Maybe Baby Lite

by ANDREA SMITH

  “We can’t stay with her here in this house,” I moaned, tears spilling again. “I can’t face any of your family after what happened tonight. Please, Trey!”

  “Tylar,” he said, leaning over me, “it’s after midnight on Christmas morning. There's no place to take you right now. Everything will be all right. I promise. That bitch won’t speak another word to you. I’ll talk to Nigel right now if you want.”

  “No,” I said, sharply, “don’t leave me, Trey. Besides, I think Nigel has his hands full.”

  “Try and sleep, sweetie. I’m right here and I’m not going to sleep until I know that you can, okay?”

  I nodded, closing my swollen eyes.

  “I love you, Tylar. Please forgive me for her.”

  “I love you Trey. I don’t blame you for this,” I sniffled, placing his hand against my cheek.

  CHAPTER 51

  I slowly woke on Christmas morning with Trey curled around me. The body heat he generated was making me almost uncomfortable. My empty stomach growled. I tried to carefully scoot out from under Trey without disturbing him. He looked so handsome and innocent when he slept. I wasn’t sure where the innocence came from, certainly not from his sexual boldness. Then the replay of the previous night came crashing down around me.

  “Oh noooo,” I moaned, squeezing my eyes shut, trying to force the images from my mind. Trey stirred, opening his eyes and immediately turning to me.

  “Are you all right, Tylar?” he asked, concern in his voice.

  “I just remembered last night. Maybe it was a nightmare?”

  “You know Tylar,” he said gently, “we've no reason to feel ashamed about last night. Caroline’s behavior was completely out of line and she’ll be the one who feels sheepish about showing her face around the family today. We've no reason to feel uncomfortable.”

  “If you think for one flippin’ minute I’d step foot out of this room today to face your family after that horrific scene last night, you don’t know how I roll.”

  “Be reasonable, Tylar,” he said, sitting up now. “I doubt if anyone is even aware of what happened, other than Nigel.”

  “I don’t care, Trey. It’s not that she just walked in on us and made those crude statements at the top of her voice, but she stood there ogling your junk and then made that hateful remark to your brother! On top of that, she was getting her digs in at me all afternoon yesterday and the only people who actually tried to diffuse the situation were your mother and Tristan. I didn’t hear you step in.”

  I pulled the covers off and got out of bed, going to Trey’s massive closet to get my clothes. Trey was right behind me. I'd riled him up but I didn’t care. I felt that if he'd put Caroline in her place earlier she might have thought twice about crashing into our bedroom and making a scene at the worst possible time.

  “Wait one second, Tylar,” he said. “I took the high road yesterday even though I was just as pissed as you at her rudeness. I did that for the family, for Mom and Dad. We’ve been exposed to Caroline’s outbursts for years. It’s just something that has to be tolerated. She’s not going to change. She’s after all, my brother’s wife. I’m sorry if you felt that I didn’t defend your honor by exchanging barbs with her.”

  I whirled around in the closet to face him, angrier than ever. “I see,” I said very quietly, checking my emotions, “you did that for the family. Who am I to you then Trey? My feelings—they don’t matter?” I grabbed my clothes and underwear, heading for the bathroom. Trey caught my arm but I shook free.

  “Tylar,” his voice was taking on a trace of condescension now, “I didn’t mean it like that. You misunderstood me.”

  “There was no misunderstanding, Trey. For the record, I don’t think for a minute that you were taking the high road. I think you were taking the path of least resistance, and in this case it caused me to be insulted and hurt. I guess now I see how you roll. Merry Christmas!” I shut the bathroom door behind me, turning the lock. I heard him curse under his breath and smack the door with his hand, cursing again. I showered quickly and got dressed for the day.

  When I returned to the bedroom, Trey was sulking, giving me the silent treatment. That was fine with me. He had his clothes in his arms, and entered the bathroom, slamming the door and locking it behind him.

  Really Trey?

  I fished my phone out of my purse and called Gina. She picked up after the first ring.

  “Merry Christmas, Ty!”

  “Oh Gina,” I said, dissolving into tears.

  When she finally calmed me down, I shared with her the story.

  “That's fucked up on so many levels,” she replied. “Listen Ty, do you want me to call Aunt Becky? I’m sure she’d love some company today. It’s just her and my grouchy uncle.”

  “I don’t know Gina. Part of me doesn’t want Caroline to think she ran me off, but the other part of me just doesn’t feel like being messed with on Christmas.”

  “Go with the second option, Ty. You have a baby to think about. All that puking and stress last night certainly isn’t good.”

  She was right; I suddenly realized that I hadn’t felt the baby move since last night’s chaos. This brought a fresh flow of tears.

  “What now? What’s wrong?” Gina was worried.

