Chapter Seven
Finn
After dinner Mira and Paisley headed out to go shopping.
Having Mira in the house was nice, no it was better than nice, it felt right, and Paisley actually seemed to enjoy herself.
Over the past year Paisley has grown more and more angry with me.
Maybe having Mira around would be a good thing.
For Paisley, it is a good thing for Paisley to have her around I mean.
Okay, maybe a good thing for me too. I had to admit Mira was not bad on the eyes, the years had been good to her, very good. Just thinking about how good they’d been to her was making me need a cold shower. Mira was cute in high school, but all grown up Mira was a grade A fox.
Why was she still single? She was smart, funny, and sexy as hell, the trifecta of for a perfect woman.
Maybe if I had pursued her in high school my life would have turned out differently.
But then I wouldn’t have Paisley. When she came into this world, she took me from a cocky little shit that had zero responsibility to a responsible man in seconds.
I thought she’d been a turning point for Savannah too but thinking back that wasn’t the case at all.
When I look back on our life together, I realize I was working so much that I missed the signs.
I missed some of the things that were red flags, but I dismissed them because I loved her so much and I wanted to make our marriage work.
Things that I dismissed as Savannah being lonely, tired, or just wanting attention hold new meaning.
Like the time she got drunk at the company Christmas party and tried to give Santa a lap dance.
Or the time she forgot Paisley was in the car after grocery shopping.
Luckily, I came home early and found her in the car crying.
Savannah was in tears saying how sorry she was, and it wouldn’t happen again.
They say hindsight is twenty-twenty and they are not wrong at all.
No, Paisley was my reason for being there was no way I’d start thinking about what could have been.
Now what could be is a different story though.
There could be something if Mira isn’t opposed to it.
I’m definitely not opposed to there being something between us.
She brings a smile to my kids face and makes my heart beat a mile a minute, neither of which I’m complaining about.
God damn it I feel like I’m back in high school.
Should I give her a note that says ‘Do you like me? Check yes or no.’?
Things were at least easier back in high school.
I was a football star back then; girls were lined up.
Savannah snagged me up quick though, and she was territorial.
I thought it was sexy as fuck that she was so jealous of other girls being around me.
They say ‘speak of the devil and he will arrive’ apparently it works for ex-wives too.
Just thinking about Savannah was enough to have her knocking on my door.
I’d only called her a million freaking times earlier trying to get her to come help her daughter.
Now hours later she was just going to show up.
“Hey baby.” She slurred as she teetered on her high heels and flung her arms around me, smelling like a brewery. I glanced outside and saw her shiny new man standing against the hood of his shiny sports car glaring daggers at me.
“Don’t hey baby me. I called you hours ago Savannah. Your daughter needed you.” She waved her hand in my face as she made her way inside and plopped down on the couch.
“I was busy. What was so important that you had to call me so many damn times.” How had I stayed married to this woman for so long and not seen what a complete shitshow she was I will never know.
Rubbing my hand over my face I try to get my thoughts in order before I yell obscenities at her.
I have to remind myself she’s not worth it.
“Your daughter started her period today and could have really used her mother.” Savannah jumps up from the couch swaying slightly.
“Seriously that’s why you called!” Just as I’m about to lay into her, Mira and Paisley come walking through the door smiling. Paisley’s smile falters as soon as she sees her mom.
“Who the fuck are you?” Savannah asks while staring at Mira with venom in her eyes.
“Hi Savannah, long time no see.” Mira gives her a hesitant smile, while Paisley just stares at her mother. I can’t tell what’s going through her head right now.
“Ohmigod it’s Mira, chubby Mira from high school.
I see not much has changed in that aspect.
” Savannah laughed, making a waving motion to Mira’s body.
Paisley’s eyes grew wide with shock. She’d never heard her mom act like this before; I’d kept her away from it.
Mira’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
“Knock it off Savannah. Mira here was nice enough to take Paisley out shopping for what she needed. She’s the nurse at the high school and offered to help when Paisley needed it.” I’m trying to be nice, I really am, but Savannah is pushing my fucking limits of control.
“Oh this is rich. You couldn’t have him in high school, so you thought you’d have my sloppy seconds. Really Mira, did you think he’d want you after he’s had this for years. It would be a total downgrade.” Before I can say anything Paisley steps between Mira and Savannah.
“Mom, you need to apologize to Ms. Gordan. While you couldn’t be bothered to answer your phone, she was there for me.
She was giving me advice while you were too busy to help your daughter.
Basically she was doing your job better than you ever did.
” Savannah is sputtering looking back and forth between me and Paisley.
“You did this.” She points her finger at me with anger in her eyes. “You turned our daughter against me and then you have your whore taking her out shopping.”
“Get out Savannah.” I walk to the door and open it wide before pointing towards the outside.
“She’s my daughter, she’ll never be yours. And enjoy my sloppy seconds, I’m sure he’ll be comparing you to me when he’s fucking you.” Mira’s mouth gaped as Savannah made her way out the door and I slammed it behind her. As soon as the door was shut Mira went to Paisley, wrapping her in a hug.
“Honey, I’m so sorry you had to hear that. I’m sure your mom didn’t mean it, she was drinking and sometimes when people are drinking they say things they don’t mean.” Even with the vicious things Savannah said to her she was trying to make excuses to make Paisley feel better.
“It’s okay Ms. Gordan, I’ve known for years she’s not a good person.
Dad tries to hide it from me now but while he was deployed I saw the real her more than he did.
No offense dad but you were blind. Anyway thanks Ms. Gordan for taking me shopping, anytime you want to go I’m your girl.
And my dad would be upgrading, not downgrading just saying.
” Paisley came over and gave me a quick hug before disappearing into her room, leaving me slightly shocked.