Chapter Three
Zamora
“Was that Marcus?” Zaria asked as soon as I closed my door.
“Yup, that was definitely Marcus,” I said and exhaled.
Turning almost entirely around in her seat to face me in the back seat, she asked, “Oh, my goodness, did you sneak out of town with him?”
“No, and turn your ass around. We ran into each other yesterday in Vegas when our flight was canceled.”
“And?” she inquired right before the driver’s side door opened and her husband slid in behind the steering wheel.
“And I’ll tell you later, but absolutely nothing happened. So, stop them damn wheels that are turning in your nosey-ass head.”
“I’ll let you off the hook for now, but I want to know everything, and you better tell me the truth, missy,” she said.
As we pulled away from the curb, I looked back at Marcus standing there, his words ringing in my ears.
He never stopped loving me. What in the hell is that supposed to do for me now? Why would he say that to me after we’ve been apart for so damn long? Why did I allow him to revisit our past? Why did I even take Marcus up on his offer to let me stay in his hotel room when I had an entire gotdamn situation of my own going on? I’m going through a divorce and have a whole baby inside of me, for goodness’ sake.
All kinds of emotions were stirring inside me, and I hated it. I had moved on and left my past with him way behind. Knowing I was pregnant, I still refused to go near Marcus.
He could’ve saved his breath telling me to call him at his hotel, I thought as Zaria and her husband were having a conversation of their own in the front seat. I tried to refocus my thinking on the sample dishes I would prepare for my potential new client that afternoon.
Enough with the thoughts of Marcus’s “fine as all get out” caramel skin-toned ass, I told myself, but as hard as I tried, it wasn’t easy to do.
Over six damn glorious feet tall, he had matured in the last ten years. No more messy curls. He now sported a clean-cut, low-tapered fade and a beautiful, full, well-maintained beard and mustache. His shoulders were broader, his waist slimmer, and an eight-pack replaced the six-pack I used to love running my hands across.
Damn! I bit down on the corner of my lip. He looked damn delicious. How my horny ass kept it all the way together last night, I do not know.
I didn’t bother to inquire whether he was romantically involved with anyone. I did not want to know if he was loving on someone new, and I did not want to open the door for him to ask about my love life.
I had no desire to share that I was married to a man who didn’t love or respect me enough to keep his penis in his pants, and to add insult to injury, he made a baby outside of our marriage. I didn’t want to admit to Marcus that during one night of wine-induced weakness, I foolishly laid with him and got pregnant after three years of trying with no success. No, I did not want to share that information and look like a fool. My eyes watered, and I knew my hormones were to blame for me becoming emotional. While blinking back my tears, I asked the Father for strength.
When my sister’s husband, Josh, pulled up to my house, I blew out a tiny breath. I didn’t know if Evan would be there since he hadn’t completely moved out, and from the looks of it, he was making no effort to move. Whether he was there or not, I was in no mood to cross paths with his ass. My sister got out of the car to hug me while Josh grabbed my bags from the trunk. They offered to walk me inside, and I didn’t say no. If Evan were home, they would be there to help me avoid having an unwanted conversation with him. Although I had come to terms with our situation, I still didn’t like him much. And the way the pregnancy had my hormones so out of whack, he’d be stabbed to death if he said the wrong thing.
I called out his name after stepping inside the doorway. Having entered through the front door, I didn’t know if his vehicle was in the garage. I was relieved once a few seconds passed without a reply, which meant he wasn’t home. I dropped my purse and keys on the counter, and Josh offered to haul my luggage up the steps.
“Thanks so much for picking me up,” I told Zaria. “I have to change and head over to make some samples for a potential client.”
“What’s the occasion?” she asked.
“I believe it’s an engagement party. Since I was supposed to be home yesterday, nothing was marinated last night. So, I must hurry. If I get there within the hour, I’ll have at least three hours to marinate and get my sides together.”
“We’ll get out of your hair, Zee, but you better call me later to fill me in on this Marcus reunion,” she said as Josh descended the stairs.
“I’ll call you, but it was no reunion. I have a lot going on, but plans to see Marc again don’t exist.”
“Whatever, liar. Call me later,” she said, leaning in to hug me one last time.
After locking the door behind them, I raced upstairs, changed my clothes, and left to head to my catering company. Once I arrived, I got to work. Before going to Vegas, I had stocked everything I needed in the fridge and freezer for this appointment. The first thing I did was my thawing process, and after an hour, all the meat was seasoned and marinating. Her menu requests were fish, chicken, steak, garlic mashed potatoes, Cajun rice, mixed vegetables, and fluffy dinner rolls, which all would be a walk in the park to prepare. Dessert was not a request because she had already hired a baker.