  “I haven’t felt the baby move since all of this happened,” I squeaked in a high-pitched voice.

  “Listen to me. I'm hanging up the phone and I'm calling my aunt, okay? You stay put and I'll call you back in three minutes, I promise.”

  Moments later Gina called to report that Becky was on her way to get me. Gina ordered me to take a day of rest with her aunt and get some perspective. I knew that Trey would be pissed, but for right now, he wasn't my first priority. My little baby was my first priority. I could hear the shower still running in the bathroom. Trey would be another 20 minutes. I pulled a hoodie on over my head, threw my phone and charger into my purse, and slipped out of the house. I met Becky in the driveway and we sped off. I apologized profusely for disturbing her on Christmas.

  “Listen,” she said, her tone serious, “Gina gave me a 30-second run down of what happened. When she mentioned that drunken bitch, Caroline, I knew I had to come and get you.”

  “I don’t want to cause any issues with you and the Sinclairs, though. You do work for them, Becky.”

  “My job description doesn’t say anything about me not helping someone in need. You're in need. I’ve seen Caroline in action before and it’s clear that Nigel married a drunken bitch who’s methodically castrated him over the years. It’s no wonder he had a fling.”

  What? Does Trey know?

  “Nigel had an affair?”

  “Now I am talking out of turn. Forget that I said anything. That could definitely put a crimp in my career.”

  “But if it’s common knowledge, how could it?”

  “I’m not sure just how common the knowledge is,” Becky replied, “I came up on it with my own two ears, and I’ve never mentioned it. It was a few summers ago, Nigel and Caroline were here for a few weeks. I just happened to be at the right place at the wrong time I guess,” she laughed.

  “What do you mean, with your own two ears?”

  “I was up in the supply room taking inventory on a Sunday. The place was closed. I heard Nigel and Tristan arguing outside near the stables. That’s how I found out.”

  “I’m not telling you any more than that. I swear you're as pushy as Gina in your own way!” Becky pulled into the driveway of her house. I could see their Christmas tree lit up through the window.

  “Are you having company today?” I asked.

  “Just my nephew, Nate, his wife, and their two kids. She just had a baby three weeks ago.”

  When Becky mentioned a newborn I thought about our little baby who'd been extremely quiet since last night’s turmoil. My heart grew heavy wondering if an unborn could feel stress through the mother. I was sure my violent retching hadn't helped matters. I hadn’t eaten since dinner. It was as if Becky had re
ad my mind.

  “I have our traditional breakfast casserole just out of the oven. Have you eaten yet this morning, Tylar?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Good,” she said as we entered her kitchen, “everything’s ready so let’s eat.”

  We all enjoyed a blissfully stress-free breakfast together. I was helping Becky clear the plates when I remembered I’d forgotten to text Trey. Checking my phone, I saw that his text to me was brief.

  “Where are you??”

  I immediately texted him back, letting him know that I was fine and had just gone over to Becky’s. I told him that I felt it might be best if we had some distance today. He responded immediately.

  “Distance? WTF?? Is this how you solve problems, Tylar? I'll be right over to get you.”

  I knew that Trey was flipping out but I just couldn’t go back right now. I felt relaxed for the first time since Trey’s evil sister-in-law had stepped foot into my life. I needed this break. I texted him back immediately.

  “Trey, please. I need to be here right now. I can’t handle the stress at your house with Caroline. I haven’t felt the baby move since all of this happened. I need to relax. I’m starting to flip out over this. Just saying…”

  I no sooner sent the text when he called.

  “Hey,” I answered.

  “Hey,” he said, “I wish you hadn’t taken off like that. Are you okay?”

  “I will be if I can just chill out here with Becky today. So far I’m zero for two at your family gatherings, Trey.”

  “Yeah, it’s been pretty messed up, I give you that, but running away isn’t the solution either.”

  “I’m not running; I’m taking time out from the drama. I’m sorry that you don’t understand that. What time are you leaving for the Andrews’ party tonight?”

  “Around seven. Will you be back by then?”

  “I don’t think so Trey.”

  “So you intend to avoid my family for the rest of the week?”

  “I’m not sure what I'm doing at this point,” I explained.

  “If it makes any difference, my mother has addressed the issue with both Nigel and Caroline. Mom was livid when she found out what drove you away from here.”

  I sighed. Now everyone in the house knew about last night’s humiliating scene. It did make a difference. It made a bad situation worse.

  “Trey, I have to go now. I’m helping Becky with Christmas dinner,” I lied. “I’ll see you when you get back from the party.”

  “Have it your way, Tylar. I was hoping you’d be up for coming to the Andrews’ tonight. I’ll let my parents know that we won’t be going.”

  “There’s no reason for you to stay behind. Obviously Tess wants to see you for some reason. Aren’t you curious to find out why she called your office?”

