I sigh as the boy goes in and closes his door. I guess that’s my cue to be the thoughtful, loving mom he’s made me into. I can’t wait until I get Toi delivered to Alvaro. I’m taking my money and finding a sandy beach, clear blue ocean and a tall drink… and best of all—no kids. I’m too damn old to play nursemaid. Before, I had no choice. Marcum didn’t know how good he had it when I was here. He didn’t have to worry about a damn thing. Now he’s getting what he deserves.
I paste a concerned look on my face and open the door. It’s time to go add fuel to the fire. Toi doesn’t know it yet, but her days here with Marcum are definitely numbered.63ToiI look at the plate of blueberry muffins I have in my hand in disgust. This is my second baking-bribery-attempt in a matter of days. This is what I’ve been reduced to. Buying Harley and Desi’s affections. Which would be okay at this point—if it was working, but it’s not. Harley wouldn’t even eat the cookies I made last time.
I stand at their door. I can hear Cherry’s voice from where I’m standing and I want to turn around. I don’t trust her. Marcum says he needs her here to keep an eye on her while we’re on lockdown. The problem is she keeps staying close to Harley and Desi. I want to demand that Marcum stop it, but I know that will come off as petty jealousy and really—I am jealous. Still, I can’t help but feel she’s using the kids. I’m going to have to approach Marcum about it. He actually thought it was a good thing she’s keeping to herself except for the kids. He sees it as proof she’s not behind whatever mess is going on. Men can be so damned blind.
Cherry is trouble. I feel it.
I take a breath, praying my voice holds up. I hate when it doesn’t and Cherry is around. She never misses an opportunity to make me feel less. It’s so weird. Ever since the accident my voice has been doing much better. Part of that is the medicine regimen the doctor put me on, but a bigger part of it I think, is that I’m relaxed and even… happy. I’m trying to strike up the nerve to finish the scans and get the surgery Marcum wants me to have, but he’s agreed to table the discussion while everything is going on with the club.
“Hey. I was wondering if you guys would like some muffins,” I say and my voice sounds way too overly cheerful to my own ears. I look around the room, immediately disappointed because Desi is not here. It would have been good if she was. She’s the one person who likes me and it sure would be good to see a friendly face right now.
Instead, Cherry and Harley turn to look at me. One face is full of hate and one is full of victory.
Both make me very nervous.
“Hello, Toi. I’m afraid this is not a good time.”
“Is something wrong? Harley, honey? Are you okay?”
Harley blinks. His little face is pale and I can tell he’s been crying.
“You’re having a baby!” he accuses and my face goes white.
“What? Who told you that?”
“I heard you. I heard you and Daddy! You’re having a baby!”
“Well… I mean, I don’t know, Harley. We’ve talked about it…” I stutter, not knowing how to handle this.
“You want to replace me and Desi! You want to take my Daddy away!”
“What? Of course I don’t. Harley no one will ever take your Daddy away. He loves you,” I tell him, trying to reassure him.
“I hate you! I don’t want you here! Everything was good until you came!”
He grabs the plate of muffins I have and throws them to the floor. The plate shatters. I immediately get down and start picking up the pieces, not wanting Harley to get hurt.
“Harley, it’s not okay for you to act like this. I know you’re hurt, but you don’t understand,” I tell him, and I curse myself silently because my voice is breaking. Every muscle in my body is tight right now, so it makes sense, but this is the worst time possible for it to happen.
“I understand! I heard Daddy! He’s got to protect his family, his new family!”
“Sweetheart, what’s going on right now, your Dad is trying to protect all of us.”
“He wouldn’t need to if it wasn’t for you!” Harley accuses me and I feel my stomach squeeze when I see Cherry smiling.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m afraid Harley overheard me talking to Babs about the lockdown,” Cherry says.
“What did he overhear?” I ask, knowing it’s bad from the self-satisfied smile on her face.
“She said your dad sent you away to some men for money because he didn’t want you anymore!”