This is my first story submission. Hope you enjoy it. Feedback welcome.
*****
"I'll give you a ride out. I'm going to Target anyway," I say.
My ex is here to pick up our son. His truck broke down last night but he's made good on his promise to visit with him, taking advantage of the last few months before Jamie goes off to college.
I can't believe we have an almost-college kid! Evan and I got pregnant and married right out of high school, but we just couldn't make it work as a family. We divorced when Jamie was 3 and my parents helped me get back on my feet. Eventually, I completed a 2 year degree at a community college and now run a small bakery. Evan worked his way up from electrician to contractor. It was hard but we both had to do a lot of growing up in a very short time.
Because of our mutual love for our son, we've remained friends, albeit more acquaintances than the intimate relationship we had when we were young. We even stayed in the same town. Neither of us has remarried. I've dated here and there but was generally too busy to get serious. Evan, on the other hand, has been dating his current girlfriend for a couple of years now.
Jamie has his father's height and stocky build and my olive coloring, brown hair and eyes. I've always had custody, but Evan has been a strong presence in Jamie's life, attending school plays and soccer games and sending child support like clockwork. They built a solid relationship on their love for Legos, sports and food. Now that Jamie's older they act more like buddies than father and son. Jamie turns 18 in a soon but even so I know his dad is still going to come and hang out with him. He's a decent father, even if he wasn't ready to be husband to me.
"Help yourself to some cookies on the counter while you're waiting," I add, calling over my shoulder.
Jamie was in his room, the faint boom-boom of his too loud music escaping from his closed bedroom door. I bang on it to make sure he hears me.
"Honey? Dad's here!" I shout through the door. I hear a muffled, "Okay!" as I walk past Jamie's room and into mine.