Chapter 14
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
NADIR:
ROBYN:
100! What is Sunny craving today?
“Ordering to-go?” the cashier asked.
I nodded then rattled off Summer’s usual from Over Easy Diner.
Whatever Mirian put in her pancakes had Summer hooked.
She called first thing this morning, asking me to bring her a platter.
Normally, Ryder would’ve gotten it, but he was down a man at AutoHaven and had to go in earlier than usual.
Summer explained this to me during the call.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“Nah, that’ll be all,” I replied, then peeled off a twenty to hand to him.
I paused and smiled at my dad’s money clip holding my cash and ID together.
He wasn’t a wallet man, preferring to carry his necessities in a custom clip.
I guess it rubbed off on me because I couldn’t remember the last time I carried a wallet.
After getting a copy of my receipt, I stepped aside and went back to texting Robyn.
NADIR:
A short stack, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and beef bacon.
I shook my head because not many people knew about beef bacon. Summer was fasho a regular at Over Easy.
ROBYN:
Thanks for that. I'll bring her one tomorrow.
NADIR:
What’s happening tomorrow?
ROBYN:
Getting my hair done, FINALLY.
“Nadir?” came from behind me. I locked my phone while turning to see who was there. My stomach twisted when my eyes landed on Vanessa’s sister Valerie. She smiled and reached for a hug. I extended my arm and accepted the loose and awkward embrace.
“It’s been a minute. How have you been?”
The last time I saw Valerie, she ducked me like she owed me money.
We were at the grocery store and had entered the same aisle at opposite ends.
Our eyes met and she turned around. I stood there dumbfounded by the interaction.
I always thought Valerie and I were cool.
It was after that day that I questioned what Vanessa told her when she and Avery moved.
I never considered how she viewed our breakup.
“I’ve been fine. It’s funny running into you here. I’ve been thinking about calling you.”
My eyebrows met. “Really?”
“Yes. First, I need to apologize for that time at Fresh Mart. I’m too damn grown to be acting like that. I just didn’t know what to say to you. I was so mad at Vanessa for what she did to you.”
I sighed. “How’s she doing?”
The question came out before I could stop myself. My desire to know if her moving was worth it outweighed my pride.
“She’s good; enjoys her job and neighborhood. Avery is doing great. Just started ballet lessons.”
My heart swelled with joy at the mention of Avery. “I’m happy she’s in dance lessons. I sent her a pair of slippers for her birthday. Not sure if Vanessa kept them.”
Valerie nodded. “She did. I told her to stop treating you like a deadbeat trying to come back around. The way you cared for Avery was such a blessing to us all. I wish things didn’t end how they did.”
“Me too, but it’s okay. Life goes on.”
Running into Valerie was timely given the conversation I had with Robyn last night.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was sad, missing Avery and Vanessa.
As time went on, the pain lessened. They crossed my mind from time to time, but I learned not to dwell.
Spending too much time thinking about them would only set me back.
“Yes, it does,” she said solemnly. “She told me you were going to propose. I wish she had given you a chance to do so. Deep down, I always knew she’d leave though.”
“Me too,” I revealed with a wry chuckle. “She hated it here and I had no plans of leaving. I was working overtime to convince her Roseville was the place for us to raise a family.”
“I can only blame our parents. They thought having a baby would save their marriage. Vanessa always felt like an afterthought, which she was, especially when she was in high school. Our parents couldn’t be in the same room without fighting. Daddy was so trifling, having affairs all over town.”
Vanessa had a lot of unresolved issues with her family.
When I met her, they were attempting another reconciliation.
Over time, issues from her childhood arose and family disagreements happened.
She'd go weeks without speaking to her parents and sister, leaving me and Avery in a tough spot.
When things with her family were at its worst, she moved across the country, leaving me in the process.
I was left to wonder how much our relationship issues stemmed from her abandonment issues.
“Platter order for Nadir!” the cashier yelled from behind the to-go counter.
I sighed, pleased that I had an exit from this conversation.
“That’s me,” I said to Valerie. She side-stepped, allowing me room to pass. After retrieving my bag, I started toward the door.
“Hey,” Valerie said, grabbing my forearm. “Avery will be here this summer. I think it’ll be good for you to see her and get a proper goodbye.”
