“Hmm, now she’s ours? It sure didn’t seem that way when you bailed on her yesterday.Again.”I roll my eyes. “Also, don’t call him that. He’s really good to her.”
“Oh, yeah? If he’s so good, where’s he been her whole life?”He sucks his teeth. “You know, I thought you were smarter than this.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means, he suddenly decides to give you the time of day, and you’re dumb enough to fall for it.”
Something in me snaps. I’ve been nice. I’ve tried so hard to get along with him so he’ll keep coming around for Maggie, but I can’t take this shit anymore.
“Really?” I rear back, snorting a laugh. “You know what? The only dumb thing I ever did was marryyou.You’re such an ass. You flake on her more than you don’t, but now you want to act like Father of the Year.”
He huffs. “I have a busy work schedule. Now I’m being punished because I have a job?”
“No. You’re not being punished at all. Why don’t you get it? You’re the one who missed out on your time with her yesterday.” I point at him. “You did that to yourself.”
“Well, thank God the felon was there to swoop in and make everything better, huh?”
“Whatever.” I sit back in the swing and cross my arms. “What do you want? Or did you just come here to be a dick?”
“No, I came to see Maggie because I felt bad about yesterday, but I guess you don’t need me anymore.”
“Grow up, Casey. He’s her dad.”
“No!” he shouts. “I’m her fucking dad! I was the one there. Me! Not him!” He points to himself.
“I’m aware of all you’ve done, but you don’t get to let her down and still claim to be her dad. None of it matters if you can’t show up for her.”
I internally cringe when I see Gabriel heading toward us. It’s not that I care that he hears, but I know how bad this could turn. The last thing we need is for Gabriel’s temper to make an appearance in front of Maggie.
“You good?” Gabriel asks.
I nod, and Casey huffs.
Gabriel stops, staring briefly before addressing him, “Areyougood?”
Casey runs his tongue over his top teeth. “I just need to talk to Ashton. That’s all.”
“Okay, well, don’t raise your voice at her again. That’snotgonna happen.”
“Why don’t you go spend time with Maggie. That’s why you’re here, right? So, don’t worry about how I talk to my wife.”
“Soon to be ex-wife,” Gabriel corrects.
“Yeah, well, that’s between us.”
Gabriel smirks. Then in a mocking tone he says, “Yeah. Well, I think it’s actually up to the state of North Carolina.”
Casey grinds his teeth. “That also has nothing to do with you or your time with my daughter.”
“Look man, I’m not trying to step on your toes here. I appreciate everything you’ve done for Maggie. With thatbeing said, I will make you choke on your fucking teeth if you raise your voice at her again.” He pats the railing, his eyes flicking to me before storming off toward Maggie.
“Hmm, real nice guy.”
And I know it’s childish, but I have to roll my lips under to hold back a grin.
Gabriel can be a dick too, but something about him sticking up for me even though we aren’t together is kind of sweet, and a whole lot hot.
I say, “We can set up a different time for you to come and get her if you want.”
