I hated how obvious it sounded once another person said it aloud.
Gregory had never ordered me to stop speaking to Christopher. He had been smarter than that.
He had simply made every conversation about Christopher feel dangerous.
If Christopher asked about Abigail’s schedule, Gregory said he was collecting evidence against me.
If Christopher offered to cover a school expense, Gregory said he was trying to prove I could not provide for our daughter.
If Christopher called twice because I missed the first call, Gregory called it harassment.
Little by little, I had begun showing Gregory everything.
My custody messages.
My bills.
My work schedule.
Even the documents connected to the apartment.
I had mistaken access for intimacy.
Christopher handed my phone back.
“What exactly have you signed since Gregory moved in?”
“Nothing about the apartment.”
“Anything at all?”
I thought about it.
A delivery authorization when I was at work.
