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CHAPTER 17
Mia
“SO HOW DID it go?” I ask Cece about her meeting with Mike as I take a seat on the couch in a windowed room next to the kitchen with the phone to my ear. The kittens immediately start fighting at my feet, making me smile.
“It went all right,” she says, sounding tired.
“Just all right?”
“Well, he was defensive when I brought up the amount of time he spends with the girls, and he threw it in my face that he has to work to pay all the bills.”
“Seriously?” I don’t even attempt to hide my annoyance.
“Are you really surprised by that?” She sighs. “I told him that I have to work too and that if it weren’t for you being here, I don’t know what I would do.”
“You would have made it work,” I tell her gently, and I know she would have. It might not have been easy, but she would have found a way to do it all. That, or she would have been forced to talk to Mike.
“I wouldn’t have, Mia, and you and I both know I was drowning, and he didn’t even notice.”
I hear tears in her voice, and my throat gets tight. “Please don’t cry.”
“I’m not going to cry. The girls and I are in a good spot, and with me getting a new job and the house going on the market soon, we will be even better off.”
“New job?” I frown. I knew a realtor came to check out the house yesterday and start the paperwork, and knew he told her that the break-in might have been a blessing, because fresh paint and updates always help with a quick sale. But I didn’t know about a new job.
“This afternoon, I applied at a café in town, and they offered me a job. The pay is a little less than I was making at Winston’s, but with tips, it should even out. And it’s days, so I’ll be home with the girls in the evenings, and I can just move my online classes to nights and do my schoolwork while they’re in bed.”
“Cece, you don’t have to—”
“Mia, I love you, and I’m so thankful for you. But honestly, I can’t expect you to help me until I finish school. I know you’re not moving with us into the apartment, so it wouldn’t be fair of me to expect you to take care of my girls when they have two parents that are capable of looking after them.” I listen to her take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You were right about Mike. He needs to start doing his part, and I’m going to start holding him accountable, because the girls and I both deserve that from him.”
“Still, I want you to know I’m here no matter what, even if I’m not living with you.” The reminder makes me realize I’m going to have to do some soul searching. I know I want to live with Talon; I just don’t know if it’s too soon. Then again, it would be stupid to get into a lease somewhere and buy furniture and stuff just to leave it to sit because I’m staying here all the time.
“I know that.” Her statement brings me out of my thoughts. “But I want… no, I need to do this. I need to know I can take care of my girls. I want them to see their parents, even if they aren’t together, putting their differences aside to make sure they’re happy.”
“I want that for you all too.”
“I know you do, and even if the conversation started off on a bad note, Mike did end up agreeing that he would try to be around more. So now, all I can do is wait to see what happens with him.”
“Does Winston know you’re quitting?” I ask, hoping Mike does step up like he needs to.
“Yeah, and he understands, even if he doesn’t like it. And honestly, I couldn’t work there and see him every day. There’s just too much that’s happened between us.”
“I get that, Cece, and I really think it’s healthier for you that you don’t work there anymore.”
“I know,” she says as I hear the front door open, which means Talon is home. And even though I just saw him a couple hours ago when I stopped by Cece’s to take him and the guys dinner, I’ve missed him since I left his presence. “I’m just going to miss seeing him.”
My eyes slide closed and my heart hurts for her, because I understand that feeling, even if my emotions aren’t clouded with pain. “I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“Me too,” she whispers back. “What’s your plan for tomorrow evening? Mom was asking about getting together for dinner with you and Talon.”
“Umm.” I open my eyes when I hear Talon enter the kitchen, and I smile as he stops to give Retro and Mercury some love. Of course, my easygoing girls have settled in at his place without any issues, and they even seem to enjoy the company of Soma and the kittens. “Talon just got home. Let me ask him.”