Four o’clock was approaching fast, but I was ready to wow this potential client. Since I had time, I whipped up some gravy and honey butter, ready to impress. When the entry door chimed, I quickly removed my apron and went to greet Ms. Spencer. I wore a confident smile as I closed the distance between us with an outstretched arm.
“Ms. Spencer, I’m Zamora. It is so nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I am so sorry we couldn’t meet yesterday.”
“Me too. I went out of town for a few days, and there were flight delays. Yadda, yadda, yadda. But thank you for agreeing to move our appointment to today.”
“No problem. I heard you could burn, and although I’d love to have sushi and a vegan menu, I don’t want to disappoint my guests.”
“You didn’t mention you were vegan,” I said.
“Because I won’t be eating at the party. I can’t risk getting bloated or looking a mess in my dress.”
“So you won’t be sampling my food?” I asked, confused.
“No. I hoped to attend this appointment with my fiancé, but he had travel troubles like you and couldn’t make it. However, the way it smells so good up in here, you’re hired.”
“Wait, you’re hiring me based on the aroma of my food?” I asked, wanting to ensure I heard her right.
“To be honest, my future mother-in-law recommended you, and there’s no way I would not listen to the woman who gave birth to my man.”
“So, I’m hired?” I asked again, and she gave me another verbal confirmation.
“Yes, you are, but can you box up your samples so I can take them home to my fiancé? He will gladly make them disappear.”
I nodded and then disappeared to the back to pack up her samples. I was sure to send the gravy and honey butter. We chatted a little more when I returned to the front, and she assured me that I would get an email with the date and headcount so I could quote her a price. I was so excited because this would be my biggest job since I opened.
After she left, I got busy cleaning up, the whole time trying not to think of Marcus, but his words were on repeat in my mind like a scratched record.
“I never stopped loving you,” I said out loud.
Part of me wanted to show up at his hotel to ask him for another chance and to be a father to my child, but the more I thought about it, the more foolish I felt.
“Get over it, Zamora. Marcus is your past, and single motherhood is your future,” I told myself.
Once I finished cleaning my kitchen, I logged into my computer to check my calendar. With business picking up, I knew I would have to hire more people soon to keep up with the demand. So, I took the time to post an ad on several job sites. Before I shut down my computer, my notifications alerted me of an email from Eliana Spencer. I had a month to prepare for their seventy-five guests, and I replied that I would have a solid quote for her by the end of the next day. She then responded, telling me that her fiancé loved every morsel of the food. I smiled before replying to tell him thank you. Then I closed my laptop, placed it in my bag, secured the place, and headed home. During the drive, I fought hard not to think of Marcus, but it seemed a losing battle.
What am I going to do? I was in no position to pursue anything with this man, especially with me still married and carrying Evan’s child. I wished I could have a drink to numb me a bit from the sadness I felt, but the glass of wine I had with Marcus was enough. Even though I couldn’t stand the sight of Evan, I already loved my baby. Therefore, I had to take care of myself during this pregnancy. And that meant no stress, no booze, and no Marcus.
After my shower and a quick dinner I threw together, I called my mother to check on her and my dad before calling Zaria. She was so sure I was lying when I told her nothing sexual happened between me and Marcus, but after the twentieth time I said it, she finally accepted that I was telling the truth.
When I expressed to her that I wished my situation was different so I could have pounced on him, she snickered and replied, “I bet. Now, when are you going to tell Evan about your bundle?”
“Soon. I don’t want to, but I know I have to. The thought of co-parenting with Ev for the next eighteen years makes me sicker to my stomach than the morning sickness I’m experiencing.”
“It’s early, Zee. You have options.”
“Really, Zar? You know me, and you know that would never be an option for me. You may not believe in the Most High, but I do. Divorcing is hard enough for me. So, please don’t ever say that shit to me again!” I shot at her.
“You’re right, Zee, and I’m sorry. I promise not to say that again. You and I have different views, but I meant no disrespect.”
“Thank you. Getting pregnant wasn’t in the plan after things went south with my marriage. I believe this baby is in His plan, not my own. So, I’d never consider aborting my child or giving it up for adoption. This baby is a part of me. No matter how bad the timing is, it is what it is. I’m not bitter or sad about it. I’m happy. Yes, Evan is the last man that I’d like to co-parent with, but there was a time when I tried to have a baby with him. I don’t know the Most High’s plans, Zar, but Abba is still the head of my life. No matter how many times I stumble, I repent and keep striving to do my best.”
“As you should, Lil Sis. I don’t have to believe in what you spiritually believe, but I will never stop supporting and loving you. No matter what choices you make for yourself, I’ll support you. I’m happy that I’m going to be an auntie.”
