Stay(28)

I jump at the sound of Eli’s voice, unclenching my fists and doing my best to calm down, to smile. “Hey, buddy! How long have you been standing there?”

“A minute.” He looks around. “I’m hungry. Did you go to the store yet?”

I swear, his timing is the worst. “Not yet… I thought we could go together, and you could pick out something special.”

“Okay!” Eli walks back to the bedroom.

I turn to Burt, my teeth clenched. “You are not taking him from me.”

“I’m not leaving him in this environment, around drag queens, growing up in the Village. Next thing I know, he’ll be wearing a dress.”

“It’s time for you to go.” I push past him to the door and hold it open.

“You’re right. You’ll be hearing from me.”

He leaves, but before he’s too far down, I step into the hallway. “You know who was famously gay? Julius Caesar.”

Idiot. I go inside and slam the door, leaning my back against it, and crossing my arms. My heart is beating so fast, I think I’m going to be sick. I never expected Burt to do this, to try and take Eli away from me.

I can’t afford a lawyer, and knowing Burt, he’ll probably hire somebody to make me look like an incompetent, unstable head case. How can I fight him?

I stagger to the couch and drop in a heap. I want to slide all the way to the floor and cry, but Eli emerges from the bedroom. Pushing my hair back, I do my best to quell the tears, to put on a happy face. “Ready to go to the store, buddy?”

He sits beside me and puts his arms around my waist. “Everything okay, Mom?”

“Of course!” I suffuse my voice with optimism. “How about you? Did you have fun at Dad’s?”

“It was okay. Peg is weird.”

My brow furrows. “In what way?”

“She laughs at everything Dad says. Even when it’s not funny.”

Because she’s an idiot, too. “Is she nice to you?”

“She’s okay.”

I comb his hair with my fingers, thinking. How am I going to keep him with me? How can I fight this?

Eli flinches. “Ow!”

“What?” I look down where I’d been scratching his scalp and see a bruised, scuffed mark on his head. “What’s this?”

“Just… had an accident playing lacrosse.”

I catch his shoulders and lift him off my lap. “Lacrosse? What were you doing…” I don’t have to ask that. “Did you wear a helmet?”

“Yeah, but they’re small.”

Rage tightens my chest, but I hold it down. “Have you taken your medicine today?”

He shakes his head, and I stand, going to the cabinet and getting a pill. He likely hasn’t taken one since Friday morning. Burt never gives him his medicine.

“Come on. We need some fresh air and a walk.”

I’ve got to burn off these emotions tying me in knots. We’re halfway down the smelly stairs when a homeless guy steps out of my neighbor’s doorway. I let out a little scream.

“Got any money, lady?” He leans into us, and he smells really bad. Eli grips my arm.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash. You’re not supposed to be in here.”

His eyes flash, and I grip my son, running the rest of the way down. I hear noises behind me, and I know my neighbor must’ve opened his door. He’ll take care of it, but I’m shook. A situation like that is exactly what Burt would use as proof Eli should stay with him.

We’re walking to the small, corner grocery, and I think about Stephen’s offer. It’s the one thing I know could derail Burt’s plans.

I think about the ship room. It really is perfect for Eli. He wouldn’t be around dry-cleaning chemicals. He could study in a quiet room, in a luxury townhome near the Upper East Side. Burt wouldn’t have a leg to stand on…

Oh, God. Can I do this?

As much as I hate it, I might need Stephen’s help.





10





Stephen


Roommates. We can be roommates. Period.

It’s late, and I close the book I’m reading about the life of Thomas Paine. It’s a snooze fest anyway.

Picking up my phone, I study Emmy’s words, a victorious smile curling my lips. I knew she’d see I was right. A gray bubble floats on the screen, indicating more is coming, and I wait to see what changed her mind.

Probably a rat.

Not roommates with benefits. No more blurred lines…

I roll my eyes, waiting a few seconds before I answer. What happened? Why the change?

It takes her a moment to reply. You’re right. Our families are friends, and perhaps my place isn’t ideal.

I’m always right. And your place is not ideal.

Now I’m sure it was a rat or some other vermin. I wait for her snarky comeback, but instead, she seems serious. I’m doing this for Eli and only until I find a better place for us to live.

Because we’re not friends?

We’re not ANYTHING. Agree?

Glad to see her fight is still there. Although, I confess, my thoughts about our arrangement have changed since I fucked her senseless. It might be nice to have a roommate with benefits.