Page 44

Chapter forty-three

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Charlie

I stare into my coffee, stirring it in slow circles, but it does nothing to ease the mess in my head. Guilt sits heavy in my stomach, each sip of caffeine only adding to the jitters since last night.

Zoe’s perched on the edge of her seat across from me, coffee in hand, one eyebrow arched like she’s ready to pounce. There’s a smirk on her lips, but her eyes are sharp and too perceptive.

“Charlie, stop,” she says, leaning forward. “You’ve been stirring that coffee like a cauldron for five minutes. I’m about to go find you a black cat and broomstick, but you’re way too pretty for a wart.”

I try to smile, but it doesn’t quite land. No energy for a comeback. I drop the spoon, my fingers tightening around the cup instead.

Her eyes narrow as she takes a slow sip of her own coffee. “Alright, what’s going on? You’ve been stuck in your head since you walked through the door.”

I sigh, glancing out the window like it might hold answers. The coffee’s warm scent fills the air, but all I can taste is the guilt lodged in my throat.

“Jake left this morning,” I mutter.

Zoe nods. “Yeah, I know that. It’s a week. You two are disgustingly obsessed with each other, but you'll survive. You’ve gone longer without seeing him.”

I shake my head, biting my lip. “It’s not that. We had a huge fight last night… and I said something real ly stupid.”

She leans back, surveying me closely. “Define stupid. Like ‘ I don’t like your hair ’ stupid or ‘ I made out with my ex ’ stupid?”

I frown. “Why would a comment about hair cause a massive fight?”

“They’re all obsessed with their hair.”

I laugh weakly, but it’s hollow, and the weight in my chest doesn’t lift. “Well, thank God it wasn’t that.”

She grins, but she doesn’t continue the joke. Instead, she tilts her head, studying me. “What happened?”

I hesitate, my fingers tightening around my cup. “I told him maybe I should go back to New Zealand. For good. Because I’m scared of what Alex might pull with the custody stuff.” I feel the shame creep up my neck. “And then when he protested that, I told him he didn’t understand because he doesn’t have kids.”

Zoe’s eyes widen. “Jesus. You really went for the jugular, huh?”

The guilt presses down again. “Yeah.”

She’s quiet for a second, then leans in, her elbows resting on the table. “Why would you say that?”

“I don’t know. I panicked,” I admit, rubbing my temples as the tension knots tighter. “I didn’t mean it, Zoe. It just… came out.”

Zoe’s gaze softens, but there’s a seriousness in her tone when she speaks. “I get it. Alex has you on edge, and you feel cornered. But Jake’s crazy about you. Don’t spiral over one fight.”

“I know,” I say quietly, “but Alex is such a nightmare to deal with. The idea of a custody battle, of losing the kids, it feels like too much. Like maybe leaving would be easier than—”

“Easier for who?” Zoe cuts in. “You? The kids? Jake?”

I pause, running a hand through my hair. “I didn’t mean it like that. But now I think Jake believes I’m not serious about staying. Or about him.”

Zoe stays quiet for a moment, letting the words hang between us. Then she asks, “ Are you?”

I swallow hard, blinking back the sting in my eyes. The emotions have been flooding through me in waves—fear, guil t, regret—they’re all tangled together and I can’t separate one from the other. But there’s no doubt when it comes to my love for Jake.

He’s never wavered, never given me a reason to doubt him. And I’ve let fear take over, let Alex and my insecurities twist everything until I couldn’t see straight. But running isn’t the answer. It never was.

My voice is husky when I nod my reply. “I love him so much it hurts.”

Zoe’s expression softens, and she leans back again, nodding like she’s waiting for me to finish.

I think back to the night under the stars all those years ago—when we promised to chase our dreams, to follow our paths. Back then, it seemed like the universe was pulling us in different directions. But now I realize that Jake is my path. He’s my home. And I was stupid enough to let fear almost pull me off course.

What if he doesn’t want me anymore?

The thought sends a fresh wave of panic through me. Deep down, I know Jake. I know how much he loves me. But what I said last night—it’s a wound, and it’ll take time to heal. He needs space, and I need to figure out how to show him that I’m all in, too.

I can’t lose Jake. Not because of fear, and definitely not because of Alex.

