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“And I’m not answering.”

“I don’t want my kids around that shit.”

“Then tell it to your lawyer.”

I opened the door.

He didn’t move.

“Xay.”

He looked at me.

“You know what fucks me up?”

“I don’t care.”

“I gave you everything.”

I laughed.

“You gave everybody everything apparently.”

His face hardened.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

“Nine fucking years and you can just throw it away.”

“You threw it away.”

“I ain’t leave!”

“No.”

I nodded.

“You just made staying unbearable.”

Silence.

“Goodnight.”

He walked toward the door.

I stepped aside.

But instead of walking out, he stopped directly in front of me.

Too close.

I could smell the liquor on him.

“You think you better than me now?”

“What?”