“I hope so.” My voice is softer than I intend, and I see the way his expression tightens. He knows there are things I want to say, but he doesn’t push. Not tonight.
“I miss you,” he says. “Wish I was therewithyou right now.”
I nod, blinking back the tears that threaten. “Me too.”
There’s a pause, and for a second I wonder if he’s going to bring up the fight. But he doesn’t. Instead he watches me, his gaze steady and warm, and even though we’re miles apart it feels like he’s right here with me.
“Get some sleep, Charlie girl,” he says gently. “We’ll talk when I’m back.”
I nod again, my heart twisting with the weight of everything I want to say. “I love you.”
“Love you too, always.” His expression softens, lips curving into that crooked smile.
The words wrap around the hollow ache, soothing it just enough to make it bearable.
“Night,” I whisper, my voice barely steady.
“Night, beautiful.”
***
Thursday arrives too quickly, and tension hits the second Alex walks in. Meadow bounces on the couch, clutching her unicorn, while Noah watches us all, gauging the mood.
“Hey, Lottie,” Alex says with a cocky grin, strolling in like he has some claim on this place. My spine stiffens at the nickname, but I force myself to smile for the kids’ sake.
Behind me, Zoe steps into the foyer at the perfect moment. Alex’s face shifts, irritation flashing. She’s the one person who’s always seen through his bullshit.
“Well, if it isn’t Mr Biannual Visits himself!” Zoe coos, all teeth. “How’s the world’s most involved father doing?”
Alex’s smile tightens as he steps into the kitchen, smugness flickering under Zoe’s sharp tongue. “Zoe,” he says with forced politeness. “Alwayssucha pleasure.”
“Oh, the pleasure is mine,” Zoe replies, her eyes flicking to the kids, who are oblivious to the daggers being exchanged. She gives Meadow a wink. “Excited for dinner with your dad, sweetie? Such a rare treat!”
“Yeah!” Meadow beams, clutching her unicorn. “Daddy’s staying for dinner!”
“Of course,” Alex replies, but his eyes spear Zoe as he straightens his cuffs. “So what brings you to dinner? Thought this was just afamilything.”
Zoe settles into a dining chair like it’s her throne. “Oh, you know me. I’m like the aunt you never wanted but got anyway. Couldn’t resist the chance to seeyouagain.”
I bite back a smile. Alex expected me to struggle through this dinner, but Zoe’s presence makes him visibly uncomfortable, and it’s glorious.
We all sit, and Alex slides right into his routine, acting like he’s been here all along. The kids chatter about the party Meadow’s been invited to, oblivious to the tension beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Zoe sips her wine like it’s ammunition, trading barbs with Alex whenever the kids aren’t watching.
“So, how’s the presentation prep going?” Zoe asks me, pointedly ignoring Alex.
“It’s getting there,” I say, pushing food around my plate. “Trying not to let everything else distract me.”
Alex smirks, catching the dig. “Feeling the pressure, Lottie? Kids, work, all on your own—must be a lot.”
Before I can reply, Zoe cuts in. “Oh please, Charlie doesn’t drop the ball with her kids. Work’s never been an excuse forher.Besides, she has Jake.”
The name drops like a bomb. Alex’s smirk falters for a split second before he recovers, his tone dripping with mock disinterest. “Ah yes, thehockey player. Such a stable choice.”
“Funny,” Zoe drawls, swirling her wine. “That’s what we all said about you.”
Alex exchanges a glare with her. “Still, even Lottie has her limits."
Her glass pauses mid-sip. “It’sCharlienow,” she says, tone sharp as a blade.
