Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 602

As soon as the call connected, Tarquin launched into his threat, "If you don't spill the beans, tomorrow I'll let Elysia in on your little secret."

Elliot was speechless. A threat right off the bat—it was clear Tarquin was on edge.

Sensing something was off in his tone, Elliot asked, "First off, why are you so eager to dig up dirt? What does this have to do with Mom?"

Tarquin frowned, hesitated for a moment, then got straight to the point, "What does Elysia see in him, anyway?"

Elliot was taken aback, "Who told you Mom has a thing for him?"

Tarquin shot back, "Why else would she have his kid if she didn’t like him?"

Elliot pursed his lips, "So having a kid with someone automatically means she likes him? Ever heard of just plain parental love?"

Tarquin looked puzzled, "So, you mean, Elysia doesn’t like him?"

Elliot paused for a couple of seconds, "I don’t want to talk about him. If you’re so curious, go ask Mom."

"I have, but she doesn’t want to talk about it."

"Neither do I."

Tarquin, growing curious, pressed, "Did your dad do something unforgivable to Elysia? Why is it that neither of you wants to talk about him? Was he a deadbeat? A total loser?"

Elliot sidestepped the question, "What does Mom liking him have to do with you? Why are you so nosy?"

After a few seconds of silence, Tarquin admitted, "Elysia doesn’t like me!"

There was a mixture of anger, sadness, and a touch of feeling wronged in his voice.

Elliot was momentarily stunned, "Didn’t I tell you ages ago Mom isn’t into you? Are you just now coming to terms with reality?"

Indeed, the harsh truth had only hit him tonight.

Tarquin grunted in frustration, and Elliot bit his lip.

Who cares whether she liked Elliot’s dad or not? He’s out of the picture, and he, Tarquin, is the one right in front of her now!

With this thought, Tarquin’s spirits lifted immensely.

He felt like he’d been given a shot of adrenaline, his mood instantly brightening, "Elliot, you’re a good kid! I’ll buy you something nice someday. Get some sleep."

Hanging up, Tarquin gazed towards Elysia’s room, a twinkle in his eye, love in his heart.

At the very least, Elysia didn’t hate him!

At the very least, he had a fighting chance!

It didn’t matter that she didn’t like him now; there was always the future!

Tarquin’s bruised ego was mended by a few comforting words from his own son.