19. Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
Licia
The fluttering of butterflies in my belly was an unexpected sensation, like a whirlwind of teenage excitement that I thought had long faded. The feeling was new and thrilling, a stark contrast to the mundane rhythms of my adult life.
Ever since Kevin asked me out, I had been basking in a dreamy haze, as if Cupid’s arrow had lodged itself firmly in my heart, and I had no desire to pull it out. I reveled in this feeling of being loved and cherished, it was a sweet escape from reality.
I knew it was time to call Avery, just as Joey had advised. I hadn’t meant to go silent on him, but I needed some space to untangle my emotions, and I felt I had done that. It was time to face the music.
After wrapping up an online interview for my promotional screening, I set my laptop to sleep mode and picked up my cell phone.
The clock on my wall read 6 a.m., a time when most people would still be in bed. Avery seemed like the type to rise early, so I hoped he’d be awake. With a mix of hope and anxiety, I dialed his number.
“Hi…” Avery’s husky voice greeted me. It had a disarming effect, sending a shiver down my spine. I didn’t like how his voice had this power over me. I cleared my throat, attempting to dispel the fluttery sensation.
“Good morning, Avery. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good,” he replied, his voice warm despite the early hour. “Busy with a few things, but otherwise great. And you?”
“Nice. Well, Avery, I want to apologize for not taking or returning your calls over the past week. I’ve been caught up in an emotional whirlwind, making it difficult to focus on anything else.” I hesitated, unsure of how to continue.
“Can you still hear me?”
“Yeah, loud and clear,” he said, with a hint of brusqueness that made me wince.
“Okay, so I’m really sorry. I hope you understand?”
“You don’t have to apologize for that,” he said after a thoughtful pause. “I was a bit hurt at first because I thought we had something good going. But then I realized I can’t force things, so I decided to wait for you to reach out when you were ready.”
“I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.
He chuckled softly, a sound that was both comforting and unsettling. “It’s cool.”
“Cool people don’t usually declare they’re cool, Avery,” I said, trying to add a touch of levity to the conversation.
“Smart response. But what would you have me do? Shout at you? Feel bad for being led on? I was confused by your silence, wondering where I went wrong. So, tell me how you want me to react, and I’ll do just that.”
His confidence was both unnerving and intriguing. It was as though he was betting on Kevin and me not lasting.
“I just needed to be honest with you. I’m in a relationship with someone else now,” I said, my voice steady but my heart racing.
“I understand,” Avery replied. “But that doesn’t mean I’m backing down. I’ve got nothing to lose, so I’ll take my chances.”
I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the situation. “I had to get that off my chest. I need to get ready for work now. Have a great day, Avery.”
“You too, Licia. Talk to you later.”
I wasn’t heading to work, though. My real destination was Kevin’s house. He had mentioned telling his family about us after his follow-up appointment, so I assumed he had already done so. The thought made me jittery with nerves, but I steeled myself and got dressed.
When I arrived at Kevin’s house, I was greeted by a woman I didn’t recognize, playing with a little boy in the yard. They looked like a picture-perfect family, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I didn’t know Kevin’s relatives, so I approached her, assuming she might be a family member.
“Hi, good morning,” I said with a friendly smile.
“Hello,” she replied, extending her hand with a warm, genuine smile.
Her face was smooth and well-defined, with sea-blue eyes and long lashes that gave her an almost ethereal beauty. She looked like a model who had stepped off a runway.
“Are the Browns home?” I asked, shaking her hand.
“I think Kevin is the only one home,” she said, glancing at me with a hint of curiosity.
“He’s in the gym. If you don’t mind me asking, who are you?”
“I’m Licia Michaels, Kevin’s girlfriend,” I said with a hint of pride.
Her smile turned into a smirk. “Interesting. I’m the mother of his son.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Kevin had a child?
The revelation left me frozen, unable to process the shock. I stood there, my mind racing, trying to come to terms with what I had just learned.
Just then, Kevin appeared, his expression a mix of guilt and apprehension.
“Licia, I can explain.”
I couldn’t bear to hear any explanations. I turned and fled to my car, my heart pounding. Without a word, I sped away, my emotions a whirlwind of confusion and pain.
In a panic, I fumbled through my purse for my phone and sent Joey a text: **911** .
She knew what that meant. Her reply came almost immediately: she was on her way to my house. Trembling with anxiety, I managed to keep it together until I got home.