“I panicked,” I say again, the words heavy. “What if Jake doesn’t want me after this?”

Zoe snorts, setting down her cup with a clink. “Girl, you’ve got to be kidding me. Jake’s not walking away because of one stupid argument.”

“I told him I might leave,” I remind her. “I threw New Zealand in his face, Zoe.”

She purses her lips and nods. “Okay, so you freaked out. You’re human! And we all know Alex is an A-grade asshole, the custody stuff is no joke. But Jake? He’s been obsessed with you since the second you two reconnected.”

I glance out my office window again, watching a couple stroll by below, bundled up against the cold. Their easy laughter feels like a world away from the mess I’ve made.

“That’s the thing,” I say. “Jake’s been perfect. He’s patient, supportive, and he loves the kids li ke they’re his own. And then I go and drop the ' I might leave ’ bomb on him like an idiot.”

Zoe narrows her eyes, but there’s no judgment. “You didn’t drop a bomb, you just showed him you’re scared. And honestly? Jake’s not Alex. He’s not going to punish you for freaking out. If anything, he’ll get it.”

“He’s gone for a whole fucking week. I don’t think I can cope with not speaking to him for that long.”

She scoffs, giving me a knowing look. “You two can’t go five hours without texting each other. He’ll probably FaceTime you between every damn period just to mark his territory.”

I let out a small laugh. She’s right. Jake always checks in, no matter where he is. He makes me feel like I’m never far from his mind.

“I hope so.”

Zoe stands, hands on her hips. “Here’s what’s going to happen. Get through the day, make your pre-planning your bitch. And when Jake calls, which he will, you’ll talk to him like a normal person. No overthinking every damn thing. Okay?”

My shoulders rise as I take in a deep breath, the tension loosening just a fraction. “Okay.”

She smirks, leaning down to grab her cup, eyes twinkling mischievously. “And hey, look on the bright side—makeup sex is the universe’s way of rewarding all that tension. Might as well make the most of it.”

I can’t help the laugh that bursts out of me. “You’re incorrigible.”

Zoe gives me a wink before turning toward the door. “That’s why you love me, babe.”

***

The office buzzes, but I can’t focus. My eyes keep drifting to the no tes for Friday’s client meeting, but the words blur. All I can think about is last night’s fight, the tension lingering like a shadow.

My phone buzzes beside me, the screen lighting up with a new message. I grab it, hoping it’s him.

Jake: How’s your day?

A familiar tightness twists in me. He’s checking in, but the words feel heavy. Measured. He’s still hurt, and even though we’re both pretending, everything’s not fine.

Me: Busy. Trying to stay focused for the meeting on Friday.

I set the phone down, but the guilt lingers. This meeting is supposed to be my moment, my chance to prove myself. But all I can think about is Jake—the hurt in his eyes when I threw leaving Denver in his face. The silence that followed.

Jake: You’ve got this. I know it.

Tears burn the back of my eyes. His belief in me is so certain, but I can’t shake the fear gnawing at me—that I might lose him because of my own panic.

Me: Thanks. How’s practice?

Jake: Good. Missing you.

I stare at the screen, heart sinking. I miss him too, but I don’t know how to bridge this gap between us. Our fight hangs unresolved, and every text feels like we’re dancing around it.

Me: Miss you, too. Wish we could talk.

The dots appear, then disappear again. The tension builds as I wait for his reply.

Jake: We will. Once I’m back.

I close my eyes. He doesn’t want to talk about it over the phone. He’s holding off, waiting until we’re face-to-face. I understand, but it doesn’t make the weight any easier to carry.

My phone buzzes again, but this time it’s not Jake. Alex’s name flashes on the screen, and my stomach clenches.

Alex: I’ll come for dinner Thursday. Need to see the kids.

Of course. Alex, swoops in and invites himself over, like having a family dinner with him doesn’t sound like the worst fucking thing in the world right now. I grit my teeth. Jake’s halfway across the country, and I’m just trying to hold everything together.

Me: Thursday works.

I send the message before I can overthink it, knowing it’s going to be a disaster. Alex always manages to insert himself when things feel too fragile to handle. But I have no choice. I need to show I’m being reasonable about letting him see the kids.

