She took the towel and patted at his glistening body. “Of course, you do, and clothes will make you feel magnificent.” She squatted and passed the towel over Simon’s rump and thighs when she was confronted with his noticeable arousal. She gazed up. “Really, Young? Even when you’re sick?”
A weak smile spread under his droopy eyes. “Sorry, I can’t help it. You have that effect on me.”
Regina stood. “Well, I can.” She snatched the sweatpants off the bed and opened them at the hips. “Here. We’re getting you in bed—to rest.” Maneuvering past more advances was necessary, but she eventually gave Simon his medicine and lay the overstuffed comforter over the feverish law man.
“Thanks, Babe,” Simon yawned. The fluffy white pillow framed black locks, and a content grin. “I’m so glad you came.”
Regina slowly blinked and smiled. “Yeah, I am too.” He was not as hot as earlier. She leaned forward and pressed her mouth onto his moist lips. She’d missed them so much that even a light kiss brought with it a plethora of feelings. It’s so good just to be near him. “I’ll get you some more water.”
Regina took two water bottles from the fridge and surveyed the great room. Cleaning the messy apartment passed her mind a few times while she was at the doctor with Simon. Mercifully, Simon’s cleaning lady returned it to its usual orderly state while they were gone. Thank you, Clarissa. Carrying Simon’s heavy carcass around the city had every muscle in her body singing for a break, and she was going to take one lying next to her big man baby.
Retrieving the phone from her purse and strolling towards the bedroom, Regina huffed at the daunting number of notifications on the screen. I’m not even in the mood. I’ll deal with this mess later. She stopped and frowned at the door. She closed and rolled her eyes as Simon’s mother glided into the apartment. Are you kidding me? Haven’t I been through enough today? “Hello, Mrs. Young.”
Alice dragged her gaze over Regina while flipping her keys in her hand. “Hello, Rebecca.”
“Regina.”
“Yes, that’s it. Re-gee-na. Well, it’s nice to come into my son’s apartment with you fully dressed.”
Don’t be snide. Don’t be snide. “Yeah, it must be a real comfort.”
Alice cast a sideward glance at Regina’s chest. “Where’s Simon?”
Regina looked down at the distended Boston College letters across her chest. “He’s in bed.” She turned, grinning at the sound of Alice’s gasp behind her. Eyeing the shocked woman over her shoulder gratified her further. I know exactly what’s she’s thinking, and I should let her keep thinking it. She continued down the hall. “Sick. He’s in bed sick. I just brought him back from the doctor.”
The shopping bag landed on the floor next to her. Regina jumped to the side on one foot and hit the wall trying to avoid Simon’s mother ramming into her. Alice was already on the bed stroking his hair when Regina leaned against the doorway and crossed her ankles.
Alice drew a few tissues from the box on the nightstand and dabbed his forehead. “How long as he been sick? What has he been taking?” Beautiful dark eyes sparkled with irritation at Regina. Alice Young was truly a stunning woman—albeit acidic and condescending—and she plainly cherished her son. “You didn’t let them give him penicillin, did you? He’s allergic.”
“I found him like this earlier. I think he’s been sick all weekend. The doctor said his tonsils are infected.” Regina pushed from the jamb and placed a hand on her delicate shoulder. She was hard as nails for someone with such a tiny body. “I told them I wasn’t sure of his allergies, so they didn’t give him penicillin. The doctor said he should start feeling better in 24 to 48 hours. He needs rest and fluids. I was just about to check on him.” I was also going to lay next to and hold him because I missed him so much, but you messed that up for me.
Alice flicked the hand off her shoulder and swiped the water bottle. “Thank you for all of your help.” She rose from the bed and shoved Regina towards the door. “I can take care of Simon from here.”
Regina staggered. “Umm, I’m not leaving him, Mrs. Young.” Simon squirmed on his back and let out a heavy sigh. “I want to make sure he’s okay.”
Alice glowered and prodded harder. “Are you implying that I can’t care of my own son?” The two women stumbled into the hall. “You’ve known him for a couple of months. I’ve seen to his health all of his life. I know what he needs.”
