Eventually sleep takes me because the next thing I know Bensen is jumping on the bed with his big blue eyes and a smile. “You missed the fireworks.”
“Sorry, Bud. What do you say we have us a boy’s day and give your mom a break?”
“Mom says we need to get dressed that we’re going to Pa’s to eat.”
Fuck. Belinda knows I hate that family gathering bullshit where her family all stares at me wondering why she ever got hooked up with a piece of shit criminal like me. They all think I’m trash but tolerate my existence. If I’d quit dragging my feet and talk to her then I wouldn’t be having to endure this shit.
“You brushed your teeth or cleaned your ears yet?”
“No.”
“Well get to it.”
He rolls his eyes but does as he’s told. He’s a good kid. I wish I’d had him under different circumstances, but I don’t regret him. I hit the kitchen for a cup of coffee while I wait for my boy to finish up in the bathroom.
Belinda is already dressed in a tight black sweater paired with even tighter black leggings that really lift her ass. Full face of makeup, hair curled and styled. Her perfume wafts around me as she moves around the room getting us both a mug. I lean a hip to the counter staying out of her way.
“What time did you make it in?”
“Late. Early. Depends on how you look at it. Bud seems to be back to himself.”
“Like I said. Too much junk.” She moves toward me with a strange smile on her face as though she’s genuinely happy to see me this morning. It’s fucking weird. I accept the coffee and go to take a sip when she moves in close to my face and sniffs me. “Do wash your face. You smell like pussy.” Her nose crinkles.
“The fuck?”
“Who is she?”
“None of your god damn business.”
“You come into our home we share with our son smelling like another woman that makes it my business. I have a right to know who you’re spending your time with. Time need I remind you that you could have been spending helping me take care of our child.”
I toss the coffee mug into the sink with a clang. “Don’t do that.”
“What?”
“Start being a bitch to me because you broke up with Petra. I don’t need it. I sure as fuck don’t have to put up with it.” I move for my keys.
“Where are you going?”
“Anywhere but here. Told you from day one that who I fuck is none of your business.”
“Don’t go. I’m sorry. You know how my parents are. If you’re not there…”
“You’ll tell them something I’m sure.”
“And what about Bensen? What do I tell him?”
“I don’t know. Maybe the truth. I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“What are you saying?”
“I want out.”
“Out?” She laughs. “There is no out.”
“What the fuck do you want from me?”
“For you to act like my husband.”