My heart pounded and my mouth dried. “Have you run this by Vanessa?”
“I did. She’s thinking about it. The more we talk about everything and peel back the layers, we realize how much of our actions are reactions. Let me know if that’s something you want and we will set time aside.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Her smile was pleasant. “Please do, Nadir. I know it’s not an easy choice to make, but I know you’ll do what’s best for you and your path to healing.”
Valerie’s words lingered as I turned onto Summer’s street.
Harmony on Main was the place to live right now.
The community had single family homes as well as town houses, with two clubhouses, a fitness center, pools, and a splash park.
Several of my peers moved into the community within the last two years.
Coming here used to be a sore spot. Many nights, I’d drive around after work, envisioning my family living here.
We toured two townhouses and were considering a single-family home.
Just a week before she left, we went to her bank to meet with advisors.
Everything seemed fine.
My chest tightened and my head throbbed. As I pulled up to Summer’s home, I exhaled. I planned to tell Summer about the conversation, but I didn’t want her to sense a problem before I was ready. My first instinct was to call Robyn, but I knew she was tied up with her soft opening.
After a beat of silence, I got out of the car and headed toward the front door. I pressed the doorbell and waited for an answer. Summer beamed while pulling me inside.
“Nadir, you’re the best. I love you so much.” Summer took the bag and waddled toward the kitchen
I followed her, taking a second view of the pictures in their entryway.
The gallery wall was an equal mix of pictures of their families.
I paused when I spotted our high school graduation picture.
My heart twisted as I stared at us with our fathers.
They stood between me and Summer holding our diplomas.
Their smiles emulated the pride they felt.
Summer and I were just as happy, leaning in close to them.
Life was crazy. Who knew I’d lose my dad a few years later and that Mr. Jones wouldn’t be here to see his baby girl’s firstborn.
I shook my head and continued to the kitchen.
“They gave me extra hash browns,” Summer gushed while unloading the bag at the counter. “Thanks again. I would've gone myself, but I’ve been so tired lately.”
I chuckled. “I wonder why?”
She rolled her eyes then bit into a strip of bacon. “So, what have you got planned today?”
Taking a seat next to her, I shrugged. “Shit. Figured I’d kick it with you.”
“Really?” The excitement in her voice made me smile.
“Yup. Ry said there was some nursery stuff you wanted done?”
Her eyes lit up. “Yes. I bought artwork and wall decals for his room. I want to switch his dresser and crib around and I ordered a new light fixture that should arrive today. If it comes in time, can you install it?”
“I got you. How’s my little guy doing?” I asked while rubbing her stomach. A thump against my palm made me smile.
Summer inhaled then rolled her shoulders. “He’s doing good.”
I rubbed her shoulder. “And you?”
“I'm okay. Just tired and achy. My doctor wants me to spend more time resting, whatever that means.”
“I think it means spending evenings off your feet and not running around a lounge.”
Summer cut into her pancakes, ignoring my pointed stare.
“And I’m closing my books two weeks before my due date.”
“Good idea.”
“I know. It’s just... my life is about to change. I want to enjoy this normal for as long as I can. Who knows when I’ll come back to Ray’s or if my regular clients will find a new go-to stylist while I'm on leave.”
My eyebrows met as I watched her fight back tears.
I didn’t know what to say because everything I wanted to say sounded wrong.
She needed more than a “it’ll be okay” and “don’t worry about work.
” As someone who found joy in running a business, I could only imagine the uncertainty she felt right now.
“You will always have a place at Ray’s. Whatever work you can manage from home, do it. I won’t stop you. When you’re ready to come back at night, we’ll figure it out.”
Summer’s role at Ray’s was vital. She kept the books in order, making meetings with our accountants a breeze.
She created systems that improved our workflow.
The staff loved her and confided in her.
When they couldn’t get through to me, she was their advocate.
Ray’s wouldn’t be what it was without her.
“You’re saying that now. But after a month of not having to hear my nagging, you might reconsider.”
I shook my head. “Don’t give me any ideas.”
She pushed my shoulder. “You could never keep me away from that place.”
“And you won’t be able to keep me away from my little guy.”
I shadowboxed the side of her belly, laughing when I felt light taps on my hand.
“Just like an uncle to get the baby hype while I'm eating,” Summer groused.