Chapter 45
45
H olding back every emotion, I reach for the remote and turn on Gabby’s favorite movie.
“I’ll make popcorn,” I manage, my mind racing with questions.
I need to call my lawyer.
What could Samuel do?
Gabby climbs into the couch, and I wrap her in a blanket, adding some of her favorite stuffed animals.
“The bear.” She points to the stuffed bear Jake gave her.
I grab it.
Tears spill down my face before I can stop them.
I hand it to her quickly, blinking hard, swallowing the ache in my throat.
I throw Samuel’s flowers in the trash and then look at the ones Jake got me.
I yank them out of the vase, getting rid of them too.
I toss the popcorn bag in the microwave, and my eyes drift to the toy in the sink.
I huff, walking away to get my phone.
Stepping into the bathroom, I need a moment alone.
The second the door shuts, I dial my attorney.
I don’t think anything that just happened could change my custody agreement, and I need to confirm.
It goes to voicemail, and I manage, “I need to talk.”
I won’t put anything in writing.
I won’t leave a trail.
I’ve learned that much through this whole divorce and custody battle.
But I want to.
I want to text Samuel and tell him exactly how much I hate him.
How much I hate what he does to me.
Tears fall fast, and I resist the urge to throw my phone.
My vacation from reality is over.
No more breathing room.
No more stolen time.
Back to reality.
Our reality: me and Gabby.
That’s all I can handle.