Chapter 42
CHAPTER 42
T wins
Maribel
Two months later …
“We will need to leave now to make the appointment. It is a thirty-minute ride with traffic. There is a fifty-one-percent chance of rain which could increase our travel time and cause a delay in our arrival,” Sim says as she enters the kitchen where I’m finishing a bowl of fruit.
I’m going in for an ultrasound today. Dr. Livingston wants me to come into his office instead of the home visits because of my size. I look like I swallowed a whale.
I’m six months pregnant but look more like twelve. I should have known this would happen. I mean, look at this kid’s father, nearly six-seven and built like a tractor. This kid is bound to rip my little kitty up.
“I’m ready,” I say as I place a hand over my huge belly.
“Let me carry your bag.”
She comes forward to take my oversized purse. I give her a smile, but she doesn’t return it. I’m not offended.
I’ve come to learn this is who Sim is. She’s extremely smart and if you ask her something, she’s going to give the most detailed response she can, often sounding like an encyclopedia.
I begin to waddle behind her as we head for the garage where the cars are parked. I’m a little nervous about this visit. Dr. Livingston has been getting this look on his face that worries me.
I missed the ultrasound scheduled at his office last month because Cam wanted to be there, but his plans didn’t work out. He felt like he was being followed and turned back.
I was so disappointed. Dr. Livingston was going to bring in a portable machine but one of the other doctors in his practice broke the only one they had and we ended up not doing it at all. Sim was ready to order one just for me, but I wouldn’t allow it.
She has already spoiled me like a big sister. I get that she makes good money in her line of work and her husband—whoever he is—keeps her pampered with anything she wants. However, I’m not here to take her money.
“I would like to start a nursery for you and the baby. We don’t know how much longer you will be with me, but I don’t want to be caught unprepared. If you leave before the baby is born, I can have it all shipped to you.”
“ Sim ,” I drag out.
“It is not a problem. You have become a friend. I want to do this for you. My family doesn’t mind if I spend the money. Allow me to do this for you.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Yes.”
“What’s the deal with your husband?”
I feel bad for asking as soon as the words are out of my mouth. Symphony begins to pop the band she keeps on her right wrist. It’s something I picked up on within my first week here.
When she’s uncomfortable or upset, she begins to pop the band. My mind races with things to change the subject to.
“We are not married in the traditional sense. My husband married me as a favor to my grandfather. It was to keep me safe.
“There is more I cannot tell you. Not if I want to leave you alive. I like you and I don’t wish to kill you.”
I look at her like she’s crazy, waiting for her to laugh. She never does. She’s totally serious.
“I think we understand each other more than you know. My story isn’t exactly the same, but I get it,” I say, trying to cut through some of the tension.
“Back to my husband. I am married but I have never lain with my husband. I believe he avoids me because of my disorder and our age gap.
“I was a child bride. He was no more than a boy himself. He remained with me until I turned sixteen and then, for some reason, he disappeared.
“I see my brother- and sister-in-law more than I see my husband. I haven’t seen him in a very long time,” she says with a note of sadness in her voice.
“Well then, it’s his loss. You’re one of the dopest people I’ve ever met. If he doesn’t want to see that, that’s on him.”
“I wish I were more like you. I have wanted him to want me. I loved him. I’ve tried to become just like him in hopes he will love me when he returns to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Again, I would have to kill you.”
“I’m going to stop talking to you,” I say as I give her side-eye.
“Please don’t. I have never had a friend to talk to about my husband. I don’t know what I should do to get him to come to me.”
“How old are you, Sim?”
“I am twenty-eight.”
“How old is your husband?”
“He would be thirty-three now.”
“Well, how long has it been since you’ve seen him?”
She twists her lips up and begins popping her band again. Her eyes are unfocused for a beat. Then she clears her throat.
“I was sixteen. It was just before I went to school for music. I was a prodigy and played classical piano. While there I fell in love with dance and ballet.
“You play beautifully and you’re an amazing dancer. You’re amazing, Sim.”
