Page 91 of Antagonist

We eat our kid-size sandwiches, and our young explorers are kind enough to share the really good stuff.

We hear a car horn nearby.

“That’s Mommy!” George says.

“What do you mean, buddy?” I ask.

“Mommy said she would visit us at the lake.”

He’s already jumping up and running toward the house, so I don’t have a chance to ask him how Fran knows we’re at the cabin.

“I’m sorry,” I say to Harrison in a quiet voice. “I didn’t know.”

“I know, baby. Don’t worry.” He takes my hand and brings it to his mouth to kiss my palm.

“Stop being nice to me, or I might getfeelings,” I joke.

“Good. I can’t be on my own in this.”

We’re still smiling at each other like love-sick teenagers when Fran’s voice cuts through.

“Hi, boys. And who’s this gorgeous young lady?” Fran says as she approaches us, holding George’s hand.

“I’m Megan. And this is my daddy. Who are you?”

I can’t help smiling at Megan’s forward approach. The girl is going to grow into a strong woman, just like her mom.

“I’m George’s mommy,” Fran says, sitting next to me on the rug. “Hey, gorgeous.” She pulls my arm, forcing me to lean over so she can kiss my cheek.

“Hey, you can’t kiss Fletcher. Only my daddy can kiss him.” If Megan’s frown was a loaded gun, it would kill.

“It’s okay, honey. Fletcher and I are really good friends. Isn’t that right, Fletcher?”

I give her a smile I don’t feel and scoot over so I’m closer to Harrison. He places his hand on my back. A gesture Fran doesn’t miss from the look on her face.

Arlo’s words come back to me. Could he be right? Does she have feelings for me?

We established a long time ago that it was best to go our separate ways. Our breakup was amicable. Not just for George, but because we cared about each other.

“What do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” I ask her.

George is sitting between her legs and she has her arms wrapped around him. He’s working his way through a chocolate bar, content to be with his mom.

“Well, it’s been a while since I came to the lake with you, so I thought I’d check it out. Do you remember that time we went swimming at night?”

I grind my teeth together even as I try to keep my expression neutral.

“Daddy says I’m not allowed to swim in the lake yet,” George says.

“Silly Daddy,” Fran says. “Swimming in the lake is a lot of fun. We should try it soon.”

“No, we won’t,” I say. “Swimming in the lake can be dangerous.”

George turns in his mother’s arms and says proudly, “I’m learning to swim at the rec center so I can swim with Daddy next year when I’m really good at it.”

“That’s great, sweetie. Maybe next year we can go to the south of France and you can swim in the sea.”

George smiles but turns around again and leans against Fran, woefully quiet.