Chapter 16God was showing off
Chapter Sixteen
GOD WAS SHOWING OFF
Ivy wasn’t sure how Manny was going to react to the news, that his life wasn’t what he thought it was. She’d agonised over how and when she would tell him. Yes, she seized on the opportunity to gather information, but a small part of her resented Grace for putting her in the situation to alter Manny’s life. It had been difficult to watch the range of emotions that Manny went through as he struggled to understand the news. She was certain that he hadn’t yet accepted it. When he did, the fallout might be something they were completely unprepared for.
Last night, she watched as he mentally retreated. Hell, Ivy had facilitated his attempt to block out the unpleasant truths. Not that she was complaining. The ache in her core was well worth it. Last night, he had been a man on a mission to forget everything but her. Ivy was sure that her body would bear the marks of his passion.
Manny was still asleep, earning the rest he so richly deserved. He was in insanely amazing shape, but she knew he was going to feel the effects of literally fucking her all over the condo. Ivy needed the reward of sleep as well, but his request before he had fallen asleep was playing on repeat in her mind.
If she was being honest, Ivy was certain that when she told Manny that he had been exonerated for fathering Jasmine Journee’s child, he would immediately move back home. Instead, he had declined to move and asked, “until we have all the proof in place. I’d prefer that we not disclose what we know.”
“Sorry, which part?” Ivy joked.
“All of it. Don’t tell my parents I know I am adopted. Don’t tell anyone how we know that I’m not the father of that Journee woman’s baby.”
“So, we don’t explain why you are moving back in?”
“That’s the thing. I don’t think I should. At least not yet.”
“Is it because you’re mad at me? Because I didn’t have enough faith in us?”
“No, Doc Baby. I am not mad at you. At all. I know how hard this was on you. I’m grateful to have a woman who took my word over everything she believed in. Don’t you think I understand how much love and faith it took for you to go find the answers?”
“Given all of that, you still don’t want to come home?”
“Not yet, Doc. Please understand.”
Manny had been more than understanding with her. Now it was her turn. She had a feeling his reluctance to return home had something to do with the new state of his life. The uncertainty of knowing who he was. This whole thing was a fucking mess. Her family wasn’t out of the woods yet.
Whoever was behind all of this had no idea who they had messed with. Emmanuel and Ivy would stand together and come through this stronger. It was just the way it was.
“Why aren’t you sleeping, Doc?”
Ivy squeaked. She hadn’t realised Manny was awake.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
“I’m good.”
Manny pulled her closer. “Are you? Then you should be asleep. I feel like I didn’t do a good job of making sure you got rest.” Despite being sleepy, his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“No. You did an amazing job. It’s just my brain is a busy place.”
“Come, lay on my chest and get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”
Within minutes, the steady drumming of his heartbeats lulled her into a deep sleep. By the time she woke up again, she was alone in bed. She could hear Manny in the distance, humming some song she couldn’t make out. From the smell of things, he had breakfast going. After a quick trip to the washroom, in which she relieved herself, washed her face and brushed her teeth, she made her way to the living room. Manny was plating their breakfast and placed it on the nook.
“Good morning.” Manny sounded chipper today.
“Coffee?” he asked.
Although she had no idea why. Of course, she wanted coffee. Which is why, even though she hadn’t answered yet. He was already pouring her a cup.
A few bites into their meal of fluffy scrambled eggs, ham, and toast, Manny asked, “Doc, do you have all the paperwork on you that my Mom gave you?”
“Yes.” Well, she had copies.
“Perfect. Darsh should be by here in an hour.”
Ever punctual Darsh was ringing the bell well before an hour had passed.
Emmanuel and Ivy were eager for the next steps, so they were both ready for his arrival. Besides the paperwork she had gathered from Grace, Ivy also had bits and pieces of information she gathered from Larson’s attorney.
Emmanuel greeted Darsh and walked him into the condo. It had been a couple of years since Ivy had seen him. He sometimes spent time with Manny, but she wasn’t normally around.