“I wish he could see me dance. He was the one who placed me in front of a piano. I have loved him ever since.”
“Then tell him. Call him up and tell him you miss him.”
“It can’t be that easy,” she says in disbelief.
“But it can. Trust me. Call him and tell him you want to see him. If that doesn’t work, go to him and tell him you want a divorce,” I tease.
This look comes to her face and I’m not sure I should have said that. I don’t know how she has taken my words, but I don’t get to ask as we pull up to the doctor’s office.
“Thank you for the talk, let’s get you inside. We still have ten minutes before we are late.”
Cameron
I just landed in New York. I’m tired as fuck and frustrated. I’ve been trying to get to Amina, but I know I’m being followed. Daddy and I have someone watching Dez, so I know for a fact he’s watching me.
I pull my phone to call my girl to find out how her doctor’s appointment went. She got to see our little one today. I know she wants to know what we’re having, but she’s been waiting on me.
I hate that for us both. I need to make Dez disappear. I don’t want to miss the birth of our baby.
“Hello,” Amina answers the phone excitedly, bringing a smile to my face.
“Hey, baby. How did it go?”
“Are you sitting down?”
“No, should I be? What’s going on? Is the baby okay?”
I stop in my tracks, ready to jump on a flight as close to Boston as I can get and then air-drop in or some shit. My mind races with a million different things that could be wrong. I need to get to them now.
“Cam, babe, breathe. You can relax. The babies are fine.
“Dr. Livingston suspected that I was carrying twins, and it turns out I am. I’m not huge for nothing. I’m carrying two baby Perrys.”
I release a swooshing breath, only to stumble back as her words hit me. I bite into my fist to keep from yelling out and fist-pumping. I swallow hard, trying to find my words.
“Hello, babe, are you there?”
“Yeah, baby,” I choke out. “I love you so fucking much. We’re going to be together soon. I promise we’re going to make this right real soon.”
“I can’t wait. I miss you so much.”
“Mina?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m taking you away to marry you as soon as we’re together again.”
“You might need to get a divorce first,” she laughs.
“I’m going to make that happen. What do you think about moving to New York?”
“Huh?”
“Cal’s team wants to sign me. He’s not doing well without me. To be honest, I miss his ass too. When that asshole is gone, it will be safe here for you again. We can call this home.”
“I would like that. My mother is going to be so excited to have two grandbabies to spoil. Oh my God, Cam. This is going to be perfect.”
My other phone begins to ring. I pull the phone from my pocket to see it’s Cal. My smile broadens.
“Hey, baby. Let me call you later. That’s my brother.”
“I love you. Talk soon.”
“Love you too, baby.”
I hang up and pick up the call on the other phone. Cal and the team aren’t here, but I’m in town to speak with some of the bigwigs. Cal knows I’m here to talk to them.
I was shocked to hear he told his coach the truth. The coach is one hundred percent behind him and doing what it takes to get him back to playing the way only he can.
“Hello,” I say.
“Thank God. Cam, are you in New York yet?”
“Yeah, bro. What’s up?”
“It’s Nicole. She’s not feeling well. I can’t focus. I need you to go to our place and check on her. Just text me and let me know if she’s okay. I need you to see her with your eyes and let me know she’s all right.”
“I’m on it, bro. Don’t worry about her. Go out there and do your job. If something is wrong, I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks, Cam.”
“No problem, bro. That’s what I’m here for. I’ve got you.”
***
I can’t stop smiling as I lie here on Cal and Nicole’s couch. I’m having twins and my baby brother is going to be a father. He’s freaking out tonight, but he’ll be fine in the morning.
My mind goes to Amina. We’ve been apart for too long. I wish there was a way to speed things up. We know he’s going to fuck up sooner or later.
I need it to be sooner. I open my phone to stare at the ultrasound picture Amina sent me. I’m amazed as I look at the two tiny humans growing within the woman I love.
“Daddy’s coming,” I say and kiss two of my fingers before I touch them to the screen.