The days seemto be getting longer as I get more pregnant.
At least, that’s what it feels like.
But tonight, as I turned the key in my car’s ignition, something changed. I wasn’t sure what it was at first. But then it happened again, and I knew I needed to go to Cade.
I needed to see him.
I needed him.
He said he wanted to see me.
I hope he meant it.
Especially now, because the nasty look plastered across Imogen’s face as she opens the door makes it clear that she certainly doesn’t want me here. I guess I need to play nice with Cade’s sister if I ever expect him to deal with the full fucking coven of Kingstons. “Hey, Imogen. Any chance Cade’s home?”
Without saying a word, she steps out of the way to let me walk through the door, and I decide it’s time the shitty attitude she always has when she’s around me comes to an end. So I stop in front of her. “What is your problem with me?” I try to ask it nicely, but I don’t do nice very well. “Have I done something to you I’m unaware of? Because as far as I know, I’ve never mistreated you. But you have no problem being rude to me.”
She forces the door closed behind me. “Not everything is about you, princess. Cade’s on the phone, dealing with bitchy baby mama number one.” She spins on her heel, leaving me to follow her back to the kitchen.
Wait... Am I bitchy baby mama number two?
Because I do not like the sound of that.
When we enter the kitchen, Cade is arguing with someone on the phone. His back is to me, but his voice exposes the anger I can’t see on his face. “You signed a fucking contract, Daria. A legally binding contract. You don’t get to see her. You don’t get to be in her life. And you don’t get any more money.” He practically yells that last part and looks ready to maim someone as he turns his head to catch Imogen motioning for him to keep his voice down.
I’m guessing Daria is saying something on the other end of the phone because Cade’s quiet for a moment.
Then, with more restraint than I expected, he answers whatever she must have said.
His voice is eerily quiet.
Controlled.
Like the calm before the storm. “I wish you wanted to actually be in her life. But unless you’re talking about consistently being in her life, day in, and day out, there’s not a fucking chance in hell I’m letting you anywhere near my daughter.” He pauses for a moment, listening before adding, “You’ll never see another fucking dime from me. So find a new fool to fuck over.”
He slams the phone down onto the counter after disconnecting the call but doesn’t turn around.
He stands with his back to me, his hands hanging by his sides in fists.
Imogen hesitantly speaks up. “Cade...”
The silence that follows is thick enough to choke someone until Cade finally turns around. He doesn’t look at me. Just Imogen. “You called it. She wanted more money. It’s all she’ll ever want. Brynlee deserves better.”
“That fucking nasty twat waffle. She’ll never realize what she’s given up. It’s her loss. Brynlee can’t miss what she never had.” I get that Imogen is trying to make Cade feel better, but she couldn’t be more wrong. You absolutely can miss something you never had. Especially when that thing is a loving, caring mother. I never had what these two have. Our mother used my brothers and me as status pieces, tools to gain favor with our father. She feigned interest when it suited her and ignored us when it didn’t. None of that means I didn’t wish for someone different in my life, someone more like Lenny and Jace’s mom.
I never had that.
But I did miss it.
Either way, I guess I’m not the only one Imogen St. James dislikes.
And... I could have gone forever without putting myself in the same category as Cade’s ex.
I saw photos of them on social media back in the day.
She was beautiful.
She looked so much like Brynlee.