Page 45 of Love Delayed
“So you’re just going to take your mother’s side without even listening to mine? I knew she’d tear us apart. You’re a typical momma’s boy––a fucking puppet on a string when it comes to her,” she said through her tears.
“My mother? What the fuck are you talking about?” I asked, utterly confused. “This has nothing to do with my mother. Are you serious right now?”
This bitch ispregnant with another man’s child, and she’s talkingabout my mother. Unfuckin’believable!
“Marcus, please don’t play dumb with me. I know your mother told you some bullshit, but it’s all lies, baby. I love you, and I’d never do anything to hurt you. She is lying. Marcus, listen to me. We’re going to have a baby. Please don’t let her rip our family apart.”
Curious, I asked, “What is my mother lying about, Eli?”
I wanted to know everything that I didn’t already know.
“Everything. She came to my store yesterday saying someone told her that I was still with Rush, and she did some investigating and found out this and that. But none of it is true, I swear. This is your baby. I know you remember when the condom broke, right? That had to be when I got pregnant. I love you, Marcus. Don’t let your mother ruin this beautiful thing we have together,” she cried.
I slowly stood up.Now I have to gut punch dat ass.
“As I was saying before, we are done. Keep the ring, and good luck with your bundle. I know before the night of our engagement party, I had never been with you without the plastic. That I know without a doubt. I never want to see your lying ass again, Eliana,” I snarled, my facial expression resembling my tone. “Oh, and newsflash, I haven’t seen or talked to my mother.”
Her face froze, and her hands slowly covered her mouth.
“I saw it with my own eyes yesterday morning. When you ignored my calls, I headed to your place because I thought you were still upset about the meeting with Zamora, but no, you were busy entertaining your man Rush.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she opened her mouth to say something in her defense, but I didn’t give her the opportunity.
“No!” I barked, holding up a finger and aiming it at her tear-stained face. “You don’t get to say another damn word to me. I watched him pull out of your garage, get out of his vehicle, and kiss you goodbye. And that smile you gave him? It made me ill to my stomach. I’ve never seen you smile so brightly for me. There is nothing else you can say to me. Take care of yourself, Eli, and good luck with your situation,” I spat and left the room.
After leaving the hospital, my next stop would be my parents’ house. My mother had some explaining to do.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Zamora
When my alarm sounded, I wanted to throw it across the room, but there was work to be done. So, no sleeping in for me. After going to the bathroom to relieve my bladder, I headed to the kitchen to start the coffeemaker. I asked Alexa to play smooth jazz as I started my day. Then, grabbing my cell phone and throw blanket, I headed outside with my coffee to take in the gorgeous view of downtown Chicago. I saw I had received a few texts after unlocking my phone––one from Evan, Zaria, and the new guy Jayden. I read Evan’s text first.
Evan:I know you’re upset, but looking at your things was not healthy for me. So, I put your belongings in storage. I’ll give you the key and location when you’re ready to get them.
It was good to know he hadn’t resorted to being a total asshole during our divorce, but he was still an asshole, nonetheless.
Zaria:What’s up, sis? Did you fuck Marcus yet? Hell, or any dick? Girl, go and get you some for old time’s sake.
I shook my head and chuckled before closing out her text and moving on to the next.
Jayden:Good morning, beautiful. I was wondering if you would have dinner with me tonight. Would love to have your company. Let me know if you’re free. I’ll even let you pick the place.
After giving it some thought, I figured what the hell and texted him back.
Me:Good morning. Dinner sounds good. There’s a great restaurant downtown inside the Royalty Inn & Suites. If eight o’clock is good, I can meet you there.
I then texted him the address to make sure he wouldn’t have trouble finding it. I suggested the hotel’s restaurant for dinner since I knew the food would not disappoint. Plus, I would feel comfortable and safe in my own environment. That was important to me, especially since it was our first date.
Once I finished my coffee, I dressed and headed out. The staff greeted me as I made my way through the lobby to go outside and wait for the valet to pull up with my car. Hotel living wasn’t bad at all. Actually, it was amazing. I felt at home and considered making the hotel my permanent residence. Maybe Marcus would be open to me leasing the penthouse…at least until I was ready to move on from there. I made a mental note to talk with him about it later.
When I arrived at my shop, none of my staff was there, but it was okay because I was a bit early. I put my purse and jacket in my office and got to work. Two hours later, I heard banging on the door while grooving to my playlist. I told Alexa to pause to make sure it was banging I heard, and when the pounding sounded off again, I ran out front to see who was at the door. At first, I frowned in anger about being interrupted from my work, but my facial muscles relaxed when I saw my sister standing on the other side of the glass.
“Zar, what the hell? Girl, you scared the crap out of me,” I said when I opened the door.
She stepped in and pulled me into a tight hug.
“Sorry. I heard the loud music playing and wanted to make sure you heard me. I tried calling your phone and your business phone several times.”