Chapter 8 | Brooklyn #3
I reluctantly took a bite and clamped my eyes shut. “Damn it. These are delicious.”
Carter chuckled. “All this cursing in the morning.”
“Are we good?” I opened my eyes.
He nodded, though I could still sense his uncertainty.
For now, his nod would have to be enough. “Alright, get out of here, and I’ll text you later, see how your day is going.”
“Okay.” He tapped the counter and walked away without a hug or another kiss. The door closed behind him.
Appetite officially destroyed. I ate a couple more bites and threw the rest in the garbage disposal.
I rushed to my bedroom to grab my cell and jacket.
On my way to the front door, a vibrant green gift bag caught my eye underneath my tree.
We’d opened gifts on Christmas Eve. I’d given him every Madden game ever released, which he loved, and he’d given me an open ticket for two to Aruba.
He said Aruba could be a gift for my mother and me while he and I planned our own getaway to anywhere in the world.
I’d been touched by his thoughtfulness and understanding of how much my mother meant to me.
I didn’t know he’d brought me another gift. He’d already given me earrings and a bracelet that I wore to the gala. I bent by the tree, opened the gift, and pulled out a flat, gold box. I held my breath as I opened it.
A diamond-encrusted stethoscope charm nestled in the red cotton. I slowly removed the platinum necklace that sparkled in the sunlight. He’d left a note.
To the brilliant doctor who takes care of the world, while all I want to do is take care of you.
That man. That man.
With shaky hands, I put the necklace back in the box and beneath the tree. I wanted him to put it on me whenever we were together again. We would get through this. We had to.
As soon as I pulled out of my driveway, I called Mama, who had gone home for Christmas.
“Why are you calling me this early when you’re supposed to be up under Carter? He doesn’t have young kids?”
“Mama, I’m scared that everything has changed.”
“I just left two days ago. Can I not leave you for a second?”
“Bishop showed up last night at the hospital. Said he stopped by the house first and had the audacity to use his key.”
She reminded me, “I told you to change the locks.”
“How was I supposed to know he would show up three years later on Christmas, begging for forgiveness?”
“If you’re calling me about being with him again, I swear I’m flying back today just to slap you back into sense.”
“Come on, Mama, I might be a dumbass at times, but I’m not dumb.” I used one hand to steer. “Carter walked up while Bishop and I were arguing, and it almost got ugly. I managed to keep the two separated and made it clear to Bishop not to bother me again.”
“Did Carter get one lick in at least?”
“Carter could’ve killed him...he was that pissed.” I used my rearview mirror to ease into traffic. “I got in at least two good hits. Hope I broke his nose.”
Mama howled. “You should’ve. Bishop deserves that and more.”
“Carter wanted to hit him. I just didn’t want more mess for Carter because Bishop would’ve gone to social media or sued him for millions.”
“So, what happened after that? Sounds like you stood your ground with Bishop.”
“Carter doesn’t believe me. He thinks I still have feelings for Bishop.
Carter’s ex-wife was in love with her ex while married to him, and last night triggered him.
He didn’t say it, but he wasn’t his usual self this morning.
We didn’t get to talk because I had to go to work, and his mother was at his house waiting for him. ”
“Why didn’t you, for once, just call in and talk it out with him?”
“I asked him if he wanted me to see if I could get off, and he told me he needed to do things with his family.”
Mama exclaimed, “Someone, grab the wheel, please. My daughter really is a dumbass, Lord help her.”
“Mama, stop calling me names and praying like I’m not right here.”
“An accurate name that you just called yourself,” She huffed.
“You don’t ask him, you make it happen. He would’ve stayed if you made him a priority.
The hospital would’ve been fine without you.
So, what if they fired you? You’re already a doctor.
This residency is just a place holder, a time filler, because you needed something to take your mind off of Bishop.
Tired of the same argument about my work ethic, I tried a different tactic.
“Mama, you ran your own daycare, and I watched you work every day, even when you were tired, because those mothers needed you. You missed most of my field trips because you were taking care of other people’s children.
I didn’t understand that then, but I understand that now.
A doctor makes sacrifices. If I weren’t at work yesterday, a young, black woman would’ve had a C-section and put in harm’s way when she didn’t need one.
I made that call, and there’s a happy and healthy mother and son because of me.
Sometimes our personal lives suffer because people need us. It comes with the territory.”
“Well, that man needs you, too.” She stubbornly said, though her softened tone told me I’d struck a nerve. I’d learned my dedication to others from her. It was only in the last ten years, when she gave up the daycare, that she did whatever she wanted to do.
“And I need him.” I tapped my chest with my right hand. “Just wanted him to trust me and not be ready to give up on us at the smallest sign of trouble.”
“Imagine how you would feel if one of his exes showed up at his house and used the key while you’re there. Would you believe Carter if he said there’s nothing going on?”
“It’s different. He has children. Nothing is connecting Bishop and me.”
“Trauma connects you to him. You haven’t been the same since he left you. He obviously thought he could come back and use his damn key even after three years. That’s what’s bothering Carter.”
I grew silent.
“Do I need to come back?” She quietly asked.
“No. You wanted to stay until January, and you should. You’ve been there enough for me.” I sighed, “I’ll fix it. Enjoy the family and let them know I’ll be home soon. I have to make some changes in my life if I’m going to be with Carter.”
“Brooklyn.” She warned. “Talking like that scares me more.”
“I got this, Mama. He’s the one. I can’t imagine my life without him. I’ll make him see he can’t imagine his life without me.”
“Thank you. Now, let me get off this phone and get back to this Netflix movie.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I hung up the phone, resolved to make necessary changes in my life.
I then called Carter and prayed he answered.
When I heard his voice, I breathed in relief. “Thank you for the gift. I loved it. It was perfection.”
“You’re welcome. I forgot I’d left it under the tree. Kind of wanted to see your face when you opened it.”
“Sorry. I get excited when I see a gift and can’t wait to open it.
” I didn’t want to say I wasn’t sure I would see him again.
I tried to tread lightly in our conversation since he did answer promptly, and his tone seemed warmer than when he left.
“I won’t wear it until you place it around my neck, okay? ”
He quietly replied, “Okay.”
“Are you coming to pick me up tonight after work? I’m only asking because I’m driving myself to work.”
“And you’re not asking because you can’t sleep unless I’m under you?” He lightly teased.
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, if you must know, you’ve already spoiled me, and I don’t like sleeping without you. So, are you coming?”
“Yeah. I’ll be there.” He promised.
I could smile again.
I’d already learned that Carter kept his promises.