“I can’t make you any promises because you and Cameron will always come first, but if it will make you feel better, I’ll try to go out more.”
This brings a smile to his face, and I’d do anything for that smile.
“Good. Because I’m in high school now and I’ll be bringing girls home real soon and you can’t be cock-blocking.” I toss a pair of socks at him and laugh.
“Boy, if you don’t go somewhere and sit down.”
The knock on the door grabs both our attention. I already know who it is. If Andrew Scott is nothing else, he’s always punctual.
“Cameron, your dad’s here.” I stand to my feet, pulling my oversized t-shirt down over my yoga pants, and head to the door.
I always have to take a moment before I prepare myself to see my ex. Unfortunately, he still has the same effect on me as the first time I saw him. It’s hard to turn off your desire for a man you spent most of your life with.
“Hey, Andrew. The boys are almost ready.” I take a step back to allow him to enter. That smell I once loved greets me as he walks in. He’s in a golf shirt with dark jeans and his Tommy Bahama shades over his eyes.
“I still don’t know why you didn’t buy a new build with the money I gave you.”
This is the other reason I have to prepare myself for him. Although I still find him attractive, he’s also an asshole. I feel like he says things just to get under my skin.
For instance, he didn’t give me money. He was supposed to sell the house that we had together and split the money with me. He gave it all to me because I told him I would not accept alimony. But of course, he forgets that. Also, my house is fine.
The bones of the house are in perfect shape. There’s just some cosmetic issues that need fixing. We had to pull up carpet, tile, paint, and remove horrible wallpaper. The two bathrooms needed to be redone, and we’d just finished the kitchen. After adding more cabinets, updating the appliances, and building an island, I finally had my dream kitchen. The boys' bathroom isnext on the to-do list. The place is coming together beautifully. So he can kiss my ass with his comment.
“I happen to love my home,” I reply sweetly.
He snorts. “I bet so.”
I don’t ask him what that’s supposed to mean. We’ve worked well on not arguing, especially in front of the boys.
Instead, I change the subject. “You’re still coming to Cameron’s parent-teacher conference next Thursday, right?”
“Didn’t I already tell you yes?”
Once again, I bite back my retort for the sake of my boys.
AJ and Cameron join us in the foyer with their overnight bags.
“Cam, you have your asthma pump?”
“Yes.” He nods vigorously.
“You guys be good, ok. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom,” Cam says, giving me a hug. “Are you going to be bored without us here?” I place a kiss on my baby boy’s forehead and smile. Both of my boys are mama’s boys, but my youngest is spoiled rotten.
“I’ll be alright. Remember, it’s the third Friday. I have a book club meeting tonight.”
Andrew snorts. “You mean the divorcee wino club,” he says in that demeaning way I abhor.
So what if all the girls in my club were, in fact, divorced? And what if we drank enough wine to put a grown man under the table? We are entitled to our fun. Plus, we discuss books... sometimes.
Ignoring Andrew’s comment, I lean in to give my oldest a kiss on the forehead.
“Love you. And don’t forget what we talked about,” AJ says, winking at me.
I playfully roll my eyes.
“AJ, go outside with your brother and wait for me. I need to talk to your mom alone.”
