Tough Cookies (New Year New Me 1)

“That was a terrible idea anyway, wasn’t it?”

“It was.” But my heart still aches at the loss.

She bites her lip. “We need to clean up and get set up for tonight.”

I lower my arms and step back, cursing the universe’s timing. We sweep and vacuum, clearing the mess, and I set up the lighting and cameras.

“I’m going to take the garbage out and put a new bag in, so we don’t get buried in garbage once we start cooking.”

“I’m almost done here. We can get started when you come back. People were really excited to see how well the Gem pan will look. Some even sent me photos of their own heirloom cooking ware.”

“I love that. History fascinates me.” She gives me a genuine smile, and my stomach lurches. Two more weeks and I can go after her full stop.

I adjust the camera’s height and set out everything we’ll need, fully aware that her daughter has a bedtime she needs to keep.

“Is he here?”

“What are you doing? You have no right to just show up here.”

“I do when you’re exposing my daughter to your very public affair.”

“First of all, Clem isn’t here, and you have a funny way of wording things. I am single. I can date whoever the hell I want.” Her voice raises in anger, and I tense.

“Damnit. You think this is going to get back at me? You’re making yourself look like a fool.”

I was done when he swore at her. Leaving my equipment behind, I stalk outside and find the Car King himself. My jaw tightens.

“Is there a problem?”

“Look at him, walking out like he owns the place.”

“We’re filming a session. Why are you even here? Clem is with Jordan right now, so you can go. I don’t expose our daughter to strange men I’m not sure will stick around.”

“Low blow.”

“Honest statement,” she counters.

Jackson gives me a once over. “This is your rebound.”

She shakes her head. “Go away, Jackson, back to your blonde, your new home, and your new life. There’s nothing for you here.”

“Nothing?” He steps forward, and I tense. “You sure?” He trails his fingers down her face, and I see red.

Shoving him back, I step in front of her. “She said it was time for you to leave.”

“What? You’re going to knead me to death?” Jackson mocks.

“No, I’m going to watch you get back into your car and drive away, so we can finish the evening we had planned. You’re the interloper here.” I stare him down.

“I’m her husband and the father of her child. I will always have a place with Tilda.”

“Ex,” she yells. “And don’t call me that.”

“Do you know you two are on Buzzfeed? Buzzfeed, Matilda! Guess your plans for the quiet life are shot, huh? Makes you look silly for not making it work with me.” There’s a wealth of pain in his words. Whatever he says, he’s not over his ex-wife at all.

“That was the least of our problems. Good-bye, Jackson.” She turns her head away.

“Fine. I know when I’m not wanted. If this starts to affect Clem, we’re going to have a problem.”