Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
What I was able to deduce from that statement was that Margot had done something last week to warrant them not going back this week. Because it didn’t matter how long the line was. I’d go to Pickle’s and stand in line for over an hour if it got me one of their burgers.
“Interesting,” I murmured. “Headed home?”
It was a school night, after all. And tomorrow was the last practice before the games started. Usually, that meant Linc would be in bed by ten, because he had to be at school by six in the morning for practice before school.
I could tell by Linc’s face, though, that they weren’t headed home.
At least not yet.
“No, we’re going to go to a movie.”
My brows rose. “Is that wise?”
Margot’s face twisted in anger.
“Yes, it’s necessary. Since he’s not going to be available on Saturday, we’re spending a little extra time together today.”
I wanted to laugh at the venom in Margot’s voice, but I knew it wouldn’t be the best idea.
She was already on edge, waiting for me to say something negative to her.
I wouldn’t be doing that.
Not tonight, and not in front of my son.
“Yeah, that’s fine,” I said. “But I would think you’d want to go to bed since you have to be up at five to get to school by six.”
Margot’s eyes narrowed.
“It’ll be fine,” Linc lied.
My lips kicked up in a sardonic smile.
“That’s what you said when you stayed out late with friends the night before your last practice. When you were late getting there, the coach made you run two miles.”
Linc’s face twisted at that memory.
“I threw up all over the ten yard line,” he grinned. “We’re not staying out too late. I’ll be home by ten thirty if we go now.”
Linc started toward his car, but Margot stayed.
“You won’t win, you know.”
My brows rose at her words.
“I won’t win what?” I questioned.
“You won’t win in turning him against me. I’m his mama. Mamas always win,” she snapped. “He’ll treat me like a queen once he goes big.”
I didn’t call her a liar like I wanted to.
I would’ve, however, addressed her misconceptions that she thought I would allow her to ride our son’s purse strings, but Ellen finally deigned to notice that I was sitting on my bike outside her door.
“Are you ever going to come in here, Jessie?” Ellen asked from behind me. “I feel like you’re watching my every move and it’s uncomfortable.”
My eyes left Margot’s to settle on Ellen, who was watching me with what was akin to worry.
Shit.
She recognized Margot. She had to.
She hadn’t changed that much, body wise, her face, however, looked like she was well beyond her thirty-two years of age. If I had my guess, I would say she looked to be near fifty years of age with all the lines, wear and tear.
“Yeah,” I said. “Be right in.”
I turned my eyes back to Margot to tell her goodbye, but the look in her eyes made me freeze.
It was one I knew all too well. The Margot ‘I’m going to fuck with you’ look.
“If it isn’t your little virgin bride. My, but you haven’t aged a year!” Margot called bawdily. “Oh, but Linc told me you were single and that you have been for the last fourteen years. Is that because of little ol’ me?”
My gut tightened.
Ellen’s face, equally, showed her anger.
“Margot. Long time no see!” Ellen said sarcastically. “My, but you’ve aged well.”
That was a lie.
Even I could tell that Margot wasn’t nearly as pretty as she used to be. Hell, even her clothes were trash compared to the riches she used to wear.
I got up off my bike and pocketed the keys before heading in Ellen’s direction.
I read Ellen’s face as I walked, and knew when Margot was about to do something.
“You know, he could’ve been mine,” Margot hissed. “I let you have him. Maybe I should take you back to court. Show all those judges and jurors what an inept parent you are.”
I stopped halfway to Ellen and turned, studying Margot’s face.
“He has food in his belly. He has a car. He gets straight As. There’s literally not a thing in the world that he wants for. So no, I won’t see a judge or any juror.”
“Oh, I’m sure I can think of something.”
“I can see you never took out the trash,” Ellen drawled as we watched Margot walk away.
I grunted.
“I did. She keeps picking herself back up and insinuating herself in my life,” I hesitated. “She’s also why I had to stay away from you once I realized that you were back in this area.”
Ellen’s lip curled in anger.
“That woman’s been making your life a living hell for way too long,” she grunted in affront. “Come inside. I can’t believe you’re letting your son even get close to that woman.”