Page 9 of Wild Mistake
“Fine.” She sighs, pushing from the table. “Don’t tell me. Keep it to yourself. You always do. I sure hope whatever it is, this is all worth it.”
This isn’t the future she imagined for me, or for herself. No one wants to be retired and have their grown child back home, along with two teenagers. But I find it hard to conjure up any sympathy when she’s so damn rude.Does she think so little of me? Does she think I’d uproot my entire life on a whim? Does she think I want to be here?
Instead of running to my defense, she’s quick to blame. She’s never understood me. I don’t think she ever will.
Pushing my chair out, I slowly get up and walk across the room to slide my feet into my boots and grab my jacket. My bones hurt. My body aches. But most of all, my stomach squeezes with anxiety. I don’t want to talk to Jake. I’m not even sure I’ll be able to look him in the eyes. But I’ll do it for my children.
I walk outside to where his SUV is parked, pasting on a fake smile as I lift my hand in a wave.
“Hi, Sarah,” Jake says.
I shove my hands into my pockets. “How was the drive?”
“Long.” He laughs, but it’s as fake as my smile. “You have a good Christmas morning?”
No.“We just finished breakfast.”
“Sorry I missed it.”
I want to roll my eyes. He wasn’t invited and we both know that.
“It sucked,” Gabe says dryly.
“Santa didn’t come?” my ex teases him, bumping his shoulder and disrupting Gabe’s balance.
“I wish.” Gabe straightens, scowling.
Parker is silent, watching the interaction with the intensity of a hawk. I swear, this kid doesn’t miss a thing.
“What? Don’t tell me you’re too cool to believe in Santa?” Jake prods. The tone he uses is condescending. It’s always grated on my nerves but now I can hardly stand it. I don’t know what he’s trying to prove. Our boys are seventeen and fifteen. They haven’t believed in Santa for years.
I catch Jake’s stare.
He smiles before looking to Gabe, then Parker. “Guess I’ll have to send back all the presents he left at my house.”
“What?” Gabe’s jaw drops open before his mouth curves into a smile. “Seriously?”
Parker’s entire face lights up with excitement. “For real?”
“You don’t think I’d come get you on Christmas without presents?” It’s a dig. No, it’s more. It’s his way of rubbing in the fact he can provide things for our children that I can’t.
I feel like total shit, which was probably his intent.
“You boys have everything you need?” I bite back the urge to scream and instead use my most polite tone. “Better hit the road before the traffic gets bad.”
Gabe shrugs.
Parker steps forward and wraps his arms around me for an embrace.
I wrap my arms around my baby and hold him tight. It takes everything to let go as he steps back.
“Give your mother a hug,” Jake commands, staring at our oldest.
Gabe looks as if he wants to argue, but because Jake asked, he begrudgingly comes over. His arms are gone a split second after they wrap around me, as if he can’t stand to be near me or accept my comfort. His rejection cuts. I hate that he’s so angry. Hate that he blames me.
“Have a fun week.” I force another smile and step back as everyone piles into the vehicle. “Text me when you get home—” Home. The word passes my lips so naturally, but as soon as it does my stomach sours. It’s not our home. Not anymore. “Text me when you get there.”
“I will,” Parker says before shutting his door.
