Page 25 of Creed

Not because I cared what this woman looked like or what she wore.

But because I could hear the hurt and disappointment in Chrissy’s voice, and she’d had enough hurt and disappointment to last a lifetime.

I wanted to do or say something to make it better, so I tried, “Well, sometimes, people dress different than we’re used to, and that’s okay. But was she at least nice?”

Chrissy looked at me then, and there was this flash ofhurtin her eyes that made me want to cry. “She was nice to dad.”

“But not to you guys?”

“She didn’t really talk to us.”

“Well, I’m sure it wasn’t easy for her either. I bet she was nervous and didn’t want to say the wrong thing.”

“Mom, you don’t have to defend her. She was awful.”

“Okay. Give me an example of her being awful.”

“Well, whenever Austin and I were talking and minding our own business, she’d lean over to Dad and whisper something. And then, he’d look at us and tell us to ‘Quiet down,’ or ‘It’s late. Get to bed’ or ‘Get off your phone and be in the moment.’ What does that even mean?”

“Oh, well…”

“Dad told us to come, but they both acted like he really didn’t want us there.”

I was furious with Brian.

I thought he was a complete asshole for not being more thoughtful of his kids. But Chrissy didn’t need to hear that. She loved her father, and she was hurt by his actions. I didn’t need to add to her pain by calling him vile names and telling her how awful I thought he was.

So, I tried to comfort her the best that I could.

“I’m really sorry, sweetheart.” It was hard, but I managed to keep my voice calm and low. “He should’ve told you about her and that she was going to be there this weekend. And she should have been nicer to you both. But regardless of all that, yourfather loves you, and I have no doubt that he wanted you both there.”

“I don’t care if he has a girlfriend.” Chrissy shrugged like she was unbothered, but I could tell by the look in her eyes that she was struggling to keep from crying. “I just didn’t think he’d ever treat us like that… like we don’t matter.”

“Oh, Chrissy. Youdomatter,” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “More than anything. I don’t know what’s going on with him and this new girl, but I do know he loves you. And you know it, too.”

“There’s something else.”

“What?”

“I don’t think she’s all that new.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think he’s been seeing her for a while.”

“Okay. Well, that’s his prerogative.”

“You aren’t getting it.” She crossed her arms. “They were talking about the last fourth of July, and it sounded like they were together.”

“O-kay… Maybe it was for work or something like that.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. I think there was something more to it than that.”

“Well, even if there was, it doesn’t matter. Things with your father and I were over long before then.”

“Yeah, for you. But I didn’t think it was for him.” She lowered her head. “I thought he still loved us… I thought he still wanted us to be a family.”

“Chrissy, you have to know that none of this is about you or Austin. Your father and I adore you both, and we want to be with you as much as we can. Nothing will ever change that.”