collapses over the counter, desperate to do everything to her that’s in my mind right now.
* * *
Walkinginto the Dizzy Duck after school drop-off, I debate if it’s good for morale for my staff to see me carrying coffee from another establishment, but I think they understand the need for real caffeine.
I glance at Stuart behind the reception desk as he’s typing away on the laptop. “We’re going to switch to tablets soon to give this place a sleeker feel.”
Stuart looks up. “I know, but some things only really work on laptops.”
“Solid point.” I have to agree. “I’ll be in my office,” I say.
Starting my walk, I only manage to get a few steps before I backtrack to look at the empty spot on the wall. “What happened to the moose?”
“Lexi had it taken down. You know, she really has great ideas. She should have her own television show. She’s hot enough for—” I shoot him a sharp glare, and he must get the sentiment of my scowl. “Or not.” He swallows.
Pursing my lips, I decide to find the woman of the hour. It doesn’t take long, as she’s in the hall that leads to the private reception room. I missed the detail that she’s in skinny jeans and heels, since she left before I made it downstairs this morning. The carpet guy is getting a gift to his eyes since Lexi’s ass is in the air as she leans over to check two swatches against the wood.