“Thanks, and after I tell Evan, I’ll tell Momma and Daddy. It’s still sinking in. I was a bit sad at first, but not anymore.”
“We got your back, Zee. This baby will be loved and adored.”
“Absolutely,” I agreed and then yawned.
“Well, I’ll let you go. You know I’m always a phone call away.”
“I do, and I love you, Zar.”
“Love you, too, Zee. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay, goodnight,” I said, yawning again.
After we ended our call, I headed to bed, and as soon as I shut my eyes, I heard the garage door going up. I tried to tune out the noise of Evan moving around the house, but my eyes opened when I heard him coming closer to my room. Seconds later, there was a light tap on the door.
“You have to be kidding me,” I mumbled, sitting up in my bed. “Come in,” I called out as I leaned over to turn on the lamp.
When the door opened, Evan stood there looking like he had been in a fight. Worry hit me quickly, and I sprung up from the bed.
“Ev, what on earth happened to you?”
“I’m okay, Zee. I just had a scuffle with a man Terri is now seeing,” he said, moving over to the chaise that anchored the foot of the bed.
“What? I thought you and Terri were moving in together. What in the hell, Evan?” I asked, confused.
“I lied, okay. I lied about the DNA test results. I never tested her kid. I met her son’s real father tonight, and let’s just say things ended badly. I’m sorry for everything I put you through, Zamora. I know we can’t go back, and I know there is no starting over for us. But I need more time here at the house. I need to stay here in the guest room until I find a place.”
I froze. I wanted to say hell no, but I stood in silence.
“I’m not asking you to take me back. I just need to regroup,” he expressed.
“Well, I’m glad you understand that there is no getting back together for us. And you lied, Evan! Why would you lie to me about being that kid’s…?”
I paused. He was what he was––a cheater and a liar––and why he lied wouldn’t change how I felt. So, at that moment, I decided not to withhold my pregnancy from him any longer.
“You know what, none of that matters because I have my own baby to worry about.”
“Come again. What do you mean by that?” Evan asked, his brows threaded together in confusion.
“I’m pregnant,” I uttered softly.
He leaned in closer with an even more confused expression. “What?”
“I’m pregnant. I was trying to find the right time to tell you.”
He inched closer with a pleasant look of surprise on his bruised face. “Are you serious, Zee? You’re having my baby?”
My eyes welled as I nodded my head and sat down on the edge of the bed.
“How far along?” he quizzed, reaching to touch my tummy.
I involuntarily flinched, and he quickly drew back.
“Two, maybe three weeks. It happened the last time we were together.”
He stood there staring down at me. “You’re serious?” he asked again with an inquisitive look.
I wiped the tears from my cheeks with the back of my hand. “Yes, Evan, I am.”
He sat beside me and didn’t speak for a moment.
“That’s great news, baby. I mean, this is a good thing. Maybe we can work on us. This baby could be what saves our marriage,” he said, looking at me with glossy eyes.
His words were heartfelt, but my thoughts were hell no.
Shaking my head from side to side, I replied, “Evan, this pregnancy doesn’t change anything with us. We are not an option. You can stay here as long as you need because this house is in both of our names, but please don’t talk to me about rekindling our marriage. We must figure out this co-parenting thing, but I still want a divorce. The damage is too much. I forgave you, but I don’t want you back, Evan. The drama with the other woman took too much out of me, and you don’t deserve me anymore. You broke us,” I expressed, sniffling.
He swiped away some of his falling tears and gave me a vigorous nod.
“I understand, and we will work it out for the sake of our baby. I wasn’t the best husband, but I vow to be a great dad.”
“I believe you will be, Evan. Just please keep the drama with Terri away from this house.”
“No worries, Zee. That’s a done deal,” he said, holding his hands up in mock surrender.
“Thank you, and please don’t make me regret this decision to let you stay here longer. And understand we have to decide on either selling this house or me refinancing and taking your name off before this bundle arrives.”
“I’m aware. It’s whatever you want from here on out.”
“Perfect. Now I must sleep. This baby is sucking the life out of me already,” I said with a yawn before standing.
He followed my lead and stood up, too.
“I can only imagine. I’ll be here for you for whatever you need, Zee. You won’t have to go through this pregnancy alone,” he said, opening his arms.
This time, I didn’t flinch. The idea of Evan holding me or even touching me again repulsed me, but I let him give me a tight squeeze. It felt familiar and comforting, so I allowed him to hold me for a few brief moments. And for the first time in a long while, I believed him.
“Thanks, Evan.”
“Anything for you, Zee. Goodnight,” he said.
“Goodnight,” I told him as he exited my room.
I wanted to process the events that had occurred in the last seventy-two hours of my life, but my exhausted pregnant body was asleep within minutes after Evan vacated my room.