41. Chapter 41
Chapter 41
As usual, Jacob was reluctant to be dropped off at Ashley’s place, and after once again trying to make the two days seem like nothing, David then added what he hoped was a gold nugget. “When you come home on Sunday, Paige will be there to have dinner with us. Won’t that be nice?”
Slowly, the little boy nodded, and while David could see Jacob did think that was nice, it didn’t quite eliminate his reluctance at staying with Ashley. “Can she bring Rice Krispies treats?” he asked.
At this point, David didn’t care if the promise of sugar was what it took to put a smile on his son’s face. “I’m sure she could, if I asked nicely.”
Jacob gave a quick smile. “Say ‘please’.”
With a chuckle, David promised, “I will.”
When Ashley opened the door, he was momentarily struck by her appearance. It seemed geared more toward going out with friends than staying home with a child, but decided it could’ve been because she hadn’t changed after getting home from work.
After the usual awkward pat on the head (which now seemed jarringly awkward to David, when compared to Paige’s interactions with Jacob the day before), Jacob headed down the hall toward his room. As soon as he was out of earshot, Ashley’s somewhat pleasant demeanor melted into one of indifference.
“How was your Thanksgiving?” he asked politely.
“Fine,” she answered, less than politely. “How was yours?”
“It was good. Paige came over for a little while and met Jacob—”
“On Thanksgiving?”
“Yes.”
Upon hearing that, Ashley’s expression soured. “Well, I hope you all had a really good time, especially Paige—”
“Look, I know you hate her,” he said, trying to keep his tone neutral, “despite the fact that she’s never done anything to you—”
“Well, you did toss me aside like garbage because of her, so—”
“Not true. I didn’t toss you aside like garbage. I ended our toxic relationship, which is a totally different thing. And I didn’t do that because of her, I did it because of you, so I don’t want to hear that shit from you ever again.” He gave her a hard look, abandoning the neutrality. “I also don’t want you talking shit about her to Jacob, either, understand? Not a word. In fact, feel free to not talk about her at all. Okay?”
She just blinked at him.
“Okay?” he repeated.
Ashley’s eyes narrowed. “Jesus. Okay, I won’t.”
He was about to push it—because he didn’t believe her—when Jacob came back down the hall, putting an end to the conversation. David crouched down for a hug, one hand pressing against Jacob’s narrow back and one gently palming his buzzed head. “I’ll see you on Sunday,” David promised.