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There it is. I laugh bitterly. “Summer holidays? I'm surprised you even remembered. When was the last time you made an effort to be with her?”
She dares to look offended. “I'm her mother, Jake. Of course, I want to spend time with her.”
I shake my head, not buying it for a second. “Could've fooled me. You're too busy with your new boyfriend to make time for your daughter.”
Natalie's face reddens. “Don't you dare judge me. You have no idea what I've been through.”
I hold up my hands, exasperated. “You're right, I don't, because you won't return my calls or emails. And that's on you.”
Natalie's face twists, fury sparking in her eyes. She lurches forward, jabbing a finger at my chest. “How dare you?—”
“No, how dare you storm into my home making demands,” I cut her off, my voice low and dangerous. “Amber needs stability and consistency, not a part-time mom who only shows up when it's convenient for her.”
“You can’t keep me from my daughter, Jake. Where is she? I’d like to see her.”
“Amber isn't here,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
Natalie's eyes narrow.
“Convenient,” she says, her tone oozing with sarcasm. “So you can play house with your new girlfriend?”
My jaw clenches as Finley tenses beside me. “Enough, Natalie.”
I reach for Finley, but she retreats, hugging herself tighter. “I'm so sorry. Natalie has no right to burst in here or to speak to you that way.”
I sense Finley's distress, the tension emanating from her in waves. It crushes me to see the hurt in her eyes after the incredible night we shared, especially because of Natalie's unexpected intrusion.
Gently, I touch Finley's arm, drawing her attention.
“Why don't you take a shower while I handle this? “I'll be there in a few minutes,” I say, my voice soft and soothing.
Finley hesitates, her green eyes searching mine. I try to convey all my love and reassurance in one look, silently promising I'll take care of everything.
After a moment, she nods.
As Finley leaves the room, I turn to face Natalie, my patience wearing thin.
“What do you want, Natalie? And don't give me some bullshit about wanting to see Amber. You haven't bothered to visit her in over a year.”
Natalie scoffs. “Oh, please. Like you've been the father of the year? Always working, never home. At least I have a life outside of this godforsaken town.”
My temper flares in my chest, hot and bright. “A life? Is that what you call it? Running away with your lover and leaving your daughter behind? Real mother of the year material there, Nat.”
She cringes at the venom in my tone, but I don't care. I’ve put Natalie firmly in the past—she can’t hurt me again.
But for my daughter’s sake, I'm done playing nice. I’m done pretending Natalie’s actions haven't deeply hurt Amber.
How do you explain an adult’s mental health crisis to a young child feeling rejected by her mother?
Amber’s an innocent child thrust into a complex emotional web. I’m doing everything I can to make her feel secure, but it’s likely she’ll need professional help. It’s my first priority once I get full custody.
“You lost the right to show up unannounced when you walked out on us,” I continue, my voice hushed and menacing. “If you want to see Amber, you call first. You make arrangements. You don't barge in here like you still belong.”
Natalie's face twists, anger and something else I can't quite name flashing in her eyes. “I'm her mother. You can't keep her from me.”
That's for the court to decide, but I keep my mouth shut.
“I'm not trying to keep you from her,” I say, exasperated. “But you need to do things the right way—for Amber's sake.”
