Page 39 of Breaking Rules

It was on the tip of my tongue to remind her that I was the one who actually paid for all of Evanne’s things, whether through child support or actual purchases. I didn’t mind doing it, but Keli’s righteous indignation wasn’t easy to stomach.

“Not all of them, Mommy,” Evanne cut in. “The ones I don’t play with anymore. Or clothes I outgrew. We’re going to have a drive in November, and I’m going to give away my toys because I’ll have new ones from my birthday.”

“That’s very generous of you,mo chride.” I smiled at her. “We’ll have to put on the calendar a day when we can go through your things and decide what you’re going to give away and what you want to keep.”

“Alec, do you really think that’s appropriate?”

I stifled a frown. “There’s nothing inappropriate about helping the less fortunate.”

“It is when a teacher is telling the kids they have to do it just because their parents have money. I didn’t realize Kurt Wright encouragedhandouts.”

She said the word like it was distasteful, and I knew her issue wasn’t with what Lumen had taught the kids but rather who Lumen was to me.

Had been to me.

“Alec–”

“Keli.” Her name held a warning, and for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of something angry. Rather than getting into an argument in front of Evanne, I deflected by asking a question. “When you first looked into the school for Evanne, did you research social and political views?”

In addition to moving the conversation along, the question also served as a reminder that Keli had been the one to choose the school. If she didn’t agree with their curriculum, the responsibility lay with her.

“It just makes me wonder how closely the principal monitors what his teachers say.” Keli drained the last of her wine. “I can’t be the only parent who has a problem with it…unless Ms. Browne used all of the parent-teacher meetings to charm the fathers like she did you.”

“Ms. Browne and I met prior to the start of school.” It took work not to spit the words out. “Neither of us knew who the other was until the second week of school.”

“I’m done,” Evanne announced.

“Your homework is done?” I asked, grateful for the change of subject.

“Yes.”

“Go brush your teeth and get ready for bed.”

“Daddy, will you read to me tonight? Mommy doesn’t do the voices right forKatie Morag.”

“Of course,mo chride.” I smiled as she skipped off toward her room.

“I swear you bought her that Scottish book just because you knew I couldn’t do the accent.” Keli poured herself another glass of wine and then held out the bottle to me.

“No, thank you.” I had a bottle of Scotch with my name on it for after Keli left.

“Suit yourself,” she said as she took a long drink. “Now, how about you tell me how you met Evanne’s teacher, if it wasn’t at school.”

Shit.

“I don’t see why that’s important.” I kept my voice mild.

“Maybe because I have a right to know more about the woman you had sleepovers with…in the same house where our daughter was sleeping.” Keli’s eyes narrowed. “I seem to recall you grilling me about every man I’ve dated since you.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, “but you already know that Lumen is an elementary teacher and that the relationship is over. Why does it matter where I met her?”

“Why are you being so evasive?” she shot back. “Did you pick her up in some skeezy sex club or something?”

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Lumen and I are done, Keli. Just let it go.”

“Daddy! I’m ready!”

I stood up, and Keli grabbed my hand.