Page 12 of Husband to Go
“And you’re Kylie.” Her eyes narrow as she crosses her arms over her sizable chest. She’s trying to be all serious, but it’s hard when your breasts are just about to pop out from the vee of your dress. When I smile, her nose wrinkles.
“What is it?” she asks defensively.
“It’s nothing, just… did you choose that dress?” Her outfit on Friday suited her curves a lot more.
“No,” she says quickly, glancing down. “My mom chose it.” She holds out the hem. “I just wore it, so she wouldn’t get upset.” She drops the skirt of the dress and looks back at me. “But this is isn’t about my outfit. You have a lot of explaining to do, Mister!”
“About what?” I shrug.
Her nostrils flare, and she has to look away from me for a second. I had a wholly different plan when I originally came to talk with her. I was going to tell her it would be a good idea to keep our little indiscretion in the past, and it would be in both of our best interests to keep things civil.
But being this close to her again, I want to be with her again. Why not? As long as we’re careful, nothing should go wrong. Of course, it’s totally amoral, but then again, I’m not known for being a straight shooter.
“You know what I’m talking about. You’remarryingmy mother and two days ago you,” she pauses to take a look around and lowers her voice, “well,wemade love in a club. What’s going on?”
I shoot her a grin.
“First, I didn’t know you were Veronica’s daughter.”
Kylie rolls her eyes and groans.
“Right, but you’re also an engaged man, so explainthat.”
“Kylie,” I start. But there are faint approaching footsteps. I grab the girl and pull her into a nearby bathroom, locking the door behind us. It happens to be a unisex bathroom made for disabled people, so it’s more spacious than the usual public restroom.
“What the?” she resists a little, but I manage to shush her with a hand over her lips. I hold still, waiting to see if whoever it is gets any closer. Meanwhile, she pulls herself away from me.
“What are you doing? Why are you so weird?”
She’s put as much distance between us as possible, even in this small space. Granted, it’s not very far seeing that we’re in a ten by ten white cube.
Taking a step to close the distance, I ask, “Are you okay, Kylie?”
“What do you mean?” Her voice softens.
“You seem angry.”
I take another step forwards.
“That’s because you cheated on my mom.” It sounds like she’s trying to convince herself, and not me.
“Your mom and I have an understanding,” I begin in a slow voice.
“And what is that?” she asks belligerently. I think about telling her, but decide this isn’t the time. There have been enough bombs today already.
“Well?” she demands.
“Listen, let’s just say that Veronica and I have a special type of relationship. It’s atypical, and you wouldn’t believe it if you heard it.”
“Try me,” she says with her bottom lip trembling and her chin jutting out a bit.”
I shake my head.
“Not now, sweetheart. There are a ton of people waiting outside, wondering where we are. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if Veronica sends a search party soon.”
She contemplates my answer and finally nods.
“Well, youarekind of old to be going after college girls.” She crosses her arms again, making a face like she’s one-upped me. That stings, even if I don’t want to admit it.