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“Brad, what do you know about roller derby?”

“My dad used to talk about watching it in the 70s. Lots of fights and stuff.”

“I don’t know about that, but this is very different. It’s a real sport and there are no fights. For kids Sophia’s age, there are apparently limited contact rules too.”

“Huh, that doesn’t sound so bad. What team is this?”

“It’s a league here in Portland for adults and juniors. Rose City Rollers. Why?”

“I want to see their website. What’s this about Wreckers?”

“That’s their recreational league for adult skaters.”

“Ohhhh… Wreckers, recreational… I get it.”

“Of course you like the pun.”

“There’s a juniors championship in a couple weekends. I’d like to come and see it for myself.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes. You and your hired muscle have made it clear that I need to get my shit together. So, this is me trying to get my shit together for my… for our daughter’s sake.”

“Don’t think that this changes how I feel about you.”

“I know. According to Tasha I’m a big pile of shit. I have the divorce papers. Really though, if Sophia is interested in watching or playing roller derby, then I want to learn about it, too.”

“What the hell did Tasha say to you, Brad?”

“Let’s just say that it was a learning opportunity for me.”

“Huh. Look, Brad. Sophia wants this really badly. I think that it could be really good for her, too.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. So, is it alright for me to see this with you two Sundays from now?”

“With us? I mean, I encourage you to come and see it. I’m not sure how I feel about you being with us, though. I will think about it.”

“Okay, I get that. I do want to spend some time with her, if possible. I miss her. I also want to experience her interest and find out what she likes about roller derby, if that makes sense.”

“It does. I’ll think about it and then get back to you.”

“Thanks Megan.”

“Sure, Brad. Bye.”

Tasha must have put the fear of God into him. She is fierce. And confident. If I had half of her confidence then maybe I wouldn’t be in this mess with her.

CHAPTER 34

IT’S ALL COMING BACK TO ME NOW

The next two days were rough on everyone. Megan and Tasha continued to simmer in their own fears and resentments. Sophia picked up on their mood and got feisty. Even Nocturne was getting hissy. No one was happy.

Tasha waited until Sophia was in bed on Thursday night, a process that involved shouting by both Megan and Sophia. Once Sophia was down, she said quietly, “We need to talk.”

Possibly the deadliest four words in the English language. Whenever someone says “we need to talk” it’s rarely a good thing.

Megan said, “I know.”