267 Playing It Cool

(Winona)

“Mommy, can you help with my doll’s house after dinner?” Abby asks, her voice innocent and sweet. I smile at her, nodding.

“Of course, Sweetie.”

Jayden catches my eye across the table, and I can see the flicker of something in his gaze. I know him well enough to know that this conversation about Phillip will happen and it probably won’t be easy.

After dinner, I help Abby and tuck her into bed, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. I do the rounds and chat with Bobby and Sarah before saying goodnight. I check back in on Abby. She’s dozed off.

I take a minute to be thankful for her health lately. Her heart checkups have all been great.

I head back to the living room where Jayden’s waiting. He’s sitting on the couch, his arms crossed, his face set in that tight, unreadable expression he uses when he’s pissed but trying not to show it.

I sit down next to him, but there’s a gulf between us. It feels like miles.

“So,” he says, breaking the silence. His voice is calm, too calm. “P