Chapter 40

"I'm back," I said.

A sweet voice interrupted. "And this is...?" Lorraine asked, her usual politeness a thin veil. Yvonne's unease was palpable.

"My ex-wife," I replied flatly.

"Hi," Yvonne said, her tone dripping sarcasm. "Fast work, haven't been idle, have you?"

"No," I shot back, my boarding pass held high. I turned and walked away, ignoring her calls. I couldn't believe she'd followed us.

Later, I glanced at Lorraine, holding Xavier. "That's a surprise," I said. She'd never cared for the kids alone before. "Did this count as a drop in her quality of life?" I mused, remembering how I wouldn't let her lift a mop.

"I have to learn," she said defensively.

"Gotta keep up appearances, right? Especially since Jared likes stay-at-home moms," I mocked, enjoying her discomfort.

Lorraine intervened. "Chaps, let's go." She took my arm, pulling me away. I glanced back; Yvonne stood frozen, pale and conflicted.

"If you want him, go get him," Xavier said quietly.

Yvonne ruffled his hair. "No, it's not worth it. He's got Jared. Why risk everything?"

Fate, or perhaps Yvonne's persistence, landed us with seats uncomfortably near hers. The rift between Xavier and me remained. He glanced at me, a fleeting connection before we looked away.

Half an hour later, I dozed. Xavier stirred, muttering, "So noisy!" Jonas, pale and quiet, didn't complain. Traveling with a kid was easier than I’d expected.

"Daddy, is Mommy joining us?" Jonas asked, his voice uncertain.

"She's not—"

"Would you like me to join you?" Yvonne cut me off.

"Yes," Jonas whispered. The poor kid just wanted his family together.

"We don't exactly welcome uninvited guests," I said pointedly. "Jared might be okay with you tagging along, but we're not." Lorraine watched intently.

I patted Jonas. "Be a good boy. Close your eyes."

"Okay," Jonas mumbled, already drifting off.

Later, I leaned toward Yvonne. "You do remember you're with Jared, right? Maybe don't stick so close."

Chapter 41