He stayed there for most of the night, only coming out to eat a bite of dinner. When it came time for bed, I decided to go in and check on him. I tapped on his door, then eased it open. Corry was sprawled out on his bed watching videos on his phone. As I started over to him, I said, “I just wanted to come tell you good night.”
“Night.”
I leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. “I love you, Corry Sullivan. I love you more than you could possibly know.”
“I love you, too.”
“I’m really sorry things are so hard with your father. I’d hoped they’d get easier, but maybe it is time for us to talk about taking him back to court.”
“Nah, we don’t have to do that yet.” Corry glanced up at me as he said, “I can handle Dad.”
“I know you can. I just hate you have to.” My heart ached with a feeling of helplessness. I wanted so much to take my child’s pain away. I wanted to make things easier for him, but sadly, that power had been taken out of my hands. This was his journey to take, and he had to find the strength in himself to see it through. I gave his forearm a light squeeze as I told him, “Think on it, and remember, I’m always here if you need me.”
“I know.”
“Good. Now, get some sleep. We have to get up early in the morning.”
“Okay.” As I started out of his room, I heard him say, “Love ya, Mom.”
“Love you, too!”
While our conversation was brief at best, I felt better as I walked out of his room and closed the door. I knew Corry and Sean had a long road ahead of them with their father, and even though I knew it wouldn’t be easy, I truly believed they would not only get through it, but they’d be better off for doing so. There was some good in Marc. It was often difficult to see, but I wouldn’t have married him if I hadn’t seen it in him. I certainly wouldn’t have had children with him. I just hoped he’d let go of the hate and anger he had for me long enough to show the boys that side of him was still there. I knew Marc was still holding on to a lot of animosity for me, but I didn’t realize how much until the following afternoon when he showed back up at the coffee shop.
We were just slowing down from the lunch rush when he came waltzing in. When he made it over to the counter, I asked, “Did Sean forget something else?”
“No.” He looked around at all the customers and grumbled, “I was hoping we’d have a minute alone.”
“Sorry. Sydney had an errand to run, so it’s just me here. What did you need?”
“We need to finish the conversation we started yesterday.”
“What conversation?”
“The one about you and your new friend.” Marc took another glance around before sitting down on one of the stools at the counter. “I’d hoped you were just going through some kind of phase, but clearly, that isn’t the case.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know damn well what I’m talking about!” His nostrils flared as he whispered, “You and that damn biker fella.”
“I don’t see why that’s any of your business, Marc.”
“If it concerns you, then hell yes, it’s my business. You’re my wife!”
“Ex-wife, Marc.” I wasn’t sure if what he’d said was intentional or not. Not that it mattered. He was way off base, so I crossed my arms and looked him dead in the eye. “I’ve been your ex-wife for over two years now, or have you forgotten?”
“No, I remember all too well.” His face was growing redder by the second, and I could tell he was struggling to control his temper as he leaned towards me and whispered, “Just because we’re divorced doesn’t mean you can go and fuck whoever the hell you want to!”
“Actually, it does.” I didn’t want to pick a fight with him—especially when I had customers sitting only a few feet away, but I wasn’t about to let him railroad me. “We lead separate lives now. You are married to Lila Jo. You two share a life together, and that life doesn’t involve me. So, like it or not, you have no say in who I choose to spend my time with.”
“You will not continue this thing with him! I won’t have it!”
“Again, you have no say in the matter, Marc.” I tried to keep my voice low as I told him, “I can and will see whomever I want.”
“You always were a fucking whore.”
“I’m not a whore.” I was growing angrier by the second. I knew I needed to remain calm, or we’d end up causing a horrible scene. I inhaled a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “I never once fooled around when we were together. That was all you.”