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I needed to be away from Kyle for both mine and Paisley’s mental health. Georgia was as good of a place as any. The second my finger hovered over the listing of an abandoned bar that was nestled in the mountains, I knew I’d found a little slice of something I could call our new home.
I patted the top of Paisley’s head, dropping to kiss her. “We’ll video call every night, Paze.”
My hands clasped over hers, and I squeezed it in an effort to comfort her. But the tears continued to flow. I stroked her raven-colored hair, glancing at Kyle.
He was leaning against his Civic, arms folded across his chest. His blond hair was styled perfectly, a pair of sunglasses on, with jeans and a white t-shirt. The indifference he wore was unsettling. Didn’t he care that his only daughter was a bundle of nerves? Didn’t he think he should step in and try to soothe her?
Kyle’s girlfriend, Riley, sat in the passenger seat. She offered me a small wave as I headed toward the car. Meanwhile, Paisley was still attached to my leg, clinging to me for dear life. I hadn’t thought about the detrimental effect our move could have on her. Now all I could do was hope things turned out okay.
I was just thankful that Kyle had his girlfriend with him. If it weren’t for Riley, I wouldn’t get updates on Paisley when she was away. I would be forever grateful for the relationship I maintained with Riley. She was a second mom to Paisley when I couldn’t be there.
“Hey, Paze,” Kyle said, plastering a forced smile on his face. He reached for the small pink backpack I was extending for him.
“She just ate breakfast, so she shouldn’t get too hungry on the ride. Her meds are all there. The refill numbers are on the bottles. You can go to any Walgreens and they’ll have my insurance on file.”
He glanced at the bag, then up back at me. “You didn’t pack me enough meds?”
The disdain in his voice caused me physical illness. It was like being back with him. Living in the apartment we had as teens, with him asking me in a disgusted tone why I hadn’t washed his work clothes.
“She’s running low. It’ll have to be refilled before she’s with me in six weeks, Kyle.” I ran a hand through my hair. The last thing I wanted was to argue with him in front of Paisley. But I swore he lived to get under my skin.
“Say goodbye to Mom, Paze. We have a long drive ahead of us.” Kyle opened the backseat for her to climb in.
Paisley tugged at the hem of my jean shorts. “Mommy. Can you visit me?”
“It’s my time with you, Paisley,” Kyle cut in before I could answer.
I sighed, my broken heart bleeding with tears. I bent down to kiss Paisley on her lips. “Be a good girl for Daddy, okay? You’re going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures. And when you get home, you’ll get to have a few weeks with me before school starts. We can spend the rest of the summer checking out all the beautiful trails.”
The excitement in my voice was there, but it was forced. Because while she was away, I’d be devastatingly broken. Paisley was my other half, and without her, it felt like I was nothing.
“Can we go camping?” Paisley asked, her head peeking up at the excitement of my promise.
“Of course,” I said. “I love you, Sugar Bug.”
“Love you, Mommy.” Paisley wrapped her arms around my neck, squeezing me tightly. She pressed one last kiss to my cheek. Then she climbed into the back seat of Kyle’s car.
I wanted to die. This would be the longest I’d ever been away from my baby. I knew I’d be busy with the bar that I bought on an impulse. But my mind will be on Paisley, and my heart would be missing a piece until she’s back safely in my arms.
Kyle settled Paisley into her booster seat, then shut the door. He turned to me, folding his arms over his chest. “Let’s limit the video calls, okay? She doesn’t need to be on the phone with you every night, Thea.”
I refrained from snarling. I could be the bigger person, could co-parent effectively for Paisley. I just had to push away the hard-feelings we had for each other. It was all for the sake of our daughter.
“She can call me whenever she likes, Kyle,” I said.
“The calls upset her and ruin her mood. Then I have to deal with her sulking. It ruins everyone’s day.” Kyle’s voice peaked as I pushed his buttons.
It frustrated him when I argued. I wasn’t like Riley. Pliant and able to go with his many moods. Maybe that’s why we never worked out. Eh, fuck that. It was definitely why.
“Fine.” I grumble, but don’t push it.
He stared at me a moment, arms still crossed. Then he shook his head and let out a low scoff. “I still can’t fucking believe you moved my daughter away from me. I want you back in Charlotte.”
“The judge granted me permission to move.”
“And I’m challenging it, Thea. You can’t expect me to make this drive all the time.”
“We agreed to meet halfway on weekends. This is an extended trip, and I’m making it up your way to pick her up. Don’t be difficult, Kyle.”
