Loving my fake Husband

Party Invitation

❀ Amy ❀

“Are you sure this is, ok?” I asked Lisa as I gathered my belongings.

“Of course, Sammy also leaves this time,” she said, and I frowned. I hadn’t known that Sammy was a single mother as well. “Besides, if it was a problem, the boss would let you know,” she added. I felt a bit better as I waved goodbye and hurried to my car. By the time I got to Willow Creek Elementary, the kids were already pouring out of the school. Parents were lined up in their groups as they waited. I spotted Karen and her little group, and I made sure to avoid even looking their way as I got out of the car. I smoothed my blouse and tossed back my hair as I breathed in the fresh afternoon air. The sun was still warm, but I could feel the chill in the breeze.

“Mommy!” a voice called out, and I recognized it as Eva’s. I eventually spotted her racing toward me and I crouched down to catch her just as she flung herself at me.

“Did you have a good day, kiddo?” I asked as I set her down.

“I did! Do you remember Milly?” Eva questioned as she looked over her shoulder.

“Yes,” I said, and I hated the fact that my whole body tensed up. Before I could come up with some sort of excuse, a little girl came rushing over. She had blonde hair that had been tied into pigtails, and she immediately grabbed Eva’s hand as she bounced excitedly.

“Milly, meet my Mommy,” Eva said rather proudly, and a wave of joy rushed through me.

“Hi, Eva’s Mommy,” Milly greeted with a big smile. Of course, Karen and her little group joined us, and Milly tugged Eva over to meet her Mom, who was Jessica. Karen stood with her son, Lucas, and Tina stood with two kids clutched to her. A round of introductions was made, and my skin itched with irritation. I wanted to leave before someone asked me about Henry.

“You were a bit late today, Amy,” Karen pointed out unnecessarily. “Problems at work?”

“No, not at all…I had to go back since I forgot my purse,” I lied. Karen nodded, but it was clear that she didn’t quite believe me.

"Can Eva come to my birthday party? Please, Mommy?” Milly suddenly questioned as she grabbed onto Jessica’s skirt. A round of excitement had all of the kids looking at Jessica expectedly. She glanced over at me with raised brows.

“We are having a BBQ on Saturday to celebrate her birthday and then the kids are going to have a sleepover…would you and Eva care to join us? If you don’t mind her sleeping over?”

“Can I? Please!” Eva immediately pleaded, and I knew that if I said no, I would be dealing with one very unhappy daughter.

“That sounds great, we would love to come,” I said. Eva and the others squealed excitedly, but all I wanted to do was get the hell out of dodge before someone asked me about my so-called husband. “Thank you for the invite,” I added as I reached out and grabbed Eva’s hand. “Come on, kiddo, we have things to do,” thankfully, no one seemed to question it as I guided Eva to the car.

“We have to get her a gift,” Eva said the second we were in the car.

“Yes,” I agreed. “Any ideas on what she would like?”

“Hmm,” Eva looked out of the window thoughtfully, and I left her to figure that out as I drove us home. By the time we got home, Eva was already listing off a few gift ideas. I didn’t pay much attention as I got started on preparing dinner. She eventually got bored with me and went into the living room to watch some TV. While I was busy in the kitchen, I heard my phone go off. I paused as I waited to see if it was a notification or a phone call. When nothing else happened, I continued with the food. A few minutes later, it went off again. I didn’t want to check who it was, but I also didn’t have a choice. It could be Darren – Eva’s father. I set my knife aside and checked my phone. It was, in fact, Darren.

❀Darren: Hey! Did you guys get to that small town safely? You never did let me know. I don’t need to remind you that I have a right to know.

❀Darren: By the way, you owe me money. I kind of need it, so when you get this, please transfer it to me. Thanks, Amy.

I read and re-read his messages. While he had asked if we had gotten here ok, he hadn’t outright asked about Eva. His only concern was the money I owed him. I took a deep breath and responded.

❀Amy: We got here safely, Darren. Eva is doing well, thank you for asking. You will have to wait for payday. I don’t have the money to pay you right now. Wait two more weeks, Darren.

❀Darren: I need it now, Amy. Can’t you borrow it from your boss or something? I’m desperate.

I wasn’t even surprised by his response and the lack of interest in his daughter. I would have to make a plan if I transferred the money to him. With the upcoming party, Eva wouldn’t be happy if we couldn’t get Milly a gift. I checked my bank balance and cringed. I couldn’t take a loan from my boss, that wasn’t ethical, and I didn’t want him to think I was broke. Thankfully, the kitchen was fully stocked, and we would be just fine for the next two weeks. But that gift. I glanced around the kitchen and my gaze landed on a ceramic bowl set that I could see. I groaned softly as I finally transferred the money to Darren.

❀Amy: I paid it over, Darren. Now I don’t owe you anything. But I hope you remember to pay child support at the end of the month. Eva needs some new clothes.

I stared at my phone for a while, but when my message was left on read for so long, I knew he wasn’t going to reply. I sighed as I set my phone aside and got back to making dinner. If he didn’t pay the child support at the end of the month, I knew I would have to go back to the court to deal with it. I wasn’t in the mood, but I needed the help. I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind and instead took comfort in the cartoons I could hear in the background.

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