The stress gnaws at me as I pick up my coffee, the warmth doing little to settle my nerves. I’m stretched too thin. Between Jake, Alex, and the kids, I feel like I’m trying to balance a hundred spinning plates, and I’m terrified they’re all going to crash down around me.

A thought hits me: I need backup for Thursday. If I do this solo, Alex will pull his usual bullshit. I quickly pull up a new message to Zoe.

Me: Mayday. Alex invited himself over for dinner on Thursday. Can you come? Please?

I hit send and stare at the screen, tapping my fingers against the desk. It only takes Zoe a few seconds to reply.

Zoe: Mayday? Babe, I’m offended you think I wouldn’t be there to run interference. I'll be there with bells on. Wine too. And a tranquilizer gun for Alex.

A laugh escapes me before I even realize it, and I type back quickly.

Me: If you have one, bring it. You’ll need it more than I do.

Zoe: I’m booking in for a fresh set of claws just for him. Thursday it is.

I exhale, feeling a tiny bit lighter knowing that Zoe will be there. She lives for any opportunity to knock him down a peg, stripping his ego to shreds with a smile on her face.

I roll my shoulders, focusing back on my computer screen. This day can’t end soon enough.

** *

I’m exhausted. It’s been the longest day, and all I want to do is sleep for a hundred years—or at least until Friday when Jake gets home. As I settle into bed, my phone buzzes. This time, it’s not a text. It’s Jake, video calling me.

I hesitate for a second, my heart racing as I swipe to answer. His face fills the screen, and even through a phone, seeing him makes my chest ache.

“Hey,” he says, his voice carrying a familiar longing, like he’s been thinking about me all day.

“Hey.” I try to smile, but my throat’s dry. His hair’s still damp from a shower, and the sight of him looking so good makes the distance between us feel vast.

“You okay?” he asks, eyes scanning my face like he’s studying a battle report.

I nod, but it’s weak. “Yeah. Just… work stuff. Kids stuff. You know.”

“Uh-huh.” He doesn’t buy it. “And Alex? He sniffing around?”

I sigh, shifting under the covers. “He’s coming Thursday for dinner.”

He pauses, like he’s collecting himself. “Why?”

“The kids need to see him, I can’t just block him from seeing them…” I shrug. It’s a tough position, but I can’t not let him see his own kids. Especially when he’s throwing custody threats around.

Jake sucks his bottom lip into his mouth, like he wants to say more but is holding back. “Make sure Zoe’s there.”

I snort. “Yeah, already organized. She’s sharpening her claws as we speak.”

A small smile tugs at his lips. “Good. She’ll keep him in line.”

“I hope so.” My voice is softer than I intend, and I see the way his expression tightens. He knows there are things I want to say, but he doesn’t push. Not tonight.

“I miss you,” he says. “Wish I was there with you right now.”

I nod, blinking back the tears that threaten. “Me too.”

There’s a pause, and for a second I wonder if he’s going to bring up the fight. But he doesn’t. Instead h e watches me, his gaze steady and warm, and even though we’re miles apart it feels like he’s right here with me.

“Get some sleep, Charlie girl,” he says gently. “We’ll talk when I’m back.”

I nod again, my heart twisting with the weight of everything I want to say. “I love you.”

“Love you too, always.” His expression softens, lips curving into that crooked smile.

The words wrap around the hollow ache, soothing it just enough to make it bearable.

“Night,” I whisper, my voice barely steady.

“Night, beautiful.”

***

Thursday arrives too quickly, and tension hits the second Alex walks in. Meadow bounces on the couch, clutching her unicorn, while Noah watches us all, gauging the mood.

“Hey, Lottie,” Alex says with a cocky grin, strolling in like he has some claim on this place. My spine stiffens at the nickname, but I force myself to smile for the kids’ sake.

Behind me, Zoe steps into the foyer at the perfect moment. Alex’s face shifts, irritation flashing. She’s the one person who’s always seen through his bullshit.

“Well, if it isn’t Mr Biannual Visits himself!” Zoe coos, all teeth. “How’s the world’s most involved father doing?”

Alex’s smile tightens as he steps into the kitchen, smugness flickering under Zoe’s sharp tongue. “Zoe,” he says with forced politeness. “Always such a pleasure.”

