Stay(60)

“I thought it might be nice to be close after we moved out. In case we want to stop by for a visit.” He’s surprised, and I feel so childish and stupid. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t even thinking… That’s a terrible idea. I’m sure you’ll want to date, and the last thing you need is a first wife and her son hanging around. Even a fake first wife.”

I’m trying to lighten the mood, but God, just saying the words is like digging my guts out with a hand rake. Still, I’ve got to start facing reality. I’ve got to stop my heart’s high-speed landslide into love with him.

He puts a warm hand on my shoulder, and I peek up at him. “We have plenty of time to decide what to do.”

Reaching up, I put my hand on top of his. “I think I need to start thinking about it now. These last several days… I don’t know. I guess I’ve had to work to remember this isn’t real.”

“About that…” The smile playing around his lips tightens my stomach.

What is he going to say? Maybe he wishes things were different, too?

“What’s going on back here?”

We both jump, turning to face Burt, who’s on the other side of the counter watching us with a curious smile.

A smile. Burt never smiles at me.

“How long have you…” I look from him to the glass door. “I didn’t hear the bell ring.”

Burt’s eyes are fixed on mine, that smile firmly in place. “It rang. I guess you two are so much in love you never heard it.” Sarcasm is in his tone, and I panic. Did he hear our conversation? If so, how much?

“What do you want?” Stephen’s voice is cold.

“I want to talk about Eli.” Burt finally tears his gaze off me. “I don’t like having my visitation days changed at the last minute. He was supposed to be with me this weekend.”

“You’ll be lucky if you ever get him again.” Stephen steps forward, but I catch his arm. “I’m looking into changing your visits to supervised only, if not revoking them altogether.”

Burt’s face turns red. “What the fuck? Is this some kind of tit for tat, Emmy?”

Angry eyes land on me, but I don’t know what to say. Stephen and I have not discussed this.

Stephen is angry and determined. “I was there for what happened after his last visit with you. Every time he has a seizure, he’s at risk of permanent brain damage. You don’t even give him his medication.”

My ex looks from me to Stephen then back to me, stepping closer. “You think you’ve got leverage now that you have Hastings money?” His voice drops to sinister levels. “Don’t fuck with me.”

Stephen catches my wrist and steps between us, facing Burt. “Emmy might have a soft spot when it comes to letting you see him, but I happen to think you’re bad for Eli. I bet I can get a judge to agree with me after that head injury.”

“Emmy doesn’t give a shit about my rights. It’s all about your money.” He flickers his eyes at me. “Isn’t it?”

My heart is beating so fast, I can’t speak. Stephen doesn’t have the same problem. “I’m taking care of them, now. You’d better not fuck with me.”

“Oh, really?” Burt grins, taking a step back. “Because you’re her husband? Then why is she still working at this dump?” Flat brown eyes land on me. “Why are you still working here, Emmy?”

My eyes slide left to right, searching for any reasonable excuse. “I-I couldn’t leave Lulabell short-handed. She’s my friend, and I’m helping her out until she can find a replacement.”

Burt looks around the room. He holds out his hands. “Then why don’t I see a help wanted sign anywhere? It looks to me like your friend doesn’t think you’re leaving.”

“Shows your level of brain power, dickhead.” Stephen puts his hand on my arm I assume to keep me quiet. “What you do see is a closed sign, which means time to go.”

“Stay away from my son, Hastings.” Burt wheels around on him, eyes blazing. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Stephen steps closer, right in Burt’s face. “Neither am I.”

They stand that way, practically nose to nose for several heartbeats.

My voice is small when I finally speak. “We’d better go. The neighbors call the cops if things look suspicious. They’re protective that way.”

As much as I want Stephen to beat the crap out of Burt, I’m doing my best to diffuse the situation. We have to get back to Eli, and I need Stephen with me, not at a police station.

Burt cracks a smile, patting Stephen’s chest. “No worries, Emmy. I won’t mess up your pretty new husband’s face.”

Grabbing Stephen’s hand, I pull him toward the door.

“Let’s go now.” I’m shaking, but I need to get them out of here. “Burt. I need to lock the door.”

My ex storms toward us, and I put my back against Stephen’s chest, praying with all my might he’ll just go away without another word. “I’m just curious. What’s in it for you, Hastings?”

Stephen puts both hands on my shoulders. “Eli’s a great kid. Emmy’s done her best with him, and you’re going to back the fuck up and stop jeopardizing his health. Or I’m going to make you.”