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the morning, it suddenly popped into her mind to toss him out.  She'd never so much as considered it before.  But she felt she was rapidly approaching the end of what she'd accept from him.
    "Here's the deal, Z.  I knew you were going to get fired.  So I went out and got a job.  I start in the morning."
    Zander's jaw dropped and he stared blinking at her.  He raked his fingers through his hair and began to pace, slamming his beer down on an end table so hard, she was surprised it didn't break.  "A job?  Jesus, Mary Jane.  Thought I'd been pretty clear on where I stand on this."
    She shook her head.  "Sorry, but enough is enough, Zander.  I'm tired of struggling.  Tired of moving.  Tired of all of it.  One of us has to be responsible.  Guess it's going to me."
    He strode to her so quickly that he was in her face in an instant.  "Hey, it's not my fault there's nobody to work for in this fuckin' town but shit heads," he growled.
    An alarm bell began sounding in her mind.  She didn't like him so close to her when he acted like this.  However, she was so angry she'd crossed over the line of caring about his delicate feelings.  She rolled her eyes.  "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it a million times before.  I'm done with your excuses, Zander.  And I need a little more help from you now that I'll be working.  You can't go run the bars on weeknights anymore.  I agreed to work Monday through Saturday, and I go in at five in the morning.  That means you'll have to get the kids up and take them to daycare and hopefully you'll find a new job soon.  The daycare will take the boys to school, so they'll only be there for a few minutes, and I'll be off in plenty of time to still pick them up each day."
    Zander straightened and stood back from her slightly, staring down at her with a snarling mouth and flaring nostrils.  Then, he completely surprised her by bursting into tears.
    His knees seemed to buckle and he sunk onto the couch.  He leaned forward and buried his face in his hands, weeping bitterly.  Her hard heart softened slightly.  But at the same time, she'd seen this routine before as well.  She wasn't sure she was buying it, but at least it was better than anger and yelling.
    "I'm such a fuck up," Zander moaned.
    That was her cue to comfort and coddle him, usually.  However, she simply didn't have it in her that day.  In the past, she'd never failed to stroke his ego and make him feel better about himself, but not this time.  She'd adored the years she spent at home with her children, and now it was being stripped from her.  She was beyond angry.
    "You know what, Zander; give it a rest, alright?"
    His head snapped up at her and he stared open mouthed into her face.  All the anger was completely gone from his expression then, and replaced by hurt.  Her face on the other hand, was stony and bitter as she met his gaze.
    "I'm just over it," she muttered.  "This is how it's going to be now, and if you don't like it, then just get out."
    She spun on her heel and stalked out the back door, forgetting about preparing snacks for the kids.
    ***
    At five in the morning, Mary Jane dragged herself to Zander's truck, dreading going to work.  She knew what to expect from her day at the old diner, which was nice.  But getting up so early and being on her feet all day was going to take some getting used to.  She knew she'd be exhausted that afternoon.
    After they'd avoided each other for several hours the evening prior, they both finally settled down enough to sort out a new routine.  She had been surprised that after she'd for once had the strength to put her foot down, he was cooperative.  He switched to coffee and sobered up, and they'd agreed to switch vehicles in the morning so he could transport the kids to daycare.  Then he promised to go out job hunting and return the van to her after she got off work. 
    "Maybe after I find something, you'll quit?" he'd asked her hopefully.
    She stared out the kitchen