Charlie glances between us as the tension builds. She knows I’m holding it together, but she’s worried how this could go.
I look at her, giving a small nod.I’ve got this, Charlie girl.
"Look," I say, turning to Alex, "it’s great you want to see the kids, but next time, give us a heads-up."
His jaw ticks, but instead of pushing back, his voice softens, dripping with faux sincerity. "I’m just trying to be a good dad, Lottie. You know I miss them."
I see the flicker of frustration in Charlie’s eyes. She hates that nickname. I know it, and he damn well knows it too. But he continues to call her that, just to needle her.
"Fine," she says, stepping back and opening the door wider. “But you don’t have long. They need to go to bed.”
Alex smirks, strolling in. He brushes past me, his chest puffed out like he’s the king of the damn castle. "I won’t take long.”
Meadow spots him first and bolts toward him, squealing. “Daddy!” She’s too young to remember the broken promises.
"Hey, sweetheart!" he says, all smiles and his voice sickly sweet.
As this nightmare unfolds before me, I bite down hard on the inside of my cheek, watching as Alex scoops her up and spins her around. It's the perfect father act. He’s all smiles and sweet words, lavishing her with attention.
Noah doesn’t move from the sofa. He watches, assessing and unsure. And I know that look. The uncertainty, the wariness. He doesn’t trust it. Doesn’t trusthim.
That protectiveness flares in me, stronger than ever. I know what it’s like to be that kid, watching someone play the role of a parent but never really being one. He looks at me, his expression asking a question he’s too young to verbalize:Is this okay?
I cross the room, placing a hand on Noah’s shoulder, crouching to meet his eye. "Hey, buddy. You can go say hi to your dad if you want."
He hesitates, glancing at me before looking back at Alex. I squeeze his shoulder gently, letting him know I’m here, whatever he decides. It’s his choice, and I want him to know he doesn’t have to if he’s not comfortable.
Finally, he nods and takes a few steps forward. But he doesn’t rush in like Meadow. He’s cautious. Observing. And Alex doesn’t even notice.
He’s too busy putting on his show for Meadow, his voice dripping with compliments. Noah stands there, uncertain. He watches as Alex sits on the sofa with Meadow on his lap, lavishing attention on her. I’ve been there before—watching my father dote on someone else, feeling invisible. Wondering why you’re not as special or needed.
"You’re getting so big, Princess," Alex coos, still ignoring Noah, who stands there like he’s lining up to wait his turn for some sort of reward.
My fists clench. Charlie stands beside me, her arms crossed tightly, frustration mirroring mine. She’s torn, it’s obvious. She’s fighting the urge to pull the kids away.
"You know, Lottie," Alex says, glancing back with a smirk, "you could’ve invited me to stay. Might do the kids some good to have both parents under one roof again."
Fuck this.
I step forward before I can stop myself, but Charlie’s hand on my arm stills me. The longer this goes on, the more I want to throw Alex out on his ass. And the fact that he keeps calling herLottie? It’s just making me want to punch him harder.
"We agreed on boundaries, Alex," she says firmly. "This isn’t the time."
"Right,boundaries," he chuckles, ruffling Noah’s hair as he flinches slightly.
I watch as Alex continues to give Noah the bare minimum and lavish his faux adoration on Meadow. It’s like he’s making the kid pay a price for his uncertainty. I can’t take it anymore. Noah clearly doesn’t want to be there.
“Noah," I say softly. "How about we get your PJs on, bud? I’ll help you brush your teeth before bed."
Noah’s eyes flick to mine, and the relief in them is almost immediate. He doesn’t say a word, but I can tell he’s ready to get out of here. I give him a small nod, a quiet reassurance.I’ve got you, bud.
Alex watches, his smirk fading. "You don’t even want to say hi to your dad, Noah?" His voice is soft but manipulative. Playing the victim.
Noah freezes. His eyes bounce between me and Alex, like he’s waiting for someone to tell him what the right answer is. It tears me up inside.
I crouch down, hand on Noah’s back. "It’s okay, buddy," I say gently. "Youcan decide. You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with."
There’s no hesitation this time. Noah moves fully into my side, and I place a hand on his shoulder as we turn toward the stairs.
