Chapter 16 #2
"I didn't mean it like that." Trey grabbed my hands. "Let's regroup. I'm here for you, baby. I'm not trying to upset you or to make matters worse. We're a team. Let's figure out how to get home to KJ, okay?"
I took a deep breath and looked into Tremaine's eyes. He was sincere, and I felt like a complete ass for yelling at him the way I did.
"I'm sorry for shouting at you the way I did just now."
He shook his head. "No need to apologize. I get it."
"But what about the conference?" I asked.
"Fuck these people! You and KJ are what's important right now."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. Let me get us a car, and then when we get back to the penthouse, you pack the stuff while I work on getting us a flight out of here."
I agreed and waited while Tremaine booked a car. My mind was going a mile a minute, and I could barely focus on anything else but getting to KJ, but when the time came, I was going to have the conversation with Tremaine about rearranging his life for me.
Eight hours later, I rushed through the doors of the hospital.
Tremaine booked two of us expensive flights in less than an hour.
Vance was at the airport, waiting for us as soon as we arrived.
I hadn't spoken a word since speaking with Tremaine on the street.
Everything was overwhelming. Tremaine did his best to make sure I was okay, but I wasn't. Too much was happening at one time.
The atmosphere of the hospital hit me all at once. Seeing the sick people and those who needed help reminded me that my child was one of those people. I skipped the line and ran straight to the front.
"Excuse me, I'm here for Kyle Cruz Jr. Can you tell me where he is?"
The young receptionist had long pink nails, a face full of makeup, and a long blonde wig. She popped her gum and rolled her eyes when she looked at me.
"Ma'am, you can't just cut in front of all these people. Get to the back and wait. Your matter ain't as important as the next person," she spat.
After the day I had, all I could feel was rage brewing. My body heated, and my rage rushed its way to the top. I reached over the counter to snatch her up, but Tremaine pulled me back. I twisted out of his grip.
"Mila, if you go to jail, you're really not going to see KJ. I spoke with Owen, and I know which room KJ's in. Get yourself together," he warned.
I rolled my eyes at him and looked back at the receptionist, mugging me. I mouthed 'bitch' at her and followed behind Tremaine as he led the way. I read the signs as we walked down the halls. My knees buckled when we arrived at Pediatric ICU.
"H-he's in ICU."
Tremaine nodded. "Yeah. They have a waiting room in here. That's where Owen said everyone is." He reached for my hand. "Come on, baby. I got you."
We continued through the double doors after being buzzed in.
The cold halls caused my body to shiver.
No matter how many art decorations and colors were on the wall, it didn't send happy vibes to me.
We walked toward the waiting room. As soon as we entered the room, Chasity and Trina were the first people to run over to me.
They both wrapped me in their arms. I could hear Owen dapping Tremaine up beside me.
Owen then laid his hand on my shoulder and offered me a soft smile.
"What room is he in?" I asked.
"Four," Chasity said. "I can walk you there if?—"
I shook my head.
Trina looked at me. "Kyle's in the room with him. He hasn't left his side since he got the phone call."
I sighed, annoyed but thankful KJ had a parent there with him.
"Baby, do you need me to come with you?" Tremaine asked.
I shook my head. "I'll be back."
I sauntered out of the room. It felt as if my feet were bricks the closer I got to the room.
The unit was equipped with glass sliding doors, allowing visitors to view the patients from the hallway.
As soon as I laid my eyes on my innocent, frail child, I flew into the room and scanned his body.
I didn't bother to acknowledge Kyle. KJ's eyes were closed, and he had an IV in his arm and was hooked to the monitor.
Tears rolled down my face as I placed kisses on his head, apologizing to him for not being there for him.
"Stop apologizing, Mila," Kyle instructed from behind me. "You couldn't control what happened. You know that, and I definitely know that."
"How did we not know? How didn't we see the signs? You're a goddamn doctor!" I yelled at him.
"I get it. You want someone to blame, but you know asthma can onset out of nowhere."