Her mind had been preoccupied with what was going on. She forgot what an imposing man Darsh was. He was just shy of seven feet, and he was built like a tank. All those years ago, when Ivy had met Darsh in school, her first impression was God was showing off when making him. Besides all that height and girth was the most handsome, chiselled face with deep-set dimples. Don’t get her started on the hair! Whew. Inkjet yards of silky perfection. The amount of weaves this man could supply.
“Doc.” Manny pulled her from her thoughts by placing his hand on his shoulder.
“Sorry, my mind wandered.”
He gave her a knowing smile. “Yeah, I gathered.”
“Hey, Ivy,” Darsh greeted Ivy as he pulled her into a quick embrace.
It didn’t take them long to get settled at the dining room table.
“Hey Doc, you want to do the honours? Please bring Darsh up to speed.” Honestly repeating to a third party what her family was going through sounded outlandish to her own ears. Darsh seemed to share her sentiment.
“I have to say not much surprises me, but this… it could be a storyline from a soap opera.”
“You watch a lot of those, do you?” Emmanuel groused.
“A few. I have to say, it’s better to watch them than live one…” Darsh shot back, unbothered by Manny’s snarkiness. “Listen, we have a lot going on, but I am guessing this is a top priority?”
“Yes. We need to find this twin ASAP.”
“I will work my way through this information and will give you an update tomorrow. Sound good?”
Once Darsh had left, Ivy sat back and examined Manny. Some of the cheer that he had exhibited earlier in the morning had worn off. He was plaintive. Ivy could only imagine the thoughts racing through his mind. The thing was, she knew better than to push. He wasn’t ready to talk it out yet.
“So, what are your plans today? Are you going into the office later?”
“Actually, no. I have already called Maggie and told her I won’t be in today.”
“Hm. Well, that works out. I’m off today too. I’m free until six. Then I was going to go over to Karissa’s for dinner.”
“Then I’d love to spend the day with you, but not here.”
“Why?”
“Because once Frank has a break in his schedule, he is going to beeline it over here to check on why I haven’t made it into the office.”
“Aww, that’s sweet of him.”
“Yeah sweet, is that a nicer word than smothering?”
Ivy couldn’t help but giggle. For all his posturing, she knew Frank being in his corner meant the world to Manny. Hell, if the roles were reversed, Manny would do the same thing. When Frank lost his partner in a car accident, her husband had been there. Even when Frank wanted to hide away from the world. So, her cousin was just repaying the favour.
“You appreciate it.”
“Don’t you dare let that shit slip, but seriously, let’s get going.”
“Where to?”
“It’s a surprise. You feel up to walking. It is only a few blocks.”
“Sure, although I don’t know why walks in the cold have suddenly become a thing.” It didn’t take them long to be ready and out the door. They intertwined their gloved hands as they walked the busy streets. The couple didn’t talk about any of the topics that were lying heavy on them. Instead, they people watched.
At one point, Manny stopped in front of an Italian restaurant. “You know, despite being asked, it never occurred to me that I was Italian.”
Ivy had no idea how to respond to that. Hell, how could she? There was no way to imagine what it felt like to suddenly be something that you had denied being your whole life. At the risk of saying the wrong thing, she just squeezed his hand. Manny smiled down at her. Thankfully, he understood the gesture. She was there and, more importantly, by his side.
It took her a while to figure out where he was taking her. When the city announced they were building an aquarium, Manny had been one of its biggest supporters. Come to think of it, Manny had taken her to aquariums all over the world. Dubai, Singapore, too many to count throughout the U.S. They had one of those memberships that granted them easy entrance. In no time, they were strolling the halls of ceiling-to-floor tanks.
“Did I ever tell you why I love coming to aquariums so much?”
“No,” she answered and then waited for him to keep talking.
Manny stopped, and they faced the watery scene before them. Fishes of all sizes and types occupied the large tank. The vast array of colours where fascinating.
