Page 22

Story: Triple Power Play 2

I spoke with the trust attorney. Let’s negotiate. We can get past this.
He must have found out I hired another law firm, or maybe it’s because I’ve restricted his access to every facet of my life: box seats, bank accounts, credit cards, properties, clubs, suites—if he had access to it, I’ve canceled it.
I should’ve done it years ago, but I hoped to appease him, thinking he’d leave Aurora alone. It’s a mistake I won’t repeat.
I’ll negotiate once I have my girlfriend back.
I sound like a petulant child, but I don’t give a fuck. It’s Aurora or nothing.
Despite the early hour, Kyle responds with pictures of Aurora and Ethan in Central Park.
Kyle
Your girlfriend? You’re delusional. It’s over. Move on.
I’m not moving on. You set me up to lose everything. You got exactly what you wanted. Now, get out of my life.
Kyle
Who’s the father? You or him?
Why do you give a fuck?
Kyle
Because you’re not responsible enough for a child.
As if you care.
Kyle
Your child support will be horrendous.
Ah, there it is.Money.
I’ll give her more than any court demands.
Kyle
That’s the problem! You’re not smart.
I’m not smart?
You manipulated me into meeting with you, knowing I’d relapse. Threw some drugs and half-naked women at me and took pictures to fuck my career and relationship, all to avoid me paying child support? Now I’ll definitely have to pay. And what if I got one of those girls pregnant? Who’s not smart?
I won’t have to pay child support, but he doesn’t need to know that.
Kyle
Like I’d allow that. I had your ass dragged out of there once you were piss drunk.
Well, that’s a relief. At least I have confirmation I didn’t fuck anyone.
You mean after you arranged the photos?
He doesn’t answer, and while I contemplate his motives, I torment myself by scanning through the pictures of Ethan and Aurora.
Seeing them all lovey-dovey has me conflicted, regretful, and missing her. I miss her so fucking much, it hurts. Even with his body pressed against hers and their lips locked, I’m not jealous—quite the opposite. The only thing I envy is that I’m not there.