Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(36)

“What if everything I fear is true?”

“Then you’ll have to walk away from your marriage and come to an agreement for your daughter. It will get ugly unfortunately, but this is the risk you have to take to know for sure.”

She’s right, although it’s impossible to accept. My mind is going crazy with terrible thoughts. By the time I get off work I rush to pick up Aberdeen from school. She’s unaware that I’m taking us directly to Char’s house, even though she hasn’t left yet. I don’t want to be near Brandon, and I certainly can’t talk to him until I calm down. Toby’s visit had taken a toll on me, and if I want to enjoy my weekend I need to settle my suspicions, or else I know she’ll ask to go home; somewhere I can’t bear to take her tonight.





Chapter 17




“What do you mean she didn’t drop her off?” I ask my mother while standing in her living room listening to why my daughter isn’t here waiting for me.

“Shay said she talked to you. She told me she was taking Aberdeen for the weekend. I was sure she’d cleared it with you first.”

I can tell my mom has no idea Shayla was planning this behind my back. “It’s fine. I’ll call her and figure out what she’s doing.”

“Do you need me to check her mother’s house?”

“No. I’ll stop by there on the way home.”

I rush out the door and climb in my car. I’m pissed and determined to figure out what my wife has up her sleeve. Just as I’m about to pull up to her parents’ house I get a call from Toby.

“What’s up, dude? You’ll never guess what I’m dealing with right now.”

“Does it have to do with Shay?”

“Why?”

“I saw her today at Target. I did what you wanted. She didn’t say much after I baited her. I can tell it got to her. You owe me for this, Bran. I felt like an * for lying to her face.”

“What did you say?”

“I don’t remember exactly. I didn’t elaborate with details, but I may have mentioned you were happy about being free for a while. Whatever she read into it after that is on her.”

“Shit. That probably explains why she didn’t drop Ab off at my moms. Listen, I need to get off here and deal with my in-laws. If anyone knows where she went it’s them.”

“Okay, man. Good luck.”

After ending the call I step out of my vehicle and approach the house. The first thing I notice is that Shay’s car isn’t there. I remember Ab saying they were going to see a movie, but I want to check with her mother first to make sure. Maybe I can hunt them down and join them without having to ask permission, after she gets an earful for neglecting to tell me about her plans ahead of time.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to keep them apart I want us to be family, but I don’t want her to think it’s okay to start doing things without me. It’s not right. I didn’t ask for this, so I certainly don’t deserve to be shut out.

I knock on the front door twice before letting myself in like I always do. My mother-in-law is sitting in the living room watching something on television. “Hey, Mom. Do you know where I can find Shay?”

She sits up and seems out of sorts. “Shay took Ab somewhere for the weekend. She said she’d be back on Sunday. Do you mean to tell me you didn’t know about it?”

“No. I didn’t.” I’m clenching my jaw to keep from losing my shit in front of this woman. I know I need to get out of there so I can get my wife on the phone and demand an explanation. “Maybe they’re waiting at the house for me. I only stopped by here since I was right down the road.”

She tries to follow me out, but I’m in such a hurry I can’t catch up. As I turn to get back in my car I see her waving, her face full of concern.



I drive fast, because I’m hoping they’re at the house and this is all a misunderstanding. When I arrive and her vehicle isn’t in the driveway I start to panic. I head inside and find a note waiting for me.

It leaves me with more questions than answers. I begin to wonder if Toby’s visit has caused her to do something drastic. If she thinks I’m giving up on our marriage then she’s probably assuming I’m going to fight for custody of our daughter. There’s a good chance Shayla has taken our daughter away so that can’t happen.

I’m worried as I pull her number up and wait for the call to connect. It rings four times and then goes to voicemail. I hang up and call again, determined to get her on the line.

“I left you a note.”

“A note? Are you f*cking kidding me right now?”

“Calm down, Bran. It’s two days. I’m sure you’ll find something to do while we’re gone. Did you even notice the house is clean and all your clothes are put away?”

“No. All I’ve noticed is that my daughter isn’t where she’s supposed to be. How do I know you’re going to return her on Sunday? You could be driving her out of state to keep her from seeing me.”

She laughs at my assumption which in turn angers me.

“Shayla, I want you to bring my daughter home tonight after the movie. You’re not keeping her out somewhere I don’t know about.”

“You’re being ridiculous. If anyone can care for her it’s me. I have every right to be with her and keep her overnight. We’re having a girl’s weekend and you’re not invited. Get over it, Bran. This could be the start of many more.”