“You love her?” Betty asked me around a mouthful of pizza. It really wasn't something I enjoyed looking at but her question demanded my full attention.
“Yes, ma'am,” I replied with all honesty.
“Bit soon ain’t it?”
“Not really.”
“I say it is.”
“That’s a matter of opinion.”
“My opinion is something people value.”
“Again, that's a matter of opinion.”
“You got a death wish, child?”
“Depends who's asking.”
“We gonna do this all night?” She eyeballed me. Actually eyeballed me. She’d probably take me in a fight. That had me backing down from her.
“No, ma’am,” I politely answered her.
“Less with the ma’am shit. Don't know how old you lot think I am but I ain't ready for the grave just yet.”
“Sorry. No, Betty. I don't want to do this all night. I just wanted to sit here until Willow had finished putting Kaylee to bed, then I shall be discussing her phone call with Rob. I need to know she's alright after everything that's happened, with seeing him earlier and now speaking to him on the phone.”
Dropping her last slice of pizza she met my gaze. “What happened earlier? I’d have asked Willow but she's been out all evening. Went out with a hooligan who's moved in across the road. Don't quite like him much but he sure is pretty.” She winked at me and I ignored her, refusing to play along.
“She messaged me saying she was heading over to her old house to get some things but you saw how he acted here the other day. I was worried that she’d run into him so I panicked. That’s why I called you to get her address. I shot over there like a bat out of hell. When I arrived he was being his usual dick self, spouting off some shit about her not getting a penny. I lost my temper and threatened him.”
“Did you hurt him?” The gleam in her eye had me shrinking back into my seat. Yeah Betty would definitely take me down in a fight.
“I grabbed him around the throat so I’m hoping I hurt the fucker!” I said vehemently.
“Good man. I knew there was a reason I liked you,” she cackled.
Willow entered the room and my eyes tracked her every movement. She came to sit beside me. I lifted my arm and pulled into my embrace. I wanted her close to me, no I needed her close to me.
“So, Jesse’s been filling me in on what happened earlier. We better get the ball rolling on the divorce proceedings,” Betty advised Willow. I nodded my head in agreement. The sooner that shit started the better.
“Care to fill us in about the phone call Kaylee mentioned to pretty boy?” She pointed a finger in my direction.
“Pretty boy?” I spluttered. “I’m manly! Nothing but manliness.”
Reaching over, she patted my knee condescendingly. “You tell yourself whatever helps you to get through the day, pretty boy.”
Willow hid her laughter behind her hand and I shot her a glare that promised retribution the next time we were alone.
“Back to the phone call,” I said, steering the conversation away from the topic of me being manly. My ego had taken enough of a bashing for one night.
“Kaylee asked to speak to her dad so I called him. He was an utter asshole on the phone. It sounded like he didn't want to speak to her; like he didn’t have the time for her. He got all shouty and I didn't want him to speak to Kaylee when he’s in that mood so I hung up the phone on him. I will wait for him to get in touch now where it concerns the children. I’m done with him.” She cuddled closer to me, seeking comfort that I was all too willing to provide.
“Fuck him, sweetheart. You and the kids don't need that bullshit in your life.” Betty voiced her own thoughts as usual. “Want me to kneecap him?”
“Jesus, Nan. I’m cancelling the cable. You're getting far too many bad ideas from those mafia shows you're addicted to!”
Willow tried to tell her off but it fell on deaf ears. Betty wouldn’t change and if we were all honest with ourselves we wouldn't want her to.
“It’s an option if all else fails, that’s all I'm suggesting!”
“Well it won't be happening!”
“Shame! Little shit has it coming.”
“Ladies, can we get back to the matter at hand. On Saturday Travis and I will go get the last of the kids’ things from the house. Then the three of you can concentrate on moving forward with our help.” I shot Betty a look before I continued. “Positive help. You should call around to a few law firms, get a lawyer on board and divorce the cheating asshole. You start your new job on Monday. Everything is looking good, sweetheart. It's all heading in the right direction, Willow.” I kissed her forehead lightly letting her know I’d be there for her every step of the way.