I wiped my face. "What did the doctors say? Is KJ going to be okay? Is there any damage done to his body?"
For the first time since I made my way into the room, I finally looked at Kyle. He looked just as broken as I did. His eyes were tired. He was wearing sweatpants and a wrinkled shirt. His beard was unkempt, and so was his hair.
"KJ's okay. Just resting. They have him here to keep watch on him. If Chasity hadn't reacted as fast as she did, there's no telling how worse it could've been."
"Did they run all the tests and check for anything underlying?"
He nodded. "I made sure of that. Remember, I'm a doctor, so I know how they can be, but I was an advocate for our son."
I turned my attention away from Kyle and back to KJ. He looked so peaceful, but I knew it was scary for him. It was probably worse, considering that I wasn't there either.
"A social worker came in, so I called my lawyer," Kyle informed me.
I let out an exhausted sigh. I didn't want to deal with this right now. I didn't want to hear about social workers, lawyers, custody battles, divorce, or anything. All I cared about was KJ.
"Now is not the time. I don't give a fuck about any of that. My only concern is KJ. If you can't understand that, then get your ass out of here," I warned. "I don't care about your threats. Do whatever the fuck you want to do, but I swear I will make your life a living hell."
"Calm down. I told my lawyer to pause everything.
I think our biggest concern is making sure KJ makes a full recovery.
I wouldn't want to add more stress on KJ or you by putting us through the courts.
If you can agree to at least let me get him twice a month, every weekend, and we split holidays, I'll be satisfied with that. "
"Why suddenly do you want to come to a common ground?"
He rubbed his hand down his head. "I was an arrogant motherfucker, Mila, hateful and disrespectful to you.
You don't deserve that. You were amazing to me, shit to us.
You're the type of woman men complain about doesn't exist. I was a coward, and I ruined my family.
Witnessing KJ go through this was a reality check. "
I could hear Kyle's voice crack. My eyes scanned him from head to toe to see if I could tell if he was lying. After knowing Kyle for many years, I could tell when he was lying or not.
"Shit, seeing how fast you got back here was amazing. KJ's blessed to have you."
"Thank you," I said in a low tone.
"Oh yeah, don't worry about the social worker shit.
Trina and the man with her grilled into them so badly that I'm sure they'll change their occupation.
Chasity went into mommy mode as well. You've got a solid team around you.
Those ladies love you, Mila. I'm glad you have them. Shit, I'm glad KJ has them."
"Me too."
Kyle stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. "I'm going to give you some time alone with him. The nurse should be back in thirty minutes to check on him."
I nodded. "Thanks."
He walked toward KJ and kissed his forehead. "Love you, son."
My eyes watered watching the interaction. Kyle was never a terrible father to KJ. He wasn't always bad to me, but he changed, and now the results of that were kicking his ass.
He looked up at me. "I'm sorry about everything. I'm not asking you to forgive me, but I want you to know I feel like shit for what I did and how I destroyed our family, including the cheating and disrespectful comments."
"I receive that."
I wasn't sure whether I was ready to accept Kyle's apology.
The damage was done. Kyle needed to prove to me that he had changed.
Until then, I wanted to keep my distance from him.
He smiled at me and then left the room. I pulled up a seat next to the bed and prayed.
I prayed until my eyes closed and sleep found me.
I wasn't sure how much time had passed when I felt a hand rubbing my back. I slowly lifted and saw Tremaine standing over me.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
He shook his head. "Not long. Maybe twenty minutes. Kyle stopped by the waiting room and let us know you were in here. Chasity and Trina pressed him, of course, but he let them know it was all good."
I shrugged. "Yeah, he was in here spilling some bullshit about basically turning over a new leaf.
He apologized for his behavior and wants to change, but honestly, I couldn't care less.
I'll believe it when I see it. I'm just glad he's dropping the custody case.
I wouldn't be able to focus on that and KJ's health without losing my sanity. "
He kissed my hand and sighed. "I feel you, but you wouldn't be doing it alone. I'm here, Mila. I can promise you that."
