Page 7 of Grumpmas

I walked away from my ex without a glance back in his direction and hoped that this time, he’d get the hint. I wasn’t interested in a reunion with a man who’d never respected me, let alone our child, in the first place. That was clear as soon as he’d had sex with another woman. He put his ego first, turned our lives upside down, and left me to pick up the pieces of his awful mess.

Logan acted as if he were a single man with no remorse, only lame apologies. Actions spoke louder than words, and my beautiful little girl deserved a wonderful father figure in her life. Not an absent or part-time parent.

Cool it, Noelle. Stay calm for Faith.

As I neared Logan’s car, I took a few deep breaths and plastered on a smile for my child. I opened the backseat door, and my heart swelled as Faith’s sweet, innocent voice sang off tune to the song blasting through the speakers. I giggled, leaned into the vehicle, and kissed her cheek.

“I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.” I tapped the tip of her nose with my index finger. “Daddy’s going to take you out for a bite to eat.”

“Okay, Mommy.” Faith beamed up at me and put on her seat belt. “Love you.”

Good. I taught Faith well. Safety first.

“Love you, too.” I closed the door.

My smile faded when my daughter was no longer watching. My once-expanding heart deflated as soon as I stepped back from Logan’s car and let him take over. I hated lettingFaith go, but she had to spend time with her father. As much as I wanted to protect her and keep her with me, I couldn’t.

Instead, I waved goodbye to Faith as Logan sped away and probably didn’t follow the speed limit. I cursed that idiot until he turned the corner and was out of sight. Damn him.

A throat cleared. “Is everything alright?”

Oh, great. It was Jack. The nosy neighbor who couldn’t mind his own business.

“Why do you care?” I shot back.

Too harsh?

Yeah.

But did Jack deserve my nasty attitude?

Yeah.

My dad’s best friend needed to butt out.

Jack grumbled under his breath. I couldn’t make out the words and didn’t give a shit. He went back to unwind a string of green lights, turning his attention away from me and leaving me curious.

I let a few moments pass while he hummed and hawed, fighting with the festive electrical strand.

“I noticed you have more decorations than last year, Jack. Is something wrong?” I questioned.

“Everything is fine. Why do you care?” Jack snapped.

Sarcastic ass.

I ignored his terrible attitude.

“Are you sure?” I put my hands on my chest. “Got a heart attack coming along?”

Jack cursed. I grinned. We both went back to decorating. My house, with classic cheer, and his, with a grumpy spirit.

Yeah, old man. I can play dirty too.May the best house win this holiday season.

FIVE

Party Pooper

Noelle