Page 86 of Spending Forever With You

He huffed then cocked his head to the side, squinting before responding.

“No, it doesn’t matter. Consider the story dead just like the Rowe piece. I trust this source more, if you say it’s dead and wrong, then that’s what it is. Even if I think that Rowe one was juicy as hell.”

I chuckled as I got up to head out.

“Take care, Omar.”

“You too, Hollis. Hold up, wait, when the baby comes, can we get the exclusive?”

I shook my head, not even turning to acknowledge him because the answer would be no. I made my way to my desk to pack up the few things I had there. The condo had truly become my work space over the last couple of months.

“Damn, so you’re leaving?” Mariah peeked up at me with a somber expression that had me poking my bottom lip out to match the sad vibes as I packed the last picture of Callie, Cami, and me.

“Yeah. It’s time.”

“Ugh, it won’t be the same. Who else am I going to gossip with now?”

“Me, duh. It’ll just be over the phone or lunch or something, heffa. I’m still going to be your damn friend.”

She smiled then we shared a laugh.

“Oh duh, but still, it won’t be the same. I’m going to miss you being here.”

“Me too,” I said as she walked over, giving me a hug.

Mariah just didn’t know I would be calling her ass as soon as I figured out this whole magazine thing because I wanted her on the team.

I did one final sweep of my area, then grabbed the single box to make my way to my condo while I thought about my next move.

If someone had told me six months ago that my life would’ve done a one-eighty this fast, I would’ve bet their asses were lying.

Yet, here I was, remarried…no, recommitted to Luke and pregnant with his baby, having just left the only big girl job I ever had, all in a matter of four months.

Life was moving fast and I was scared, but my reason for trusting it all had my phone vibrating with a message.

Deke: Just thinking about you and the baby before I hit the field. I love y’all.

My smile was wide as I hit reply.

Me: We love you too, Deke. Good luck on your game.

The sound of the doorbell had me popping out of my sleep on the couch to see who was here. With Luke doing another away series this week, and me now jobless, I hated to admit it but I spent a lot of my time right here taking naps or at Lacy’s house eating good and playing with Ali while my uncle was busy working.

When the doorbell rang again, I yelled as I was inches from the door.

“I’m coming!” I made sure my tone was light since I didn’t know who it was. I swung open the door to both Kay and Skyla, who I didn’t know were coming together.

“Hey cuz, it took you long enough. You good in here?” Kay asked, immediately making her way inside, not waiting for me to welcome her in.

“Yeah, I’m good. I was taking a nap, Kay. Hey, Skyla. Please excuse her, you can come in too. I’m afraid you caught Luke during one of his weeks away,” I said as she walked past.

“Oh, it’s okay, I can still deliver the letter. Are things still going well?”

I frowned slightly because we were never buddy-buddy. Hell, to be honest, Luke mostly handled her.

“Um… things are good,” I answered while she pulled out two envelopes.

“Good. Well, that’s it. I will see you guys next month.” I accepted both as Skyla turned to leave. I made my way to the kitchen, going for a bottled water while Kay sat at the island devouring a burger and fries from BJ’s I didn’t notice she’d carried in.