“What do you want?” I asked, standing on the other side of the counter.
He took a long drink of his beer, making my blood boil. “I just wanted to see my kids.”
I crossed my arms to stop myself from slapping him over his big head. “So you just decided to show up here? Why the sudden change of heart?”
He grinned at me, showing the dimples I used to find adorable. “Don’t be mad. You used to like being spontaneous.”
“I also used to like you. Guess I finally grew up,” I said, clenching my teeth.
He took another sip of his beer, and I noticed his hands were shaking. His hair was greasy, and he’d lost weight. “I need a place to stay for the night.”
Luca came into the kitchen before I had a chance to reply. “Mommy, there’s a fly in the room.”
I took his hand and walked him back to his and Lena’s room. “Come on, Sötnos, let’s get you back to bed and find that fly.”
Lena was already fast asleep, sprawled out on her mattress like a starfish. I pretended to catch a fly that wasn’t there, and after making a big production out of throwing it out the window, Luca was back in bed. His eyes were already half closed when I pulled the blanket over him and kissed his cheek.
I straightened back up, took a deep breath, and wished for things that could never be. Like a meteorite falling on Jim. Just a teensy tiny one that wouldn’t do any damage to anything or anyone but him. I rounded the corner back into the kitchen, watching Jim drink his second beer. The empty bottle of his first sat forgotten on the counter.
“It’s only for one night,” he said, as soon as he noticed I was back.
“Are you out of your mind? No.”
“You won’t even know I’m here,” he pleaded, peeling the label off his beer bottle. “I’m in a bit of a jam.”
When is he ever not in a jam? The only thing that had changed was I was no longer willing to bail him out.
I pointed to the front door. “Get out.”
“There are people looking for me. I just need one night to sort myself out.”
Did he just bring his problems to my doorstep? I went from trying to have a calm conversation to a nuclear explosion.
I stalked up to him and then stopped before I did something I’d regret later. Oh, who am I kidding? I’d never regret punching him in his smug face.
“Are you out of your mind? Do you ever think of anyone but yourself?” I whisper-hissed, praying he didn’t endanger us by coming here.
“Of course I do. I was thinking of you. That’s why I’m here,” the woodhead replied.
I shrieked and threw a sponge at him. He was too slow to duck, and it hit him on the cheek with a satisfying thud.
“You would willingly put us all in danger just so you can hide somewhere for the night?” I asked, glaring at him.
He leaned back, his eyes not meeting mine. “If you put it like that—”
“That’s exactly how I’m putting it.”
I was fuming, looking for something else to throw at him that I wouldn’t miss if it broke, when Luca came back into the kitchen.
“Mommy, I’m done with sleeps. I’m awake now.”
I turned to my son standing in the entry to the kitchen, hoping my smile didn’t look as fake as it felt. “It’s still night, honey. Let’s go back to bed and try closing your eyes again, okay?”
He put his arms around my neck when I picked him up, and I hugged him to me. I instantly felt better.
When I had him back under the covers, I’d come to a decision. Jim would never just leave, and it was easier to let him do what he wanted.
I hated myself in that moment for giving in to him once again. When would I ever learn?
As much as I loathed him now, I used to love him. Used to think he was everything that mattered in the world. So with a sigh, all the rage drained from my body and I felt defeated. When I came back, I said, “Fine. You can stay on the couch. But I want you gone before the kids get up.”
He grinned and held his beer up in a toast. “Thanks, sugar. You won’t even know I was here.”
Without another word, I stomped to my bedroom.
***
He was gone the next day, leaving empty beer bottles and dirty dishes behind. But at least he wouldn’t confuse the kids more than he already had.
They looked for him for a hot second before their mind was on breakfast. I was distracted, my thoughts on last night. Something the little hellions took full advantage of. I ended up agreeing to make them pancakes, and we were running late by the time they finished eating.
Luca was going to preschool, and Lena would stay at home with me while I worked. After dropping my son off, the day was as chaotic as always. I’d have to play catch-up tonight since I wasn’t working at the club.
Lena was taking a nap and I was typing out an email when I heard the loud roar of motorcycles. It was a common occurrence in the small town, and I hardly noticed anymore. They had their clubhouse on the outside of town and often rode down my street to get there.
Only this time the noise didn’t fade but rather sounded as if they’d stopped right outside. I looked out the window and choked on my spit when I saw three bikes parked in my driveway.
There was a knock at my door and I shot up, unsure of what to do. Should I call the police? Open the door? Call Malena?
Another knock, this time more insistent. As I didn’t want Lena to wake up, the decision was made for me. I had to open the door.
The three
