Chapter 2

I didn't say anything. I just waited.

Brenda sat beside him, nodding like a bobblehead, a smug little smile on her face. She looked like she' d won the lottery. In a way, she thought she had.

"First, household expenses," Kevin said, pointing to a row on the spreadsheet. "Utilities, property tax, internet. We split it right down the middle."

He continued. "And groceries. We need to cut back. Your obsession with organic stuff from PCC is just not sustainable anymore. From now on, it's Safeway. And we split that bill 50/50, too."

I thought about the severance package I'd received. It was more than he made in three years. I didn't say that. I just nodded slowly.

"Okay," I said. My voice was quiet.

He seemed relieved, like he' d expected a fight. The relief made him bolder.

"Good. Glad we're on the same page," he said, scrolling down the spreadsheet. "Now, for the baby expenses."

My heart went cold.

"All pregnancy-related medical costs will be split," he declared. "That means co-pays for your OB-GYN visits, any lab work, the ultrasounds."

He looked me straight in the eye.

"And the hospital delivery bill. We split it. 50/50."

Brenda chimed in, her voice syrupy sweet. "That's only fair, dear. It's both of your baby."

I felt a bitter taste in my mouth.

"And that doula you wanted to hire?" Kevin scoffed. "Absolutely not. That's a thousand-dollar luxury we can't afford. A complete waste of money when my mom is right here to help."

I glanced at Brenda, who was examining her fingernails, looking bored.

Then Kevin delivered the final blow.

"And if, for some reason, you need a C-section," he said, his tone clinical, "the extra cost for the surgery and the longer hospital stay... that's on you. It's your body's issue, so it's your financial responsibility."