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You could see her lifestyle being upgraded once Tobias finally got his break in music. I could even tell they tried their hand at romance for a brief time after Elia was born. But it didn’t stick, because Krista was never the one for Tobias. “I’ve never spoken ill against you or your daughter. You can ask Tobias.We’vebeen best friends for years now, and not one time have I disregarded you or her. But what you won’t do is see me and think you got a leg up because of an unwanted and unplanned baby—”
“Bitch, my child is wanted by—”
“Only you two! You won? Big fucking deal!”
Did I just say that?
I didn’t mean to—not like that, at least.
Truthfully, although Tobias had returned to my life, and very intimately, he’d returned alone. We didn’t see each other much, so I’d only heard about Elia and her mother. I listened without much feedback. Being in his home almost naked, and having them “pop up,” peeled back my real, raw feelings of the trio.
“Yo!” Krista snorted Tobias’ way. “You think this one’s classy? Look at what she’s saying about our child—about me! But this is class to you, Tobe?”
That shit grated at me. “It’s fucking ‘Tobias’ to you! And I am the epitome of class and grace, even for mediocre women like you—”
“Ain’t shit mediocre about me. I work hard and own my own home.”
“Yeah, about that…” I turned to face Tobias, although I was in his tight hold. “Did you ever wonder where her nursing inspiration came from?” I peered over to Krista. “Where are your scrubs? You love showing them off like you’re a real nurse.”
“Bitch, I am a real nurse!”
“Not the one you want to be!” I yelled. “Not the one I am!”
“Yo,” Tobias barked, causing a burst to happen in my mind, and out of nowhere, I caught the wails of a child. “What are you saying, Lennox?”
Elia…
As pretty as she was—as many features as she shared with the love of my life—seeing her was a sore sight for me. She represented what Tobias and I should have had right now. My life could have gone in a different direction had I made simple changes in how I was influenced. I wanted a stable career, loving marriage, and beautiful babies by one man. This man was now soiled with having to care for his daughter, a physical reminder of why I would never be his first.
“What the hell you think she’s saying?” Krista’s hands went to her hips. “She don’t accept your child. Your flesh and blood!”
His head swung to face her with violent speed. “I’m not talking to you,” subterranean voice deep, crisp.
Just when things were perfect. I’d awakened in his bed. Last night, I’d gone to bed with a job prospect and a possible solution to my housing need. I’d made love to this man, had given my soul to him without words. I loved Tobias and wanted to get to a place emotionally where we could finally pursue what was ours.
Elia…
Seeing her this morning dredged up another barrier to what I felt we were owed. And I felt like shit for feeling that way.
One foot in front of the other…
Hang on till the next moment…
Soon, this will be a faded memory…
You won’t break…
You’re built to survive even this…
Before the tears spilled, I twisted out of Tobias’ hold. Then it was my turn to bolt up the stairs, rounding Elia’s little, sobbing body on the way.
ChapterSixteen
Her office was nice. Relaxing, I guessed. Warm, gray walls and a smooth, lavender carpet. Long, ten-feet-tall windows faced a coffee shop on the corner across the street. Against the wall adjacent to the French doorway was a long, white, suede, tuft sofa. Her walls were framed and decorated. Apparently, Lennox’s therapist was a New York Times bestselling author, and aMauveaficionado. There were bottles of it in the brand’s different strengths, placed like trophies in one corner.
Strange...
“Mr. Elliott,” she smiled, looking down at her tablet before returning to meet my eyes. “I’m so thrilled to finally meet you. I know you have a flight to catch in a few hours. Thanks for making time.”