“I’m not saying that. I just want to be with him.” Her leg bumped a stool, making it wobble.
Alice let out a wry laugh. “Well, there will be time enough for that when he’s better. You can go now, and do whatever it is you do. I’m sure there’s a protest somewhere.”
Regina felt the heat surge up her neck and out of her ears. She’s throwing me out? Who does she think she is? She clenched her teeth and glared as she towered over Alice. It’s time to set this woman straight. She opened her mouth to spit one of a list of venomous retorts her mind formulated in the time it took her to inhale, but then she glanced across the apartment at the hall. Simon was sick and did not need the two of them bickering. If she stood her ground, that was exactly what would happen. There was so much they had to talk through; adding a fight with his mother to the list was not wise. She’d have to bow out of this verbal brawl—this time. “All of his medicine is next to the bed.”
Alice half smiled. “Thank you.” The expression of gratitude was more appropriate for the help and not anyone significant to Simon’s life.
Regina lifted her handbag from the hook and let the weight drop on her shoulder. She opened it and dipped her head as she walked into the hallway. The contents jostled in front of her until she saw the worn leather bi-fold. “Here’s his wallet.” She reached in again and handed Alice a bunch of folded papers. “Oh, and these are from the urgent care visit.”
“Excellent. Goodbye.”
Tears began to wet the front of Simon’s red shirt. She’d been dismissed before, but this rejection tore at her heart. Clenched fists shook to pound on the brown door blocking her from the man she loved. Instead, she relaxed them at her side, resting her throbbing head on the molding and staring at the intricate carpet pattern until it swam around her aching feet.
There’s no winning by battling his mother. I’m too exhausted to fight anymore. After a few deep breaths, she raised her head and wiped the tears away. Her phone vibrated in her pocket.
Elliott: Sorry. I couldn’t get them to wait until Friday. You have to be here by noon, Wednesday.
Chapter 25
I Need to Find Her
For the first time in days, Simon was able to raise his head without it feeling as if it weighed a ton. He opened his eyes to the dimness of his bedroom, flipped the blankets back and sat on the side of the bed. The wonders of modern medicine were kicking in. Simon stretched while faint memories of the past few days trickled into his mind. It was all very foggy, but one thing stuck and filled his heart with happiness. Regina was here.
He’d never felt as much delight as when he opened his eyes and saw her radiance. She took such good care of me. Her touch lingered on his body. “Gina?” He trudged out of the bedroom. Smells from his childhood awakened his senses. His wobbly legs still needed help. “Gina?” He pushed his palms towards the ceiling and arched his back while searching the great room through half-opened eyes for the person he yearned for the most.
“Good morning, Simon.” His mother’s cheerful voice drew his attention to the kitchen. The huge pot in front of her billowed steam when she lifted the lid and stirred. “How are you feeling?”
Despite his disappointment, Simon mustered a smile and kissed his mother’s soft cheek. “I’m feeling a lot better.” He grabbed a water from the fridge and relished the cool sensation down his dry throat.
“That’s good. I made you some soup. Sit down.”
“Thanks, ma. It smells awesome.” His grumbling belly confirmed it. “I was out of it for a while, huh? There’s probably a ton of work on my desk.”
“I would assume so.” Alice placed a steaming bowl on the counter along with a spoon and chunk of fresh brioche. “Eat.”
“Thanks.” His nasal passages opened to the scrumptious aroma and steam. Simon glanced around the apartment again before diving in. “Where’s Gina? Wasn’t she here?”
Alice briefly paused her stirring then continued, lifting her chin. “Who?”
“Gina, ma.” Steam from the soup tickled his scruffy chin. “Regina, my girlfriend. Where is she?” Simon concentrated on the swirling broth with chunks of vegetables and meat floating in a centric pattern around the bowl. Did I dream her? I wanted her here so bad; maybe I just imagined the whole thing?
“Oh, her. I sent her away.”
Simon dropped the hand poised at his mouth with a spoonful of soup. Broth sprayed from its container onto his wrist. He stared across the counter, barely registering the stings from the array of tiny burns on his skin. “You did what?”