Once inside, I sank onto the couch, burying my face in a throw pillow. I wanted to scream, but the shock kept my mouth shut tight.
The realization hit me hard—what was I thinking, assuming Kevin hadn’t moved on after all these years? I felt like a fool for not anticipating this.
Even so, I didn’t deserve to find out this way. Kevin should have been honest about his son from the beginning, giving me a chance to decide how to handle it rather than springing it on me unexpectedly.
Joey pounded on the door, calling out, “Licia, open up! I’m here!”
I straightened my clothes and answered the door with a strained smile. “Joey, welcome.”
“You can’t fool me with a fake smile. What’s going on?” She pulled me inside with a concerned look.
“It’s nothing serious now that I think about it,” I lied, though my voice wavered.
“Don’t kid me. Sending a 911 text means something serious,” she said, her brows furrowed.
“Actually, I made a shocking discovery today that I needed to share with you,” I said, trying to sound composed.
“Okay, spill it,” Joey said, settling into a chair but keeping her eyes locked on me.
“Kevin has a son,” I said, letting out a small, disbelieving laugh.
Was I losing my mind?
“He what?” Joey’s shock was evident. “Are you sure?”
“The boy looks just like Kevin did as a child. The mother was clear about being Kevin’s son’s mother. What more proof do I need?”
“Was Kevin home? What did he say?” Joey asked, her concern deepening.
“He said he had an explanation, but I didn’t stick around to hear it.”
“I didn’t see this coming. Did he know all along?”
“Don’t let it bother you. I’m fine. It’s really not my business what he does with his life,” I said, though the pain was clear in my voice.
“Come on, Licia. You can’t just brush this off. I can’t believe you’re okay after such a revelation.”
“I’m managing,” I said, though my facade was cracking. “I just needed to talk to someone. Want to grab something to eat?”
Joey eyed me skeptical but agreed. “If you insist. Let’s binge-watch some Netflix. Bring what you have.”
“Netflix sounds perfect,” I agreed, smiling faintly as I went to prepare a bowl of salted popcorn.
“You know me too well.”
***
The next day at work, Melony approached me with her usual perkiness. “Licia, can you cover the nurses’ desk for me? I need to grab something from the OB/GYN unit.”
Before I could protest, she had already handed me a stack of files. “Don’t be long, Mel. I’ve got things to do too.”
I noticed most of the nurses were absent, which was unusual. I checked my watch again—it had been over an hour, and Melony still hadn’t returned. I tried calling her, but my call went straight to voicemail.
“Melony, if I don’t see you in the next ten minutes, I’m leaving, ” I muttered under my breath.
She finally walked in, her face set in a serious expression. “The Chief wants to see you in the conference room.”
I was taken aback. “Why?”
“Can’t say,” she shrugged. “I don’t know everything.”
“I thought you knew everything that happens here,” I replied, puzzled.
“Not when it comes to why the Chief summons people,” she said. “Go see him and find out.”
“Wish me luck,” I said, heading toward the conference room with heavy steps.
As I knocked and entered the room, the sudden eruption of cheers nearly made my heart leap out of my chest.
“Congratulations, Licia! You aced the screening,” Dr. Shepherd said, handing me a letter.
I was speechless, my eyes widening with shock and joy.
“Thank you, Chief.”
The room was filled with applause and congratulations from my colleagues. I was overwhelmed by their support.
Melony tapped me on the shoulder from behind. “Congrats, Licia,” she said with a big smile. “I’m so proud of you.”
I hugged her tightly, feeling tears of gratitude welling up. “Thank you so much, Mel. How did you pull this off?”
“Well, I got wind of the news somehow,” Melony explained with a laugh. “I suggested a celebratory breakfast, pitched the idea to Corbin and another nurse, and they took care of the logistics while I kept you in the dark.”
“Wow… I’m truly grateful,” I said, my heart full.
“Enjoy the party. That’s the best thank you you can give me.”
“I definitely will. Where’s Corbin?” I asked, scanning the room for him.
“He was here earlier,” Melony said, looking around as well.
“I need to thank him in person.”
“While you do that, I’ll go grab some cupcakes before they’re all gone,” she said with a wink.
I laughed. “Okay then.”
As I searched for Corbin, I felt a renewed sense of joy amidst the chaos. Despite the earlier turmoil, this moment was a bright spot, reminding me of the support and love from those around me.