4
Over the next month, Richard became part of my routine.
He sent a car when I worked late at the foundation. He paid the childcare bills attached to my contract without making me submit receipts three times. He listened when I spoke during meetings, then backed my decisions when board members challenged them.
He also pursued me with the steady confidence of a man who understood patience.
Flowers arrived at the bank once. I told him flowers died and created work.
The next delivery contained groceries, two cases of juice, laundry detergent, and the expensive cereal my children kept requesting.
Emma examined the bags. “Marry him.”
“He bought cereal.”
“He bought the name brand.”
“An impressive gesture.”
“He sent the family size.”
I called Richard.
“This is excessive.”
“It’s cereal.”
“It’s eight dollars a box.”
“I’ll recover.”
“You remembered which kind they like.”
“I listen.”
That answer stayed with me.
Kendra entered the bank the following week.
She was tall, elegant, and close to my age. Her cream suit fit perfectly. Her hair fell in smooth dark waves to the middle of her back. A diamond bracelet circled her wrist.
She approached my desk with a smile that belonged in a boardroom.
“Veronica Hart?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Kendra Bell.”
The name meant nothing to me until she sat down.
“I’ve been close to Richard for several years.”
“How close?”
“Intimately.”
I held her gaze. “Congratulations on your historic achievement.”
Her smile tightened.
“Richard and I understand one another. He becomes fascinated with projects.”
“I’m a project?”
“A struggling mother with an appealing face and a talent for making him feel needed.”
The description carried enough truth to sting.
I folded my hands on the desk. “What banking service do you need today?”
“I came as a courtesy.”
“Then I’ll save you time. Courtesy requires an appointment.”
“He’ll grow tired of playing family.”
“Maybe.”
“You admit that?”
“I admit anything can happen. He could lose interest. I could lose interest. You could find a hobby.”
Her mouth hardened.
“You think his money makes you powerful.”
“His money makes him powerful. My paycheck arrives on Friday.”
Kendra stood.
“He will see you clearly.”
I smiled. “He already does. That’s why you’re here.”
She left without another word.
I maintained my composure until Emma entered and shut the office door.
“Who was that?”
“A woman who spent twelve minutes explaining how irrelevant I am.”
Emma looked toward the lobby. “She seemed upset.”
“Exactly.”
Kendra found Lawrence shortly afterward.
My ex had drifted in and out of fatherhood according to convenience. He loved our children, yet responsibility made him itchy. He missed birthdays, forgot school events, and arrived with expensive gifts whenever guilt caught him.
Once Richard entered my life, Lawrence discovered a passion for family unity.
He came to the house on a Sunday wearing cologne and carrying flowers.
I opened the door and stared at him.
“What happened?”
“Can’t a man bring flowers?”
“A man can. You usually bring excuses.”
He stepped inside before I invited him.
The children were visiting Richard’s house with me that afternoon. They rushed downstairs as Lawrence entered.
He hugged them, asked vague questions about school, then waited until they scattered.
“So this old dude is around my kids now?”
“Richard has a name.”
“They call him Big Rich.”
“So do half the adults.”
“You really dating him?”
“We spend time together.”
“He’s using money to impress you.”
“It’s working.”
Lawrence stared at me.
I placed the flowers in a vase.
“You can say that?”
“Why would I hide it? Money impresses people. It’s why you financed a car you couldn’t afford.”
“This different.”
“Because the money benefits me?”
His jaw tightened. “Kendra said he does this. Finds younger women and plays savior.”
I paused.
“How do you know Kendra?”
“She reached out.”
“Of course she did.”
“She showed me numbers, Veronica. Car repairs. Childcare. Money from that job. Trips.”
“My salary is private.”
“She said Richard’s family is concerned.”
I set the vase down.
“What do you want, Lawrence?”
“My family.”
“You had one.”
“I still do.”
“You have children. They would enjoy seeing you consistently.”
“I want us.”
A laugh escaped me. “Richard’s bank account has renewed your love?”
“This ain’t about him.”
“It arrived with him.”
Lawrence lowered his voice. “You really letting that old man touch you?”
Anger moved through me.
“You can leave.”
“I’m asking a question.”
“You lost access to answers years ago.”
He stepped closer. “You think he plans to marry you?”
“I haven’t asked.”
“You should. Men like him protect their money.”
The front door opened.
Richard entered carrying Charlie’s jacket. Vick stood behind him.
Richard assessed the room, the flowers, and Lawrence’s position near me.
“Am I interrupting?”
“Yes,” I said.
“No,” Lawrence said.
Richard looked at me. “Which answer carries authority?”
“Mine.”
He nodded toward the door. “Then I’ll wait outside.”
Lawrence gave a humorless laugh. “That’s him? Man, you old enough to be her father.”
Richard looked him over. “And you’re young enough to help with these children. Life is full of unused advantages.”
Vick covered his mouth.
Lawrence stepped forward.
I moved between them. “Take your flowers and go.”
“You put him over me?”
“I chose peace over you long before I met him.”