“I told her to leave. You needed your rest, not to follow some girl in a tight t-shirt around.”
Simon slammed his fist on the counter and sprang from his seat. “Damn it, ma.”
Alice blinked rapidly then frowned. “Simon Young.”
He raced to the bedroom. Battling his sore muscles, he ripped the blankets from the bed, then combed the floors and rifled his night stand draws. He stopped to gaze at the golden bangles on Regina’s side before rummaging through the rest of the apartment.
The sofa was next. Pillows and blankets flew in the air. “Where the hell is my phone?” He overturned books and magazines, finally hitting the coffee table with his palm. “Shit.”
“Is vulgarity necessary, Simon?”
He stood and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, ma, but you have no idea what you’ve done.” It was hard to suppress the fury and desperation in his tone. He loved and respected his mother but just wanted to yell at the top of his lungs at the rashness of her actions. “I’ve been trying to talk to Gina for over a week. She finally comes to me, and you kick her out? She already thinks you don’t like her because she’s Black, and then you go and treat her as if she’s nothing?”
His mother scoffed and folded her arms. “That’s nonsense. I don’t care that she’s Black. Now, her being one of those social justice warriors is a problem.”
“Yeah, well that’s what she thinks, and that’s the only thing that matters.” He propped his aching body back on the stool and messaged his forehead. “I wanted her to open to the idea of making this her home, of it being where we share our lives.” Simon sighed and relaxed a little as his mother’s fingers passed through his hair.
“How serious are you about this woman, Simon?”
He met his mother’s gaze. The concern in her eyes chipped away at his anger. She meant well, in her way. “I’m very serious about her, ma.” He went back to the bedroom and set an engraved silver ring box on the counter when he returned. “I love her.”
Alice stared in wonder at the box and then him. She opened it, revealing a platinum engagement ring with a huge diamond surrounded by French pavé-set round diamonds that also ran along the band. “Nice ring. I’ve taught you well. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you cared so much for her.”
Simon touched his mother’s hand. “I didn’t tell you, and that’s my fault, but you had no right to put her out, ma. She’s my life. You have to show her more respect.”
Alice nodded. “I will, Simon. I have to admit, she did take good care of you.” His mother grunted when he caught her in a bear hug. “Okay, okay. Can I breathe now?”
“Yes.” Simon kissed her cheek and dashed out of the kitchen. “Now I’ve gotta go find her.”
“What?” Alice followed her son. “No, Simon. You’re still sick,” her muffled voice floated through the bedroom door.
***
Marcus swelled his chest and sauntered to his beautiful wife lounging on the sofa. “Here you go, sweetness.” Toni’s smile made the trek to Brooklyn well worth it.
She took the box and marveled at the assortment of small pies. “You went all the way to Abu’s Bakery for me?” She yanked at her husband’s tie. He bent to receive a loving kiss. “Thanks, Marc. You spoil me.”
Marcus settled next to his wife and gathered her small frame in his arms. “That’s my job. I know the past few of weeks have been especially hard.”
“Tell me about it,” Toni mumble with a mouth full of sweet potato pie. She set the box on the wood coffee table and proceeded to the kitchen. “We need milk.”
Marcus removed his tie and sank further into the sofa. “Any word from Gina?”
Toni walked towards him with a carton of milk in one hand and two glasses in the other. “Yes, she’s safe and sound.” They both furrowed their eyebrows at the knocking on the front door.
Marcus peered at his watch. “Who the hell can that be?” Because their schedules became erratic at times, he’d established a strict policy against uninvited guests. Everyone knew not to just pop by the Kent’s or there would be consequences. Of course, Regina ignored that rule, but she was long gone.
Toni stood on her toes at the peephole. “Simon?”
Marcus shot off the couch and was at Toni’s side in seconds. “What’s he doing here?”
“I’m not sure.” Toni held Marcus’s chin and glared. “But you be nice. Remember, your sister loves him, and so do you. It’s about time the two of you make up anyway.”
He grunted. That was the best she was going to get out of him.
Toni continued to look back at him as she glided past the kitchen.
