CHAPTER FIFTY–FOUR
HAILEY
The house was filled with delicious aromas, and the table was set for four. Valerie hadn’t said a word to me since she’d stormed out. But, her anger had diminished, and the tension between us had disappeared.
Liam was playing in the backyard with Valerie, and the sound of their laughter and the splashing of the water filled the air. I knew it was a mistake inviting Dominic for dinner, and I should have known better, but when my son was around, I could never refuse him.
My heart was beating rapidly, and I was nervous.
So damn nervous.
Valerie and Liam walked back into the house, and I set Liam up at the dining table. Valerie followed me into the kitchen to help with some of the dishes.
She still didn’t say a word to me as she tried to just walt out, but I just couldn’t deal with the awkwardness
between us anymore.
ད་
“Look, I know that you’re disappointed and upset with me. And, I know that you don’t understand what happened, or what was going through my head. I can’t explain it either. I wish I could, because I’m just as confused as you are. But you don’t have to make me feel worse by ignoring me, or refusing to talk to me.”
Val stopped, and turned around.
“I’m not mad at you, Hailey. Not at all. I’m just disappointed that you would go through all of this again. It’s not good for your health, or for Liam. This isn’t healthy. You don’t have to be with someone just to feel validated and loved. You are worthy of so much more. I hate the fact that he is doing this to you again, and it’s not fair. Not only for you, but for him too. He’s taking advantage of your vulnerability and hurting you. He’s playing games, and it’s not right. What about his wife, Hailey? I don’t care if she’s a bitch or the reason behind the breakup. He’s a married man, and no matter what you two decide, he’s cheating on her. She’s going to find out, and then what?”
“Nothing, Val. Nothing is going to happen. We’re not getting back together, and we’re not having a
relationship. Yes, what we did was a huge mistake. We both got caught in the moment, and we acted
impulsively. And, now, we’re paying the consequences. Trust me, this will never happen again. Ever.”
Valerie shook her head, and laughed bitterly.
“Hailey, if you honestly think that this won’t happen again, then you are delusional. This is the first time
you’re seeing him in almost over six years and yet, you couldn’t resist. You slept with him. What will happen the next time you’re around him? Or the time after that? Or the next? You’re an adult, and you know what is good for you. But, you have to understand that your actions have consequences. You have to be responsible for the things that happen, and the effect it has on the people around you. This isn’t about Dominic, his wife, or even Liam. It’s about you, and how this would affect your mental health. Please,
+25 Points
CHAPTEREHTY TOUR
Hailey, just don’t. I can’t stand to see you like this again.”
I was about to respond when the doorbell rang. I walked to the door, expecting to see Dominic, but instead
Giovanni was standing on the other side.
He wore a cheeky smile, as I looked at him in confusion. “Dominic had something urgent come up, and couldn’t make it. But, he sent me in his place. Hope you don’t mind?”
First request his son would ever ask of him, and the man sends his brother. Was this some kind of a sick
joke?
“Come on in, Gio.”
I walked back into the kitchen. “He couldn’t come.”
Val looked at me. “I can see that.”
“Why did he send Gio? What was so important that he had to cancel dinner with his son? Is this how he intends to be a part of Liam’s life? Just dropping in and out as he pleases. What about consistency, or stability? Liam’s not stupid, and eventually, he’s going to realize that his father is a part time dad. Do you think it’s right to just play around with him?”
“He was called in for a pack meeting. It couldn’t be avoided.” Giovanni cuts in, walking into the kitchen. “It was an emergency, and he wanted me to come instead. He really wanted to come, but there was no way he could.”
I turned around to face him.
“Did he ask you to explain his absence, and excuse his actions? Was it the least he could do for the child he hasn’t seen in six years?”
“Hailey-”
“You know what? Whatever. Let’s get this dinner started, shall we? Because no matter what, it’s going to be one heck of a night.”
I plastered on a fake smile, and went about setting the table.
Dinner was an awkward affair, and we all ate in silence. Gio tried to make small talks with Valerie like always, but she didn’t respond much.
After dinner, I took Liam to bed, and tucked him in, leaving Valerie and Gio alone.
I laid next to Liam, and he wrapped his small hands around me. “I love you, mommy.”
“I love you too, buddy. Always and forever. And I want you to know that no matter what happens, or how tough it gets, no matter what, mommy will always be here for you. I will always love and protect you, no matter what.”
“I know, mommy.”
CHAPTLERIETY FOOR
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