I’m weak.
I failed…again.
I’m incapable of gifting Valencia happiness when it’s the only thing I want to do. This morning I picked up the kids to take them to school, I wanted to see them before my business trip to Canada. Valencia and I couldn’t even look each other in the eyes. After kissing the twins goodbye, she stepped back inside the house without us exchanging a single word.
She should know that all those things I did for her weren’t out of guilt. I’m not toying with her. I’m just a man attempting to navigate this path of separation, it’s like a pit of hell between marriage and divorce. One false move and I’ll be burned alive.
Dio.
Now, I have to push past it all because Valencia didn’t show up to work this morning. No Friday Funday for me, more like Friday Fucked-up-day. My mood is completely distorted and I can’t think straight. Yesterday at this exact time Valencia was in my arms through her panic attack.
She was right here.
With me.
Darling, where are you now?
“Dad?” It’s Slonne. I’m in the process of slipping back into my Porsche when I notice her running to me, through the school gates and past a few parents who walk in with their kids.
“What’s going on?”
Slonne pivots her foot in the gravel, her head low. “I forgot to tell Mommy last night…”
“Forgot to tell her what?” I ask with concern.
“I don’t wanna say.”
My brows knit. “Is this about Samuel?”
“Umm…”
“Slonne.”
“Yeah…it’s about him.”
My protective dad radar hits one million. If it were up to me the entire police department would be on standby. I settle for a tight jaw and a smile. If I’m calm, she’ll be calm. Yeah right. I’m beyond fucking livid inside.
Did he do something to her?
“Baby, what about him?”
Slonne shrugs bashfully, her cheeks reddening. “Just that he keeps kissing my cheek and mouth, even when I tell him to stop. The first couple of times it was okay but now it’s annoying. I don’t like him, even if he says he loves me.”
“How about I talk to your teacher or find his mom? Stick by Oscar and Daisy, alright?”
“Thanks, Daddy.” Slonne smiles.
I reel her into me and hold her hands in mine. When I look into her light hazel eyes, all I want is to protect her from this unfair world. I want to shelter her from pain and save her. I want to help her in all the ways my father never helped me. “Thank you for telling me about him. I will do everything and more to ensure he never annoys you again. Real men always stop when women say no. Never do anything you don’t want to do, okay? Your voice should always be listened to. Now and when you’re older. Never be afraid to tell us anything, Slonne. We will always be here for you. Mommy and Daddy will always love you. Always. You know that, right?”
“I know that, Daddy. That’s why I love you both so much!”
“I love you too.” My throat burns and I know now is not the time to break down outside her school. I hold it in, but fuck I’m an emotional guy when it comes to family.
We embrace and she kisses my cheek with a cute giggle. “I gotta go now, Daddy. Bye!”
“Have a beautiful day, carina.”
Once Slonne’s out of sight, I rise and am about to pull out my phone when a hand brushes my bicep.
What the…?
I stare down at red manicured nails and turn to find a woman around Valencia’s age. Her blonde hair’s in a tight updo and she’s sporting maroon colored workout gear. There’s a wolfish grin on her lips which concerns me more than the hand caressing my arm. Her presence aggravates me more than anything after what Slonne told me about Samuel. I hope it becomes apparent by my narrowed brows. “Sorry, do I know you?”
“Not yet, I’m Zoe!”
“Giulio.” I nod, taking a step back to reclaim my space. “I’m Slonne and Oscar’s dad.”
“Oh, I know who you are!” She laughs, batting her lashes as if it’s the most hilarious thing in the world. Okay…When she doesn’t stop, I dig into my pocket and feel for my car keys. “I’m Samuel’s mom. I’ve been seeing the news and hear there’s a new witness in the case, right?”
“Yes. It’s pretty new so—”
“Hey, listen to this.” She cuts me off. “I was thinking since Slonne and Samuel are getting close, how about a play date? I can do this Saturday for lunch. They’ll love that and you know, you and I could have a nice little lunch to ourselves. Just the two of us. Do you like Rosé?”
Me? Rosé?
I glance around to ensure we’re not on Candid Camera.
Nope. Nothing.
I’m all for women making the first move but this woman is too much and most importantly, I’m not looking for anybody else. Even though we’re on horrid terms, I already found the love of my life. No one will ever replace Valencia Giannotti, nor will I ever love someone the way I love her. The way I still love her, even after all these months.
“Zoe, I appreciate the offer. The thing is, I’m not interested in a date if that is what you’re implying. I also don’t think it would be a good idea for Slonne and Samuel.”
“Oh, come on! You’re telling me that you’ve gone all this time without Valencia and you haven’t once thought about being with somebody else?”
I’m struck silent by her brazen question. How did dropping our children off at first grade escalate to her accosting me about a date and my personal life? As I’m trying to make sense of the situation, I notice the ring on her left hand—why is Zoe soliciting any sort