He cracked the door and jutted his head into the hallway. “What? I’m trying to be with my wife.” Marcus stopped his tirade when he noticed Simon’s sickly appearance.
Simon slowly blinked, standing with his hands jammed in the pockets of his hoodie. “Sorry, man, but I need your help.”
Marcus opened the door further and stepped to the side. “You look like shit.”
Simon chuckled. “That accurately describes how I feel. Hi Toni.”
Toni flew her hand to Simon’s forehead. “Why are you wandering around the city with infected tonsils?”
Simon looked over his shoulder at Marcus, who shook his head. “They tell each other everything.”
“Shut up.” Toni guided Simon’s ragged body to the side chair. “You should be in bed.”
“I’m doing okay. I just need to find Gina. She was at my apartment last night.”
“You mean until your mother told her to leave?”
Marcus up held his hand at Simon’s shocked gape. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Yeah, I want to talk to her,” replied Simon, shifting under Toni’s clinical scrutiny.
Marcus met Toni’s gaze as he pulled her down on his lap and stroked her leg. “And you came here?” His wife ran her fingernails along his scalp, making him instantly relax. They fixed their attention on their feeble guest.
“I was just at her place.”
“Why didn’t you call her,” Toni inquired.
“I can’t find my phone.”
Marcus tilted his head. “Let me get this straight. You can’t find your woman or your phone?” He chortled and rubbed the back of his head to soothe the sting of his wife’s slap. “Hey, why you hittin’ me? I didn’t lose ‘em.” Simon’s never this disorganized. Maybe Gina is something special to him. I’m gonna vomit.
Toni sighed. “Regina isn’t home Simon. She took a shuttle flight to D.C. this afternoon. You must’ve just missed her.”
“D.C.? Why is she goin’ to D.C.?”
“Job interview.” Marcus tapped Toni’s behind and stood. “Some media company is in love with her writing, and she decided to make a career change.” The glasses clanked in the custom-made cabinet. He removed one and held it to the room. “We were just havin’ dessert. Want some?” The invitation contained just the right undertones of irritation.
Simon’s head dipped down. “I can’t believe she’s thinki
n’ of leavin’ New York.”
Guess he’s not too sick to jump to a big ass conclusion. “Actually, she’s—,” Marcus began to explain to his lovelorn friend that the job was not in D.C. but spied Toni’s shaking head and glinting eyes. “Yeah, go figure.” He shot her a look. What are you plotting, woman?
“They were excited to be bringing her on board,” chimed Toni. “They couldn’t even wait until Friday, which is when she wanted to leave.” She touched Simon’s knee. “Gina tried to buy more time when you guys were at the clinic, so she could take care of you,” she sat back and crossed her legs “until she was tossed out like garbage.”
Brilliant. Marcus beamed at his wife’s keen skill to manipulate the hell out of someone. Fortunately, she only used her powers for good. Toni was working the perfect emotional angles to make Simon realize that he’d better act fast or risk losing his lady love. Marcus’s stomach churned. I’m still not completely all right with the thought of the two of them together, but I guess I have to get used to it. I’m definitely gonna vomit. He leaned against the sink and waited for his friend’s reaction.
Simon’s hand was on the front door almost instantly. He stepped back and looked at Marcus. “We cool, man?”
Marcus nodded. “Call me when you get back. We’ll play some one-on-one.” He reached on the wall and pulled down a chrome key ring with the word “Charger” and a fob. “Here.” Simon snatched the key out of the air. “I’ll call the garage to let them know you’re taking my car.”
Simon smiled. “Thanks man.” That was all that needed to be said between the two friends. Things were settled.
“You got it. Can I get back to my woman now?” Relieved of one love-sick fool, Marcus made a quick phone call then rejoined his wife and their pastries. “So.” He eased down on the couch and wrapped his arm around Toni. “Will you be tellin’ your girlfriend she’s got 5’11” of infatuation comin’ for her?”
Toni curled her legs on the couch and nestled against Marcus. “I hadn’t planned on it.” She put a forkful of pie into her mouth. “You,” she mumbled.
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 18