“That would be amazing. Thank you.” She takes another sip of wine. “I’ll make you chicken tacos as payment.”
Deirdre isn’t the world’s greatest cook, but she can whip up some mean chicken tacos, and bribery by way of food—and extra time with my son—always works for me.
“Sounds great.”
She points toward the back door. “I grabbed some Saranac. It’s in the fridge if you want one.”
Normally, I would take her up on the offer. Sit for a bit, have a beer, catch up. It’s good for Theo to see us together and functioning as a family unit.
When we split, Deirdre and I agreed that no matter what happened between us, we’d remain a united front for our son. We both knew firsthand how devastating divorce could be to a child. Look at my family. I didn’t know Ori until last year, because of the damage our dad’s affair caused.
Divorces happen. People fall in and out of love all the damn time, but honesty is integral.
Besides, I care about Deirdre. Always have, and I always will.
“You want me to get it for you?” Deirdre asks, pulling herself from the hot tub.
“Can’t tonight, thanks.”
“Dad!” The back door slams open as Theo barrels into me. Hell, I barely have time to brace before he hits me full force. Kid is getting bigger by the day.
“Hey bud. How are you doing?”
Theo pulls a plastic figurine out of his pocket. “Mom got me a… what’s this called again, Mom?”
“Damned if I know,” Deirdre mutters. “A dinosaur?”
“Mom,” Theo whines. “It’s a… brachiosaurus!” He holds it up for my inspection. “That’s right, isn’t it?”
Just like Deirdre, I don’t have a clue. “I’m not sure, Theo, but how about this? We’ll look it up when we get home, okay?”
Theo nods, shoving it back into his pocket. “Can I bring my game system with me?”
I shoot Deirdre a look. “His what?”
Theo, like most kids his age, loves game systems, but we don’t want him growing up in front of a screen. There will be plenty of time for that when he’s an adult. So this is news to me, and not entirely welcome news.
Deirdre climbs out of the hot tub and wraps a towel around herself. “Trust me, I wasn’t happy about it either. My parents picked it up for him without my knowledge. We’ve already had the talk, and Theo knows he’s only allowed half an hour, andonlyafter he finishes his homework. I’m sorry. I should have mentioned it but work has been hell and I forgot.”
I can make a big deal of it, but what’s the point? End up fighting with Deirdre and Theo mid-meltdown?
No thanks. I’ve learned to choose my battles wisely.
“It’s fine. The same rules apply at my place, Theo. Grab the rest of your stuff.”
A broad smile crosses my son’s face. “Okay. Dad, are we gonna see Miss Kiki this weekend?”
Yeah, that’s one way to broach the topic of my new girlfriend.
Not the way I would have chosen, but… yeah.
I feel Deirdre’s eyes on me. I know we’re about to get into it.
I crouch down in front of Theo. “Finish getting your stuff ready, okay? Let me talk to your mom for a second.”
Our son looks between us, curiosity written all over his face. His gaze bounces back and forth before he nods. “Okay.”
I wait until the door shuts before sucking in a fortifying breath and turning back to Deirdre.
