But first? I have to prepare for another round with Deirdre. Just in case.
I stretch my neck, roll my shoulders, and punch the air a couple of times, like I’m preparing for a boxing match instead of a phone call.
I held it together earlier for Theo’s sake. But if Deirdre answers and starts acting like a raging lunatic again, I’m giving her both barrels.
She picks up on the second ring, but I don’t give her time to say hello.
“I want to say goodnight to Theo.”
Deirdre releases a loud exhale that immediately sets my teeth on edge.
“Please don’t start,” I say, rubbing a hand over my brow.
“Me? That was bad form earlier, Eddie.”
Trust me, sweetheart, no argument here. “No shit, it was.”
Silence crackles down the line for a few seconds. “Why would you have her over after everything we discussed?”
I bark out a humorless laugh. “Everything we discussed? You mean the part where you accused Kiki of crimes she didn’t commit and decided, based on absolutely nothing, that she shouldn’t be around Theo? All I asked was for you to give her a chance. Then you march into my apartment, drag our son out, and tell Kiki you don’t give a shit what she does. So really, you want to get into this now? Because I’m ready to go.”
That buys me another stretch of silence. “No. I don’t. I’ll get Theo.”
“Good idea.”
A few moments later, Theo comes on the line. “Hi, Dad.”
Just like that, the anger drains out of me. “Hey, buddy.”
“I didn’t have paschetti. Mom made me a hamburger.”
Poor little guy. The disappointment drips off his words, but I know it’s not about the damn pasta.
“Hamburgers are good too. But don’t worry. When I pick you up tomorrow, I’ll make you paschetti, okay?”
“Okay.”
“You finish your homework?”
“Yeah.”
“All right, buddy, you better get to bed. I love you.”
He sighs. “Love you too, Dad.”
Another rustle from the other end of the line and Deirdre is back. “What time are you picking him up tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there at nine.”
“Fine,” she snaps.
“Fine.”
I end the call before we can say anything else. No point, because it’s going to end in another fight, and I’ve had enough of that for one day.
Tossing my phone on the bed, I return to the living room.
Kiki perches on the edge of the couch, every inch of her poised for flight. “Are Theo and Deirdre okay?”
