Free The Ex-Wife by Candice Dow Page B

everyone’s attention, except Dad. He continued, “And she’s always enjoyed traveling. Even as a kid. She’s
     been all over the world.”
    “Daddy, I have not been all over the world.”
    “I’ll put it to you like this, she goes everywhere she wants to go.”
    “I do not. There are many places I’d love to go that I’ve never been.”
    Dad said, “Like where?”
    “I’ve always wanted to cruise the Mediterranean.”
    “See what I mean, son, she’s fluid. That’s why I was always unsure if she should buy anything, but I think this place is perfect
     for her.”
    “I’m glad you think so, Daddy.”
    He nodded seriously. “I do.”
    My mother stood up. “Ayana, did you get any trash bags?”
    “Yeah, I did.”
    I rummaged through the Target bags and pulled them out. “Here, Mom.”
    While she began to straighten up the place, Aaliyah took her chance to quiz Cameron. “So have you been a Realtor long?”
    “Yup, almost fifteen years.”
    “That must be cool.”
    “Yeah, it has its ups and downs.”
    Aaliyah started cleaning the girls’ mess. Cam asked, “How old are your girls?”
    “Three and four.”
    “Yeah, that’s a fun age.”
    Mom asked, “Do you have kids?”
    “Yes, one son, he’s eight.”
    My mother nodded. “OK.”
    Shortly after, Aaliyah and my parents left, leaving Cam and me alone. Cam opened the manila envelope he had been carrying
     when he entered and handed me some documents. Leaning his elbow on the ledge of my bar counter, he said, “Ayana, these are
     the court documents. My divorce is final.”
    I was at a loss for words. I wasn’t sure how I should respond. Divorce papers wouldn’t instantly change the personality of
     his ex-wife.
    He said, “I’m putting myself out there. Say something. Don’t just look at me like I’m crazy.”
    “I’m sorry, Cam. I don’t know what you expect me to say.”
    “Say that maybe you’d be willing to go out with me again.”
    “And your ex-wife, how did she handle the decision?”
    “My ex-wife is a very peculiar person. She doesn’t want to be with me and I don’t want to be with her. She treats people and
     relationships like objects. It’s all about ownership with her. It has nothing to do with anything else.”
    “I understand, but I’m not sure I can risk everything I’ve built by dating a man with an impulsive, manipulative ex-wife—someone
     who will do anything to have her way.”
    He obviously sensed my confusion and saw through the words exiting my mouth as he leaned in to kiss me. I didn’t resist. I
     wished I had the strength to push him away but I was breathless in his embrace. When he let me go, I wasn’t sure what I wanted
     to do. He said, “Ayana, I dig you.”
    “I understand, but—”
    “Don’t let one little obstacle stop this.”
    His eyes were so sincere and I knew that I could make a mistake. I was conflicted. Should I take the risk? Should I ask him
     to leave? He swept my hair behind my ear and chills ran through my body. I said, “OK, Cam.”
    He lifted my chin and kissed me. “Thanks.”
    “I don’t believe I just agreed to this.”
    “Are you fluid or what?”
    I laughed. “That’s what my dad said. I never told you that.”
    “But you did tell me that no one knows you like your dad.”
    “I did.”
    He walked over to open the bottle of champagne, so I backed up. The cork popped and bubbles spilled out. He poured some into
     my plastic cup and then some into his. We both sipped as he opened up the fruit arrangement. He pulled out a pineapple by
     the stick and put it up to my lips. I took a bite and juice squirted out and down the corner of my mouth. I went to wipe it
     off but Cam moved my hand and kissed it off. I turned my head in the direction of his mouth and kissed him, slowly. It felt
     warm and sensual. He laid the pineapple down on the counter and wrapped his arm around me as we continued to kiss. My legs
     were weak and if Cam hadn’t been holding me I would have