“When I was a kid. I mean, I must have been four or five. I’m not sure why I even remember this so clearly.” Manny’s smile disappeared then. “I was obsessed with all aquatic life. My dad promised to take us to Vancouver, to the aquarium. I was so excited.” He pursed his lips, as his features became soured at the memory. “Then at the last moment, he cancelled. He said he had meetings. We would go another time. My Mom took me anyway. She said it would be our thing… and it was.” His smile was distant. “When we returned home, she had that freshwater tank built in the house. I’ve always been able to count on my Mom. Always. What the hell, Doc?” She understood what he was asking. She just didn’t have an answer.
As he spoke, Ivy’s heart broke for him. When he turned haunted eyes towards her. Tears welled in her eyes. What she saw there was heartbreaking. The primary concern in her mind was exonerating Manny of Jasmine Journee’s baby’s paternity. So, she neglected to consider the effects of his sudden unknown parents. He was gutted. All she could do at that moment was offer him the comfort of her embrace.
The last forty-eight hours had been a lot for Ivy. All she wanted to do was tell everyone and anyone who would listen that Manny hadn’t fathered a child with another woman. That he was, in fact, set up. However, she had given her husband her word. He needed to know that he could count on her. Ever since she delivered the news, she had seen a shift in his demeanour. Manny was a live wire. Ivy wasn’t sure what would eventually set him off… she was just certain something would cause him to erupt.
Manny still wasn’t ready to talk about his adoption or having a brother. “I can see how worried you are, Doc. I’m fine, better than that, we are good. Please, no baking. Okay?”
He knew her well enough to know that while she wouldn’t push, her concern was mounting. Occasionally, she would catch a look in his eyes. It was a little disturbing. She knew he wasn’t directing it at her, but whoever caused the dark shadow to fall over her man better beware. Inevitably, this situation would change him. She hoped it didn’t change him too much. Damn his parents for this.
Speaking of parents. Larson Scott was up to something. What other reason would he turn up at her office? He’d never done that before. Ivy always felt like Larson hadn’t wanted her to be a part of his family. Despite being a doctor, she didn’t have the right pedigree. However, that didn’t stop him from basking in her achievements.
“My daughter, the doctor.”
Her ass. The man was nauseating. Arrogant. Not to mention an elitist buffoon.
When her receptionist had told her Larson was there, Ivy had almost turned him away. Then she remembered how relentless he could be.
Manny had routinely complained, “with my dad, you have to say no at least four times before he considers that might be your answer.”
In the end, Ivy was glad she did. Whether Larson realised it or not, his visit was very informative. The entire visit was one big fishing expedition. The whole thing didn’t sit well with her at all.
“Ivy,” Larson greeted her. “I know my visit may come as a surprise.”
Ivy nodded and mumbled a greeting. After all these years, it was still awkward when she greeted him. If it were up to her, she’d call him Mr. Scott. Hell, he probably preferred that too, but the disparity would be too stark when compared to calling her mother-in-law, Mom. One thing was for certain: she wasn’t calling Larson Dad when there wasn’t an audience to hear her. They would both suffocate before that ever happened.
Mercifully, once they were seated, he got right to the point.
“I understand your visit with Grace resulted in her confessing some information we have not divulged to Emmanuel.”
Information? Like exactly who he is? This man can’t be for real.
Rather than respond, she inclined her head for him to continue.
“Grace, let me know she tasked you with informing him about the adoption. I hope you let him know we never intended to keep this from him. Time got away from us. Withholding the information wasn’t done in malice. I think only you can help him understand there wasn’t any ill intent.”
This was a bullshit sandwich if she was ever served one. Since when did he care what Manny, or she thought for that matter?
“I am sure Manny will handle the situation the best he can. I imagine he will have questions and will make you aware of them .”
It was all she would have to say on the matter. The visit didn’t take long. She certainly could have forgone the awkward air kisses before he departed.
Sneaky fucking bastard! He wanted to know what Ivy knew. She hadn’t given it much thought before, but she was certain Larson knew Manny had a twin. What he wanted to know was if Ivy knew.
After Grace visited her for coffee, Ivy had the sinking suspicion that her mother-in-law wasn’t aware that Manny was a twin. Given the kind of woman Grace was, had she known she would have opened her home and heart to both children. The question was, why wasn’t it an option presented to her mother-in-law?