“Oh, the pleasure is mine,” Zoe replies, her eyes flicking to the kids, who are oblivious to the daggers being exchanged. She gives Meadow a wink. “Excited for dinner with your dad, sweetie? Such a rare treat!”

“Yeah!” Meadow beams, clutching her unicorn. “Daddy’s staying for dinner!”

“Of course,” Ale x replies, but his eyes spear Zoe as he straightens his cuffs. “So what brings you to dinner? Thought this was just a family thing.”

Zoe settles into a dining chair like it’s her throne. “Oh, you know me. I’m like the aunt you never wanted but got anyway. Couldn’t resist the chance to see you again.”

I bite back a smile. Alex expected me to struggle through this dinner, but Zoe’s presence makes him visibly uncomfortable, and it’s glorious.

We all sit, and Alex slides right into his routine, acting like he’s been here all along. The kids chatter about the party Meadow’s been invited to, oblivious to the tension beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Zoe sips her wine like it’s ammunition, trading barbs with Alex whenever the kids aren’t watching.

“So, how’s the presentation prep going?” Zoe asks me, pointedly ignoring Alex.

“It’s getting there,” I say, pushing food around my plate. “Trying not to let everything else distract me.”

Alex smirks, catching the dig. “Feeling the pressure, Lottie? Kids, work, all on your own—must be a lot.”

Before I can reply, Zoe cuts in. “Oh please, Charlie doesn’t drop the ball with her kids. Work’s never been an excuse for her. Besides, she has Jake.”

The name drops like a bomb. Alex’s smirk falters for a split second before he recovers, his tone dripping with mock disinterest. “Ah yes, the hockey player . Such a stable choice.”

“Funny,” Zoe drawls, swirling her wine. “That’s what we all said about you.”

Alex exchanges a glare with her. “Still, even Lottie has her limits."

Her glass pauses mid-sip. “It’s Charlie now,” she says, tone sharp as a blade.

“Oh, did I miss the rebrand? Old habits die hard, I suppose.” He shrugs.

Zoe leans toward me as she stage-whispers, “Some things need to die harder than others.”

I stifle a laugh, but Noah looks up, curious. Zoe quickly redirects, “Noah, how’s that new LEGO set Jake got you?”

Noah lights up, launching into an excited description. I shoot Zoe a grateful look while Alex seethes silently.

My phone buzzes, and my heart lifts at Jake’s name. I answer, and his face fills the screen, tired but smilin g warmly.

“Hey, babe.” He grins and the flutter in my stomach is immediate.

Babe. He’s never called me that before, and I don’t need to guess why he’s chosen now. Even with tension between us, he’s staking his claim in earshot of Alex.

I smile back. “Hey. We’re just finishing dinner.”

Jake’s grin widens when I tilt my phone toward the kids. “Hey, munchkins! How’s dinner?”

Meadow waves excitedly. “Hi, Jake! We had chicken and potatoes!”

Noah tugs at his Storm jersey. “Jake! Look! I’m wearing the jersey you got me!”

Jake chuckles. “Looks awesome, buddy.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Alex’s jaw tightening. The tension creeps back in.

“I’ll be right back,” I say quickly, standing up. “Zoe, can you—?”

Zoe waves me off. “Go, have your lovey-dovey moment.” She winks, turning her attention back to Alex, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

I step into the hallway, pulling the door behind me. Jake’s face fills the screen again, eyes roaming my face like he’s searching for cracks.

“How’s everything going?” he asks. “How’s he being?”

I glance back toward the dining room. “He’s being Alex,” I reply, trying to keep it light.

His jaw ticks. “I hate that he’s there.”

“I know,” I murmur, feeling the weight of his absence. “I hate it, too.”

Before Jake can respond, Zoe’s voice floats through from the dining room, dripping sarcasm. “So, Alex, what are your plans for the rest of the week? More disappearing acts ?”

Jake’s lips twitch with amusement. “Zoe giving him hell?”

“Just a little.”

“Good. He deserves it.”

“I should get back,” I say reluctantly.

“Okay,” he pauses, eyes sliding down my face. “I miss you. I miss the kids.”

“We miss you, too,” I whisper, blinking back the emotions rising up.

“We’ll talk more when I’m back,” Jake says. “Gonna figure this out together, okay?”

