I tug on the back of Liam’s suit jacket. Facing Michael myself, I look him directly in the eyes. His six-foot-one frame is less intimidating now that I have more confidence in myself. Back when we were together, those few inches difference made me feel so small. But not now.

“Aw, can’t fight your own battles Ellis? Need a knight in shining armour to save you?” He pouts mockingly, coming even closer, his scuffed shoes come to stand two feet away when he sneers.

I ignore his statements, focusing on what should matter. “Jack is great, thanks for asking.” My voice is coated in sarcasm. Finally, it comes out as strong as I want it to. My gaze doesn’t waiver from his.

“What?” He coughs, not expecting me to stand on my own two feet. The Ellis he knew would have backed down, submitted to him, but a lot has changed. I have changed.

“Your son was just here, and instead of acting like an adult, you want to throw a tantrum and swear like it will get you anywhere.” My arms cross over my chest, but I’m not hiding from him. I am scolding him like a toddler.

“He is my son, I can act however I want in front of him!” He splutters his words, looking around as though he is only now remembering he is in public. He wanted to put me on the spot, make me feel small, but now that I want to dish it back he’s suddenly worried about his audience.

“What’s his middle name?” My voice gets louder then, every moment that I have struggled being a single mum starts to pour out of me.

“Well…” He is trying to remember, though I don’t think he knows. He has never asked about Jack from the day he kicked me out. Once I got away I didn’t try to reach out, worried he would claw me back to him.

“What size shoe does he wear? What is his teacher’s name? What was his first word?” It seeps out of me now. My words accusatory but I won’t let him get away with this behaviour. He doesn’t get to corner me and act all high and mighty when he knows nothing about our life. Nothing about his own son.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” He whisper-yells now, not wanting everyone to know his pitfalls. Still, anger and resentment are prevalent in his eyes.