"Jonas," I started, my voice catching. He didn't deserve this. This trip was supposed to be fun, not this suffocating tension.

"There's plenty of room in my room," Lorraine said, calm but firm.

I stared, surprised. "Are you sure? It's one thing for me, but Jonas…" He was well-behaved, mostly, but still a kid. Tantrums were a possibility.

Jonas's head drooped, the hopeful glint in his eyes betraying his timidity. I couldn't bear it. He should be able to ask for what he wanted without this.

"It's fine," Lorraine said warmly. Her gaze sharpened, fixing on Yvonne. "Mostly because I don't trust certain people."

The jab was subtle, yet sharp, a side of Lorraine I hadn't seen. It startled me, but also warmed me. She didn't have to do this. She could have stayed out of it. But she didn't. Was this…caring? Did she…like me?

Before I could dwell on it, Yvonne lunged. "Mommy!" Jonas's cry snapped me back. I shielded Lorraine from Yvonne's wild swing. The slap landed on my cheek, her nails raking my skin. The sting was nothing compared to the shock.

"What has Jared been teaching you?" I spat, voice trembling. "Slander, now violence? What's next?"

Yvonne's face twisted. "I'm Jonas's mother!" she hissed, voice shaking. "You can't replace me!"

Bitterness consumed her, her anger spilling into the hallway, drawing curious onlookers.

"Yvonne, don't," I said firmly. "When you took Xavier to Jared, did I say anything? No. I've been fair. We're divorced. I can date whoever I want. You can't expect me to be stuck on you forever."

Holding Jonas, I turned away, keeping my voice low. I wouldn't hold back next time.

Back in Lorraine's room, the tension eased. Jonas's presence lightened the mood.

"Maybe you should give Jonas a bath?" Lorraine suggested gently, sensing my unease. She sat on the bed, lost in thought.

"Good idea. Thanks." I'd thanked her a million times, but she just smiled patiently.

In the bathroom, my thoughts spiraled. Was Lorraine just kind, or…? I shook my head too hard, almost making myself dizzy.

Jonas sat in the tub, those heartbreaking eyes on me.

"How was it with Mommy?" I asked softly.

"Mommy didn't really talk to me," he whispered. "Neither did Xavier." He'd been so excited, even feeling guilty about leaving Lorraine. He'd missed her so much. Instead, he'd found indifference.