Hell, maybe her bias was showing, and she was allowing her feelings toward Larson to cloud her judgment. Perhaps he was unaware that there were twins. If that was the case, this was all the lawyers doing. Then what was the purpose of Larson’s visit? Maybe it was his awkward way of showing concern for Manny and his feelings.
Ivy was barely able to process the visits from her in-laws and what it meant for her family when she had Kimberlin stop by her office for a visit of her own.
“Hey Lady,” her best friend greeted. “I brought caffeine.”
“Hey Hon, bless you for that. I need it. Come have a seat.” Ivy instructed, gesturing towards the chairs in her office. They sat and for a moment, they were quiet as they sipped on the sugary, caffeinated goodness.
Kimberlin fidgeted in her seat. Her eye contact was nonexistent. It wasn’t at all like her friend. She cleared her throat and then asked, “Ivs, are we okay?”
“Yes. Why are you asking?”
“We haven’t spoken much lately. I know I came on strong with the whole paternity situation… but I have your back. You know that don’t you?”
Oh, poor Kimberlin. When the truth came out, she was going to feel horrible. However, Ivy wasn’t mad at her friend. Kimberlin was looking out for her. It may have been heavy-handed, but she understood it was coming from a good place.
“I do. You gave me the best advice based on the information you had.”
“Ivs. No matter what you decide, even if I don't think it’s the best decision, I’ll be there for you. You are an adult and have to do what’s right for you. You and your family. There is never a need to hide anything from me.”
Kimberlin was normally a straight shooter. It was weird having her speak in code. With everything around her swirling, she needed to be able to hold on to some constants.
“Kimberlin, what are you trying to say? This code shit isn’t like you.”
“If you have forgiven Emmanuel, you don’t have to hide it from me. It may not be what I’d do, but you are my girl, and I stand by you.”
“Well. While I appreciate the sentiment. You don’t have to worry about me swerving you because I chose my husband. Make no mistake, I stand beside him. You’ll have to trust my decision here. It will work out.” Ivy wouldn’t break a promise to Manny, but Kimberlin needed to understand.
“Girl, you sound like Frank,” Kimberlin grumbled.
“He paid you a visit?” Ivy wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Frank always looked out for them.
“Sort of?—”
“What do you mean, sort of?”
“Um. I was out and ran into Frank.”
“We will revisit who your ass was out with.” Bingo, a guilty look, transformed Kimberlin’s features before it disappeared.
“Um… okay. Frank made it clear to me that I didn’t want to be on the wrong side of this situation. That my job is to be a friend without judgment and be a safe place for you to land.”
“Girl please, Frank didn’t say that.”
Kimberlin shook her head. “Ivs, you know that man so well. Your cousin is a menace. He said get your head outta your ass and be for real. Fuck around and see if you don’t lose your friend trying to project your ‘I rather be by myself’ bullshit onto her. ”
Ivy tried and failed to keep a straight face. Both women ended up bursting into laughter.
“Seriously Ivs. Our friendship is everything to me. I’m sorry if I haven’t been there for you the way I should. No one wants your happiness more than me.”
Ivy leaned over and hugged her friend. “Girl, we are good. Thank you for looking out for me.”
“Always,” Kimberlin answered.
It was good to have cleared the air with her friend. Especially when everyone found out that Manny had been innocent all along. Thankfully, her friend had said nothing disrespectful to her husband. He had received a few stink eyes from her best friend. But Ivy was sure Manny and Kimberlin could mend the fences.
Hopefully, Darsh will locate the other twin soon. Her children needed to know that they hadn’t misplaced their trust by putting it in their father.
Ivy thought she’d be most concerned about Sage, but her little girl was resilient. What had she told her this morning? “You and Daddy have to fix this soon. I am not built for the ‘my parents have two separate homes’ life. I forgot my favourite sweater at the condo.”
Ivy had smiled at her child’s antics, but she, like her daughter, was eager to have her husband back under the same roof.
In the meantime, Ivy had to tolerate their separate living situations. She made the most of it. While Sage was at home, she couldn’t spend the night. However, that didn’t stop them from spending lunch together.