Page 8 of Echoes of Obsession
“No, everything is not okay, Amara. My wife can’t understand a single thing Zoe is saying.”
“And what is it that you expect me to do about that, Ray?” Snow asks, her frustration clear. “It’s her own fault for not learning…”
“It’s your fault,” the man screams. I tighten my hands on the steering wheel and remind myself that it’s none of my business.
“You’re the reason she’s like this,” he continues. “She would be normal if you didn’t cause her issues.”
It takes everything I have not to look over at her when I hear a small sniff.
“I know it’s my fault,” she tells him. “But it’s not my fault that your wife won’t even try to communicate with Zoe. Hell, you won’t even learn how.”
“Because it’s fucking stupid, Amara,” the man yells. “It makes me look like a damn lunatic. Listen, I’m bringing her back to you early. We need some alone time.”
“You just spent two weeks without seeing your daughter, and you want to bring her back after a single day?” she says hotly.
“I’ll be there in five minutes,” the man says.
Snow huffs out a breath before leaning her head back against the seat.
“Your ex sounds like a dick,” I say.
“Pretty much hit the nail on the head,” she responds. “I’m so sorry. Man, I’m just killing it tonight, huh?”
“Don’t worry about it, Snow. We won’t make it to your apartment in five minutes, though. Might want to let dick face know it will be closer to ten.”
“Yeah,” she sighs, sending the text. “This is going to break Zoe’s heart. She was looking forward to spending some time with her dad. She’s going to be confused and sad. I really need to find a way to hide the fact that I’m so exhausted tonight. I don’t want her thinking both of her parents push her to the side.”
We spend the remaining trip in silence. When we reach the complex, Snow shows me where to park, and we’re greeted by a pissed-off skinny man in a suit.
“Really, Amara?” the man yells as soon as Snow steps out of the car. “You can’t even be responsible enough to be home for your daughter?”
I look around and wonder if I could get away with murder right now. It’s dark, and I’m sure most of the people around here are in bed. I bet Knox could make any proof disappear.
“I’m not even going to justify that with an answer,” Snow says with an even tone.
“Who the fuck is that?” he asks as I move to stand behind Snow and cross my arms over my chest.
I could snap this man like a toothpick in seconds flat. Surely, he can see that.
“He’s a friend, Ray. Where’s Zoe?”
“Really, Amara? You can’t keep your legs closed for the sake of our daughter? You’re going to confuse her by whoring yourself out to men.”
It takes a lot to remain calm when every fiber of my being wants to shoot this asshole between the eyes.
“My life is of no concern to you,” Snow tells him. “And need I remind you that you married the woman you were cheating on me with one month after you left. Then told Zoe to call her mommy. I really think you need to get your priorities straight before you start judging me.”
The man takes a threatening step towards Snow, and I simply shake my head.
Try me, mother fucker.
“She’s on your doorstep,” he says, turning and walking away.
“You left a nine-year-old girl sitting outside in the middle of the night alone?” Snow shrieks before rushing away.
“I’ll be back to get her Friday.”
I follow Sky and Snow as they lead us towards the middle of the complex.