Mahari’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”
“Yeah, exactly. He’s going on a five-month tour with some other artists, and some of their dates fall between the time the twins can come to my due date. When I asked if he was going to take leave from the tour during that time, he said no because he wouldn’t get paid the full amount.” Aspen closed her eyes and rubbed her stomach. Her eyes were glossy when she opened them, making her nose red. “I don’t know if I can do it anymore, Mahari.”
“Do what?”
“Be with Lance. I love him, but I’m tired of being second to everything in his life. I really thought he brought me here to work on us, and I was more than willing to see how things would go. It’s only the second day, and this trip has already gone to shit. I just want to go home, move back with my parents, and get through the rest of this pregnancy.”
Everything Aspen said had Mahari temporarily speechless. Lance was selfish. Mahari had picked up on that when they were kids, but to know he was once again choosing his career over Aspen and the twins showed how selfish he truly was. Aspen’s pregnancy had been one of the most vulnerable times in her life, one where she needed Lance the most, and he continuously dropped the ball.
If Aspen was going to end things with him, Mahari wouldn’t blame her. He would pick up the pieces as he had been, but deep down, he didn’t think she would go through with it. They’d hadthis conversation before, and somehow, Lance would find a way to change Aspen’s mind. Mahari wanted to have hope in her that she’d stick it through this time, but only time would tell.
Mahari held his palms out for Aspen. Once she took them, he kissed the back of her hands. “You know I’m behind you with whatever you decide, Bunny. I hate this trip and your relationship isn’t going how you deserve it to go.”
“It’s not your fault. I’m sorry for being an asshole toward you. I need to apologize to Lavender too. Earlier, I kind of snapped on her when she was only trying to check on me.”
“We try not to take it personal. We know you’re not yourself.”
Biting down on her bottom lip, Aspen rapidly blinked. “I’m not, and it sucks. I know it’s out of my control, so I try not to beat myself up over it, but it’s hard. Outside of my parents and brother, y’all are the only two who have been here for me. Pushing y’all away is the last thing I want to do, so I’ll do better by keeping myself in check.”
“That’s the last thing you need to be worried about. Lavender and I have tough skin. We know you better than anyone. All you need to focus on is keeping yourself and the twins healthy while focusing on school. No extra stress is needed or necessary.”
“Tell your cousin that.”
“I’ve tried, believe me. He’s hardheaded and stubborn, but he’ll eventually learn.”
“Well, it’ll be for the next woman because I’m done, Mahari. I mean it.”
The finality in Aspen’s tone almost had Mahari convinced she was serious.
Out the corner of his eye, Mahari could see Lance approaching them. His attention reverted to Aspen who was mugging Lance. When Lance made it to them, Mahari excused himself and started back toward the villa. The sound of Aspen’svoice calling out to him stopped him in his tracks. He glanced over his shoulder, and Aspen held up a finger.
While Mahari didn’t particularly care to be around while they talked, he wasn’t going to leave Aspen when she needed him, so he stood off to the side and people watched.
Off in the distance, he saw a couple talking and laughing. Heaven crossed his mind, and he smiled. The beach was her favorite place to go. Mahari remembered when they first started hanging out how she would complain about how long it had been since she’d been to the beach and needed her skin kissed by the sun. It helped him come up with the perfect idea.
When he was confident that he wanted to take the next step to being official, Mahari took her on a surprise trip to the beach to ask Heaven to be his girlfriend. After that, the beach became their anniversary spot, and it was where he proposed as well. He couldn’t help but to think their baby would’ve been a beach baby too.
The sound of Aspen’s voice raising brought Mahari back to reality. He looked over to see her mouth going a mile a minute along with her hands. Restraint held Mahari back until Lance stepped in her personal space with his finger in her face. Mahari reached them within seconds, placing himself in between them.
With his glare resting on Lance, Mahari instructed, “Take a walk.”
“Mane, if you don’t get out my face with that bullshit, Mahari. As you can see, we’re talking.”
“And you can talk without being all in her face. I know for a fact Auntie and Unc raised you better than that. If you can’t get your point across without pointing and shit, you need to calm down and try again later.”
Lance tossed his arms in the air, took a step back, and thumbed his nose. He stepped to the side to get a better view of Aspen and expressed, “It’s all good. I ain’t got shit else to say toher ungrateful ass. After I’ve provided the best life for her, she wants to end it all over nothing. If that’s what she wants, then I’ll give it to her. Don’t come crawling back to me when you realize your mother won’t be able to provide for you the way I have.”
“Oh, please! See, Lance. That’s your problem. You think everything is about money when it’s not. I’ve been crying out to you for over a year about spending time with me, but it goes in one ear and out the other. You think I don’t want that? You think I’m like these bitches you be entertaining who are only in your face because of your money? If you do, then you truly don’t know me,” Aspen explained. Her voice trembled with each word she spoke, and Mahari sensed she was on the verge of breaking down.
“I’ll have the private jet waiting for you. The movers will be packing your stuff up by the time you land back in the states. I wish you nothing but the best, Aspen.”
With that, Lance walked off without looking back. Mahari couldn’t believe Lance didn’t even try to fight for his relationship. Then again, he never did.
Mahari turned around to examine Aspen. She stood there, tears cascading down her cheeks as she watched Lance walk away. Her head swayed from side to side as she said, “He never cared. His reaction shows it, and his words tell me. I can’t believe I allowed him to waste my time and energy for four years.”
“Don’t think of it as wasted because in the end, the two of you created two lives. I think y’all need time to cool off before sitting down to talk again.”
“I have nothing else to say to him, Mahari.”