Tremaine's comments at the conference came rushing back to me.
Knowing that he meant every word scared me.
I didn't want Tremaine to have to adjust his life for me.
He didn't deserve that. He shouldn't be taking on my baggage.
I feared that, as time went on, he was going to change and grow tired of dealing with my shit.
I looked back at KJ. I didn't want him to hear this.
"Can we step into the hall for a second?" I asked him.
"Yeah, baby." He helped me up out of the seat and held my hand until we were in the hallway.
"Is everything good?" he asked, staring into my eyes.
I shook my head.
"What's wrong, Mila? Is it something with Kyle?"
I shook my head. "No, nothing with Kyle."
"Then what is it?"
"It's you."
His eyes widened. "Me? What did I do?"
"It's you altering your entire life for me, when my life isn't even together. It makes little sense for you to be doing the things you're doing. You think it's smart to stop opening your other offices? You had these goals before me."
"You can't be serious right now," he mumbled.
"I'm dead serious. I wouldn't feel good knowing you're not doing something that you dreamed of because of me."
"But that's my choice. I know what comes with the consequences, but that's what I want to do."
"It brings back painful memories," I admitted.
"Like what, baby?"
Concern covered Tremaine's face as he remained holding my hand, softly caressing it.
"Kyle sacrificed for me, and you see where that ended. He regretted everything and now, look at me."
Tremaine huffed. "I'm not that nigga, Mila! Get that through your mind. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you and KJ. I want to get to know all of you and help you get where you want to be and then worry about me."
"But Trey—" I started, but he cut me off.
"Ain't no fucking buts, Mila. My business ain't going nowhere. I can always start back up with opening a new office, but you, you're something I know I can lose and not get back, which is why I am putting my all in for you."
Tears filled my eyes.
"Baby, I'm that serious about us. I've already arranged for y'all to come stay with me until KJ gets better.
He doesn't need to be taking the stairs.
I've got enough space for you, him, and more.
" Trey grabbed my face. "Mila, I'm not letting you go.
I'm not like what you've been through. I'm serious about you and us.
It's my life and you're now part of it. Everything I do is for you, and if that means making the choice to focus on you instead of those offices, so be it, but that's my choice, baby. "
Tears flowed down my cheeks. The weight I carried on my shoulders lifted. I fell into Tremaine's arms and cried, feeling the relief of everything washing away from me. Over and over, he kept reaffirming his position.
"Understand?"
I nodded. "I understand."
"I'm not leaving you, Mila. Loving you is my number one goal right now. I've got you, and I promise to always be there for you. No matter the circumstances. I love you, Mila."
"I-I love you too."
Tremaine grabbed my face and pecked at my lips.
"Damn, he's got me crying." I turned around to see Chasity standing there with Trina.
I wiped at my eyes and stared at them. "I thought you guys were gone."
Trina sucked her teeth. "Girl, you really think we'd leave you? Are you crazy?"
I smiled through my tears at my support system.
"Aye, where are Owen and Vance?" Tremaine asked from behind.
"They went to get food. They should be back soon," Chasity answered.
Before I could ask another question, the doctor appeared by the door.
"Good evening, I'm Dr. Devon. Are you KJ's mom?"
I nodded and stuck my hand out. "Yes, I am. Sorry, I'm just getting here?—"
"No need to apologize. Mr. Cruz let me know you were handling work business, and that is understandable. Things like this happen randomly. We never know the time or place."
I was thankful for how understanding the doctor was.
"If you would like to go in, we can have a conversation about KJs symptoms and aftercare treatment plans."
"Sure."
I looked back at Trina and Chasity. "I'll be back."
They nodded.
I looked over at Tremaine, who stood there, eyes locked on me.
I held my hand out to him, and he gladly accepted.
We walked into the room, and for the first time in a while, I felt my light was no longer dimmed.
I felt supported instead of feeling like a burden.
My life had changed for the better, and the one person I could thank for this was the man I was rude to one day in a diner.