Chapter 24
Istand outside Shorty”s apartment freezing my ass off holding a strawberry milkshake in my hand. I take out the spare key from my pocket and unlock the door without knocking.
When I saw her breaking down in the bathroom, I pulled her close and held her tight until her cries subsided. After some time, she finally calmed down, and I knew it was time to take her home. When we arrived at her place, I tucked her into bed and stayed beside her until she was sound asleep.
As much as I wanted to stay the night, I couldn’t. A sudden adrenaline rush surged through my veins, leaving me restless and on edge. I knew I needed to release the tension brewing inside me before it consumed me or I took it out on my teammates on the field.
Instead of sleeping beside my girl in her warm bed, I did the only thing possible to release the anger.
Once I was back at the fraternity house, I walked down to the basement, where I could be alone with my thoughts. With each forceful strike against the bag, beads of sweat flew off my body. The sound of my fists hitting the bag echoed throughout the room.
I wanted to tear him apart with my bare hands after overhearing what that piece of shit did to the love of my life.
Forcefully grabbed Sadie out of her car.
Bam, bam.
Causing her unnecessary distress and fear.
Bam, bam, bam.
Denied her basic human needs.
Bam, bam, bam, bam.
He callously ignored her, leaving her in a vulnerable and uncomfortable state.
Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam.
Sadie was denied the opportunity to relieve herself in a dignified manner.
Bam, bam, smash!
The bag flew off the chain, hitting the mirror and causing the glass to crack. Shaking off the thoughts that threaten to consume me, I walk in, the sound of lively Spanish music filling my ears, and the space is filled with the scent of an apple candle that holds a special place in Shorty”s heart as it reminds her of happy memories with her father.
I close the door softly behind me and walk down the narrow hallway leading to Sophia”s bedroom. As I approach her room, the afternoon sunlight streams through the window, lighting the room with a soft golden glow.
My heart races as I gently push open the door, hoping she misses me just as I miss her. My breath catches in my throat at the sight before me. Shorty stands in the center of the room, twirling Sophia around as ”El Merengue” by Marshmello, one of her favorite songs she plays on repeat, plays from her cell phone. Shorty wears a red and black PJ set with a lace bow front cami. Her long, curly black hair is in a messy bun with a few strands framing her face.
I lean against the doorway, just watching her. I can’t help but notice how her belly is slowly expanding, creating a new curve on her body. Despite the changes, she looks even more breathtaking than before. But as I take in her beauty, a sharp pang of guilt stabs me in the chest, reminding me of the careless and thoughtless acts that were made against her.
I can’t sleep, eat, or think straight. I don”t know how I managed to get through my classes or practice.
I feel overwhelmed with regret and am consumed by a desperate need to protect her.
A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth when Shorty swings her daughter, and Sophia throws her head back, laughing like it is the funniest thing.
Shorty is completely oblivious to me standing in the doorway. Her body sways gracefully, and her hips are perfectly synchronized with the beat. Her movements are captivating, as if she is lost in the moment. I”ve always been mesmerized by the way she dances.
When the song ends, Shorty hugs Sophia tightly and kisses her cheek. She gasps when she finally looks in my direction. Her eyes widen in surprise before settling into a loving expression. My heart thumps hard in my chest, adding to the nervousness already taking over me. Shorty doesn”t speak but stares at me like she”s waiting for me to say something. Suddenly, Sophia squeals excitedly when she sees me.
A faint smile plays on Sadie”s lips as she gazes at me, her eyes fixated on the shake I hold. Despite its coldness, I’ve held onto it, and my fingers have gone numb. ”Is that for me?” she asks.
I let out a small laugh. ”Yeah, baby. It”s for you.”
She gestures for me to come in by holding out her hand. I step in and place the milkshake on the desk. Turning toward her, I take her hand and draw her closer, looking directly into her eyes. Then I reach out and gently rub my knuckles down her cheek and say, ”Hi.”
”Hi,” she whispers softly. I lean in closer to her, the warmth of her body drawing me in like a magnet, and place my hand on the back of her neck. Our eyes meet, and at that moment, I know that I never want to be without her. Tenderly, I press my lips against hers, feeling the softness of her mouth as we kiss. Pulling back slightly, I whisper, ”I love you so much.”
”Forever and always.”
The track changes to ”Calma” remix by Pedro Capo and Farruko. Sadie”s smile widens, and Sophia claps her hands and bounces along to the music. I take Sophia into my arms, and with my other arm, I wrap it around Sadie”s waist and pull her close, feeling her soft curves press against me. The three of us sway to the rhythm of the music. Sophia”s head rests on my shoulder, and she places her little hand on my chest.
As the last notes of the song fade away, I look at my girls, and I know I am exactly where I am meant to be.