"Sam, I want to see the kids more often."
"Why?"
"Because I love them."
"Why?"
"Because they're my kids, goddamn it."
"Sorry, but I'm going to need more than that."
"Sam, I'm warning you."
"Or what?"
"Jesus, Sam. All I'm asking is for you to let me see my kids - our kids - a little more. I only see them, what, every other week for a few hours. Supervised."
"You also happen to own a sleazy strip club and date even sleazier strippers."
"Hey," said Allison, looking up from her smart phone. "I used to be a stripper."
I covered the mouthpiece and lowered my voice. "Were you sleazy?"
"Sleazy, no. Good, yes."
I rolled my eyes and uncovered the phone. "So, you see my point, then," I said to Danny.
"I see that you're a controlling bitch."
"As always, nice talking to you, Danny."
"Wait, wait!" he screeched as I made a move to hang up. "Don't hang up. I'm sorry."
I didn't hang up, but I didn't say anything either. I looked out across the outdoor deck. So beautiful. This could have been a resort.
"You there, Sam?"