“That has yet to be discussed,” Stenton informed with a terse tone.
I squinted my eyes at Stenton, who now refused to acknowledge me. Why is he so adamant about not sharing his personal life with his son? It made me livid. I almost wanted to suggest the first weekend for Jordan to stay just to challenge him, but quickly thought against it. I would never sacrifice my child to spite his father. Jordan didn’t deserve that. No child did. I’d just have to find some other way to burn Stenton.
“Okay…” Jenna sang, clearly attempting to move past that humiliating moment.
“Sarah, I found it strange that you’re Zoey’s mother, but Jenna called you to set up this meal. If I didn’t know any better I’d think you’re Stenton’s mom. It gives me the impression that you two are close, and that is odd considering how reticent a man he is.” Maggie shook her head as she forked more pumpkin pie. She paused for seconds before correcting her statement. “The only person I know him to open up to is Jenna, of course.”
“The perception of Sarah being my mother is correct, seeing she’s the closest thing to one,” Stenton muttered while leaning over, wiping Jordan’s mouth.
“Ummmm… Jenna, where’s your restroom?” I asked after pushing back from the table.
~Stenton~
“You okay, Zo?”
She took her time turning to face me. I knew she was angry, and quite honestly didn’t know how to turn this train wreck of a dinner around.
“Why did you allow her to invite us over?” Zoey’s eyes were pink, and I couldn’t tell if it was from being ready to cry or the wine.
“I swear, I didn’t know until after it was done. And then there was no way I would I uninvite Sarah. That would be too confusing for her.”
“Her? What about me? Why do you think it’s not okay to confuse everyone else, but it’s just fine to practice ambiguity with Zoey?”
“That’s not what I endeavor to do with you. Maybe if you would talk to me...let me in, there’d be no ambiguity at all.” I struggled to keep my voice low. “Why can’t we just be friends?”
Then I saw the tears rimming. I saw the rage building. I felt my damn chest tightening. In that moment, I hated myself for bringing her to this point.
“There is no way we can just be friends, Stenton. There is no way I can be friends with someone who’s rejected me over the years, ripped my heart from my chest—”
“Everything all right out here?”
Zoey quickly shifted so her back was to me. I turned to find Maggie stumbling out onto the sun porch, holding onto the wall.
I exhaled while stuffing my hands into my pockets. No, Maggie. I’m only out here trying to salvage the nonexistent relationship I have with my son’s mother, who so happens to be the love of my life. I almost got answers until your drunk ass spilled out here.
“All is well, Maggie. Is Sarah asking for us?”
“I don’t know. I just came from the bathroom. When I didn’t see you and I didn’t see her,” she pointed to the back of Zoey. “I came in search for ya.”
“Welp,” Zoey turned to her. “You found us. And you can clearly see there is more entertainment playing in your drunken head than there is out here with me and my baby’s daddy.” Zoey with that damn sarcastic wit. Then she turned to me. “If it’s okay with you, I’m going to get my family out of here. I think I’ve done enough cooning to earn my next baby’s momma check for the month. Don’t you think so, Stent?”