“Because I don’t have a girlfriend, Deirdre. I’m trying to figure out how to leave the job site, grab Theo, and get him to the rink on time without screwing over my crew. If that’s okay with you.”
Deirdre falls silent, which isnevergood where my ex-wife is concerned. “What happened with Kiki?”
I huff out a breath. “Oh, you want all the fun details? Let’s see. I fell for her. I was stupid enough to tell her that fact. And then she dumped me a few days later. Threw it all back in my face. So go ahead. Laugh it up.”
A long exhale sounds through the line. “Sorry it came to that.”
Now she’s going to act like an innocent bystander? Oh no, ma’am. Not happening. “No, you’re not. You meddled. Ensured Kiki felt unwelcome around us. That was your whole point, wasn’t it?”
“My point was to protect Theo. You know that.”
“Well, Kiki loved Theo.” I know it’s the truth, even if she never loved me. “She adored that kid. Not that it matters anymore.”
“Hmm. I’m starting to realize she did.”
I’m not about to dissect Deirdre and her vague comments right now because I’m far too tired for her games.
I flop back against the couch, counting the ceiling tiles while praying this conversation ends soon. “Anything else, Deirdre?”
“No. But at least now I know why you’ve been so utterly unbearable the last month.”
“Yeah, getting dumped on my ass might have something to do with it. Are we done here?”
“Don’t forget, the game’s at five tomorrow. Have a good night, okay?”
Now Deirdre wants to act concerned? I guess it’s easy to play the part once you’ve achieved your goal. That, and she’s got a new boyfriend to keep her occupied.
She’s lucky I’m not petty enough to return the favor to her new beau and give him a hard time.
But what would that prove? I don’t care if Deirdre dates and being a jerk isn’t going to fix the fact that Kiki never loved me back.
So, I let it go. You pick your battles.
Maybe it’s better that I’m single now and can focus on my business and Theo without the added pressure of a relationship and all that might entail. You know, rings and marriage and babies.
Really wish I could take Mike’s advice and get laid, but that’s not the answer either.
At this point, I don’t know what is.
Surprise, surprise,I’mthe first one on site the next morning, even though I’m battling one hell of an emotional hangover. Let me tell you, beer hangovers are far easier to push through.
I take advantage of the time and make a slow pass through the house, checking everything off as I go. The electrical is mostly run, inspections are lined up, and the drywall guys have started closing up the living and dining rooms. The floors arealready in, and once they’re polished, they’re going to gleam. And despite Nolan’s twisted logic, the place is finally coming together.
The man may have unhinged working parameters, but he’s downright giddy over every set of progress photos I send him.
He still drives me crazy, though.
He’s especially thrilled about the dining room trim we salvaged. Of course, I told him it was all Kiki, which is interesting, considering he swore up and down she said it was my idea.
I swear that woman makes no sense.
Kiki isn’t on site for most of the morning. Not that I’m paying attention or anything, although I’m tempted to text her to make sure she’s okay. She’s part of the crew, right? I check in on my guys all the time.
Nothing to see here, folks.
She finally strolls in about twenty minutes before I have to leave to pick up Theo, a large paper bag clutched in both hands and a wide, trepidatious smile on her face as she heads straight for me.
“Where have you been?” I ask. “Did you take a vacation day or something?”
