The Fling

56

Shawn pulled into my driveway and put his car in park. "As fun as the trip was, I bet you are happy to be home."

"I am. You ready for that hike we talked about? It's a gorgeous day- much warmer than Canada was!"

We grabbed our suitcases and walked up to the porch. I unlocked the door, and was surprised that Cosmo didn't come running up to us barking when I pushed it open. "Cos? Where are you, buddy?" I called out nervously. He responded with a woof from the back yard. "Fuck, did Jared leave him outside?" I remarked as I hurried to the French doors, but right as I got to them, they opened, and there stood Bert.

"Hi, Abi," he said. "We need to talk."

"Oh my god! Is something wrong? What happened?" I asked as my body started shaking with fear.

"The kids are at school and they're fine," my ex replied before looking at Shawn, "but I'd prefer that we talk about this alone."

My boyfriend frowned and looked at me. "Do you want me to leave? If you need me here, I'll stay."

I glanced between the two men, feeling increasingly uneasy with the situation. "Why don't you head upstairs and unpack so we can start the laundry," I suggested.

Bert shook his head. "This might take awhile. I think he should go."

"I'm not going anywhere unless Abigail tells me to," Shawn said firmly.

I took his hand and led him outside on the patio, closing the door behind us. "I have no idea what's going on, and I'm freaking out a little. As much as I want you here for moral support, I have to respect that this might be a private issue for Bert. Reagan has been absent a lot lately, so maybe it has to do with her. Why don't you go home, and I'll call you as soon as he's gone. You can come over, we'll hopefully still get to take that hike, and then the rest of the night can go as planned."

"I'll do whatever you need, baby, but if he's being an asshole, promise me you'll kick him out."

I smiled up at him. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm done letting Bert push me around."

We went inside, and Shawn took his suitcase and left after giving me a quick kiss.

"Was he going to stay the night?" Bert asked.

I walked into the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker. "I'm not getting into my life until you explain why you are here. This isn't your house and quite honestly, coming in without permission is trespassing."

"Not my house? I paid every penny of the goddamned mortgage!" he spat.

I spun around. "Don't you dare talk to me with that tone! You know as well as I do that you are not allowed in here without my say. How did you even get in? I changed the garage code months ago."

"Lizzie had her key, so she let us in and I moved my car into the garage so that your nosy friends didn't see it and call you. Jared showed up to let Cosmo out and was shocked to see me, but I told him there was a gas leak at my house. I fibbed and said you'd suggested we come here instead of going to a hotel since the kids would be more comfortable in their own home."

So this was about a gas leak? We moved to the breakfast room and sat down at the table while the coffee brewed. "I don't like that you came here last night without calling me. Where is Reagan? What the fuck is going on, Bert?"

He started wringing his hands. "I'm not sure where to start, but I guess I should tell you that she left me yesterday."

So I was right. "Did you cheat on her?" I seethed. I was filled with anger at him and worry for my children. What had it been like to watch their step-mother walk out and then be told they had to leave their dad's home? They must have been so scared and confused. Once I understood the situation, I needed to address that.