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I would be fronting if I lied and said seeing Destiny so exhilarated, as she walked around showing off her many new possessions with Jacob’s hand resting on the small of her back, didn’t chip away at my soul a bit. Man, it had me lit on the inside.
At one point in my life, my life goal was to share this type of dream home with her. That was when she was my wife…when we were in mutual love. A love I thought we’d recaptured, when we reconnected after Jacob’s crazy ex attacked her. I thought we were on the road to rebuilding our love, while she was healing from her whirlwind infatuation with a white boy. I had no clue this Jacob cat had such a grip on her.
I wrestled with my feelings as she bubbled over with glee maneuvering about their massive estate. My children ran from room to room excited about one thing or another. I felt like a grade A loser, standing on the outside looking in at my family.
I stopped and peered out of an expansive window to allow myself time to bite back the bitterness threatening to rise. If it made it to the surface, I was going to act ignorant. I didn’t want to do that. Not to my children. Not to myself.
I looked to the bright side. The next woman in my life would have the best of me. If I ever found a woman half as special as Destiny, I would never let her go. I would spend my last breath making sure she was living the life of her dreams. I wasn’t billionaire status, but my bank account wasn’t anything to sneeze at. I had everything I needed and more to spoil the right woman.
“So, man, do you want to hang out later? I’m free to do whatever. How about I show you around the city?” Jacob asked later that evening when we were sitting on the patio sipping on a beer.
I had been held hostage by the happy couple most of the day, until Destiny took Montana to the mall and thought it would be a good idea for Jacob and me to bond. I was looking for any viable way out. I turned to see Junior swing the racket and hit a tennis ball against the wall, as he played a game of solitary tennis on the court about fifteen feet away from the patio. Hanging with Junior was the only positive thing about this ‘family day’ fiasco.
“Nah, I’d hate to intrude on you and Destiny’s evening,” I said with a slight tightening of my lips masquerading as a grin. “I’m going to hit a few hot spots up and see what I can get into, solo.” I placed my beer on the glass table, which made a soft clank.
“No, no, Montie. You’re new to my city. You have to let me show you around,” said Jacob. His warm smile had all his teeth showing. Good thing one of us was happy. ‘Cause I felt like smashing something, preferably his big ass silky head.
“I said I’ll be fine on my own!” I snapped.
“Cool,” Jacob said throwing his hands up in neutrality.
I didn’t mean to pop off on him, but I couldn’t think of another way to get him to back down. There was no way I was about to hang out with him.
“Well, if you don’t mind me making a suggestion, I suggest you check out the Lapidus Lounge. Very nice, minimal drama, and high security,” he said.
“That’s probably what it’s going to be then.” I stood to offer Jacob a peace offering in the form of a handshake. “I’ll be back for the party tomorrow at two,” I said.
“Sounds good, man,” Jacob said, standing to his feet, as well. “And, Montie, I’ve been meaning to thank you for being so understanding about Destiny moving here with the kids.”
“Yeah,” I said, but really, what choice did they leave me?
I was past ready to end this conversation at once. I needed a hardcore drink and some major distance from my ex’s perfect little world. It was hard to be happy for them, when I thought about her being mine every day. I was alone. Who was going to keep me warm at night?
Except for the love of my children, who would soon be hundreds of miles away daily, companionship was dang near nonexistent in my life.
“No man, you could’ve caused us a lot of stress through the courts about us moving the kids so far away, but you didn’t. I appreciate the way you handled things,” Jacob said.
“Listen Jacob, like I said in Atlanta, I just want to see my family…well, my son and daughter happy. I know that starts with their mother,” I admitted, although sternly.
“On that we can both agree,” he said, sizing up my intent. “Still, I believe one good turn deserves another. So, if you ever need anything, for your business or otherwise, let me know. I’m here for you.”
“That’s good to know,” I said, doubtful the day would ever come that I would ask him for a damn thing. It was high time this so-called future husband to ex-husband bond ended. “Come here, Junior,” I called my son over to say my goodbyes.
“Are you about to go, Dad?”
“Yeah, your mom texted me a few minutes ago and said she was on her way back and I’ll be back tomorrow,” I told him as I hugged him.
“Okay.” He hugged my neck before running back over to the tennis court.
“Take good care of my family,” I absentmindedly told Jacob as I watched Junior run and play. After all we’d been through, I didn’t doubt that he cared for them. I just felt compelled to say the words aloud.
“It’s already done. You have my word on that,” Jacob replied.
“Good then.” I turned to walk through the house unaware of my surroundings this time. I did not look at any of their high-priced possessions. I just wanted out of there.
I passed the maid, almost bumping into her. She rushed ahead of me to open the front door for me. “Good day, Mr. Brown,” she greeted.
“Uh huh.” I headed down the steps to my rental. I backed out the driveway into oncoming traffic with a deep pain flowing through me, the magnitude I never would have imagined.