I nod, holding it together. There’s another pause, the weight of our unresolved argument lingering.

“I love you,” he adds, voice soft—a reminder of what we still have.

My voice barely holds steady. “Love you, too.”

When I return to the table, Alex looks like a storm cloud, and Zoe looks smug, lounging back in her chair like a queen.

“Everything good?” I ask, slipping back into my seat.

“ Peachy ,” Zoe says sweetly, her eyes glinting. “Just catching Alex up on all the time he’s missed.”

“How’s Jake?” Alex asks with thinly veiled sarcasm.

“He’s great,” I reply, my tone clipped.

Zoe doesn’t miss a beat. “Jake's always great.”

Alex glowers, but doesn’t rise to the bait. He ignores Zoe and turns to me. “So I’ll pick Noah up from school tomorrow, since you haven’t organized anyone else.”

I freeze, caught off guard. I glance at Zoe, who’s already eyeing Alex like she’s about to pounce, but she says nothing. I realize I haven’t arranged any other option. Between my meeting, Nina taking Meadow to her party, Jake out of town and Zoe away on business tomorrow, there’s no-one else.

I want to say no. I want to tell Alex to fuck off and stop playing pretend dad . Stop trying to catch me out for this twisted custody case he’s trying to build. But I have no choice. I swallow the anger, forcing a calm.

“Fine,” I say, swallowing my anger. “But don’t be late. I’ve got my presentation, and I don’t need any more stress.”

“Relax, Lottie,” he says, smirking like he’s already won. “I’ve got it under control.”

Zoe’s eyes nearly roll out of her head, but she bites her tongue, taking a deliberate sip of wine.

Once the kids are excused, Zoe helps me clear the table while Alex leans back in his chair, scrolling through his phone like he owns the place.

“So, Alex,” Zoe continues to stack plates as she speaks. “What’s it like pretending to care? Exhausting , or does it come naturally now?”

Alex lowers his phone, his smirk icy. “You’ve always had such a way with words, Zoe.”

She shrugs, unbothered. “Oh, I try. But you know me—I’m all about the truth. And the truth is it must be tough to keep up appearances when you’re barely in the picture. Lucky for you, Jake’s here to pick up the slack.”

Alex’s fingers grip his glass like he’s picturing hurling it at her. His nostrils flare, but he keeps his voice smooth. “I’m their father. No one is holding it together for me.”

“Right,” Zoe says, voice dripping with mock sympathy. “You’re their father... when it’s convenient.”

“Zoe,” I interject softly, but she’s already locked in.

“Relax, Charlie,” she says, not taking her eyes off Alex. “Just clearing up a few things. Like how dropping by now and then doesn’t magically make you dad of the year. Turns out, parenting is a full-time gig.”

Alex rises slowly, shoulder squaring as he steps toward her, deliberately invading her space. “This isn’t any of your business.”

“Oh, it absolutely is,” Zoe shoots back, unfazed. She tilts her head, voice almost sweet. “See, Charlie’s my best friend. Which means when you waltz in here with your fake concern and manipulative bullshit, it becomes my business. And spoiler alert—I’m really good at calling it out.”

His jaw ticks, but the smirk remains. “You’re such a bitch, you know that?”

She takes a slow sip of her wine, savoring it like she has all the time in the world. Her smile is slow and dangerous as she takes another deliberate step closer.

Daring him.

“Oh honey, if I’m a bitch, it’s because men like you have made me one. And guess what? I’ve gotten really fucking good at that, too.”

“You’re unbelievable,” he sneers.

“And you’re predictable,” Zoe sighs, casting an unimpressed glance at her freshly manicured nails. Like he's barely worth the effort. “But hey, don’t worry—the kids are thriving . Jake’s a fantastic role model. They’re lucky to have someone who actually shows up.”

Alex’s grip on his glass tightens, and with a loud clink, he sets it down harder than necessary.

I step between them, my hands raised. “Alright, that’s enough.”

Alex mutters something under his breath and storms out to say goodbye to the kids .

Zoe snorts, watching him leave. “He’s such a bag of dicks.”

I nod, but my thoughts are already miles away—on Jake, and how he’ll react when I tell him Alex is picking Noah up. I hate this.