“Seriously, we don’t need year passes.” I shake my head, and Sally’s eyes meet mine. She blinks like she can’t believe I’m not agreeing with whatever Zach says.
“You’re living here now. I take the boat out at least once a week. I’m sure Hunter’d like to go out fishing more than this once.” He nods to Sally, and with that, she turns, leaving me standing there with my mouth gaping open while she goes to the computer. “Besides, it’s cheaper.”
“This is…” I pause, trying to think of what this is. “This is crazy, Zach.”
“Why?” He frowns, and I pull in a breath, wondering if I need to spell it out for him. I mean, we dated, had a kid together, and haven’t spoken in fifteen years. Is there really anything I need to say? “I feel like the situation kind of speaks for itself.”
Running his fingers through his hair he pins me in place with a look I haven’t seen in fifteen years. “We have a past, Shel. We also have a connection that no one else will ever understand,” he says quietly and my stomach knots.
“Mom, did you know a box of Twinkies costs almost eight dollars here?” Hunter asks, breaking into the moment and cutting off the words that are sitting on the tip of my tongue.
“Everything costs more here, honey,” I explain, turning to face him as Aubrey and Steven walk up behind him, each with arms full of junk food.
“Why?” Hunter frowns.
“Everything has to be shipped or flown in, so they raise the price to make up for that.”
“But… eight dollars?” His nose scrunches up and his brows snap together. “That’s a total rip off,” he practically shouts, making me laugh and Zach chuckle.
“So you don’t want me to buy them for you?” I ask, and his eyes drop to the box of Twinkies in his hands—one of his favorite treats—before coming back to mine, looking conflicted.
“They better be the best Twinkies in the whole world,” he says quietly, almost to himself, and Steven, who I haven’t seen smile once, shows off a grin that looks just like his father’s used to.
“Here you go. You can pay for these when you check out.” Sally beams—again—handing Zach our fishing licenses and not me, making me roll my eyes.
“Thanks, Sally.”
“Sure thing.” She blushes, this time darker than before.
“Let’s go,” Zach mutters, placing his hand on my lower back and leading me toward the registers, with the kids heading the way. I try with everything in me to ignore the feeling of his hand on me as we walk, but it’s all I can focus on.
“Hey, Mom.” Pulling my attention from Zach’s hand, I look up thinking Hunter is calling me, but instead, I find Tina walking toward us with a scowl on her face that is directed at me.
Seriously, this is not what I need.
“Seriously? Not even a week!” she shouts, looking between Zach and me. “Not even a fucking week,” she repeats once she’s closer, and I automatically stop.
“Tina.” Zach steps in front of me, blocking her from my sight.
“I should have known. I should have known this was going to happen!” she yells, and I move closer to the kids, not wanting them anywhere near her right now.
“Mom,” Hunter whispers, moving in so close that his arm brushes mine.
“Not here,” Zach growls, blocking Tina when she tries to get past him.
“Not here? Then where, Zach?” she hollers, making Aubrey jump and whimper.
“Come on, guys. Drop your stuff and let’s go wait outside,” I say softly, while moving the kids toward the checkout counter farthest from Tina and Zach.
“Do not fucking tell my kids what to do!” Tina shouts, leaning around Zach and pointing her finger at me.
“Tone it down, Tina.”
“Fuck you, Zach. Your ex-girlfriend comes back, and suddenly you’re traipsing around town with her and our kids? I do not fucking think so.”
“Mom,” Hunter says quietly, and my stomach pitches when I see the look in his eyes.
“Honey.” I reach out for him, but he takes a step away from me.
“I’m taking you back to court, asshole,” Tina continues loudly, while my heart cracks open. “Steven’s already said he wants to move in with me, and when I tell the judge about how you gave up you and that bitch’s kid fifteen years ago, who do you think he will choose then?” She’s shouts at the top of her lungs, shoving Zach in the chest. Whimpering I, take a step back, not believing she just said that with the kids and a group of at least ten people watching.
“Dad,” Aubrey whispers, as Zach barks, “Outside now.”
But it’s too late. The damage is done.
“One warning, Tina. That’s all I’m giving you before I call in Arney. Don’t think I won’t have you arrested,” he whispers low, getting in her face.
Seeing them distracted, I move toward the kids and say quietly, “Guys, set your stuff down.” They each hurry and do as I instructed them to do then I lead them out of the store without looking back.
“Do you guys want to wait for your dad, or do you want to walk with Hunter and me back to the house?” I ask once we’re in the parking lot, and Aubrey looks at her brother, waiting for him to make the decision.
“We’ll wait for our Dad,” Steven says, and I nod, giving them a shaky smile.
“I’m gonna take Hunter home. Stay near your dad’s truck until he gets out, okay?”