  “I already know why she called my office,” he replied as if it hadn’t been worth mentioning before.

  What the hell?

  “So you talked to her? I thought you agreed that you weren’t going to return her call?”

  “I didn’t return her call. She called me again at the office a few days later. I was in and took the call,” he replied impassively.

  “I see,” I responded coolly. “It wasn’t worth mentioning to me?”

  “It has nothing to do with you, Tylar. She had a legal matter to discuss.”

  “What kind of a legal matter?” I dared him to tell me it was none of my business.

  “I’m not at liberty to discuss this with you. I’m sorry.”

  “Fine,” I snapped. “I’ll see you later Trey.” I powered off my phone and tried my best to put everything out of my mind for the day. Becky’s nephew Nate and his family arrived mid-afternoon. I immediately fell in love with their newborn son, holding him as often as Nate’s wife Julie allowed.

  She was breastfeeding the baby and I had lots of questions for her. Seeing her holding her tiny son against her breast and witnessing the bond between them stirred something deep within me. What could possibly be more beautiful than that? I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions: longing, loneliness, isolation. How did things get so messed up?

  Becky drove me back to the manor shortly after 7 p.m. The lights were lit at the front door, but I suspected everyone was gone except for the staff. I hugged Becky, thanking her for her hospitality.

  To my surprise, Tristan opened the door for me. He wore black trousers and a white oxford shirt under a grey v-neck sweater.

  “Tristan,” I stammered, “hasn’t the family left for the party?”

  “They have,” he replied, smiling, “I stayed behind to take care of some pressing business.”

  I wondered what kind of pressing business he would have to take care of on Christmas Day. “Did Trey go with them?”

  “He’s upstairs,” Tristan answered nodding toward the staircase, “I think he’s waiting for you. I’m leaving now, so Merry Christmas, Tylar. Maybe I’ll see you both later?”

  I looked up and saw the compassion in his eyes. He knew what had happened. I felt my cheeks redden.

  “You know sometimes things aren’t nearly as horrific as we imagine. I think Trey really wants to talk to you. I won’t keep you.” He turned and was out the door. I climbed the stairs apprehensively, unsure what to expect when I saw Trey. Although I hated this feeling of isolation, I was still bothered that Trey had not shared with me his conversation with his ex-fiancé. Was that really so unreasonable? Apart from Caroline trying to alienate me from Trey and his family, I now had to contend with Tess?

  Trey was fully dressed and lounging on his bed when I entered. He stood slowly, closing the distance between us. I drank in his nearness, wanting to initiate contact but unsure of what his reaction would be.

  “I missed you today,” he said, wrapping his arms around me. “I’ve been an ass, according to Tristan anyway.”

  “What?” I asked, puzzled.

  Trey smiled, lifting my hand to his face, brushing his lips across my knuckles. “Yes. He gave me a well-deserved lecture. That’s why he stayed behind, insisting I do the same,” he smiled. “It seems you have captivated yet another Sinclair man, Tylar. Tristan was extremely succinct in explaining how I handled, or should I say, ‘mishandled’ everything yesterday.”

  “Stop,” I said, placing my hand flat against his chest. “This isn’t just about the Caroline situation. This has just as much to do with Tess contacting you and you keeping it from me.”

  “I explained the conversation is privileged, Tylar.”

  “So, she’s your client then?”

  “Not officially, she did seek some advice from me.”

  “Then there’s no attorney-client privilege.”

  Trey couldn't hide his increasing frustration with me. “Christ Tylar! I’m trying to apologize here. I’ve already told you that my conversation with Tess is confidential. End of discussion. Get dressed. We’re going to the Andrews’ party and I expect you ready in 15 minutes. Please don’t keep me waiting.”

  Trey turned on his heel and exited the room, leaving me red-faced and boiling mad. I gave myself several minutes to cool down. I considered my options, a feeling of defiance coming over me. Perhaps a party was just what the doctor ordered, I thought. This might prove to be an enlightening event. I was definitely not comfortable playing the injured party role, so I decided right then and there to stop.

  But I will look as hot as humanly possible tonight, I vowed. I pulled out the short black velvet cocktail dress that I'd bought in Atlanta before Christmas. It was sleeveless, with a sprinkling of silver sparkles in snowflake patterns. I wore a tailored black velvet bolero jacket over it and accessorized with a dainty silver chain and silver snowflake earrings. I pulled on my black lacey thigh highs and stepped into my four-inch spiked ‘fuck me’ pumps. I touched up my make-up and released my hair from the french braid, finger combing it into waves so it framed my face. I approved of the wild and dangerous look I saw in the mirror. That was exactly the look I needed to survive this
messed-up party.

  I descended the stairs as Trey paced in the foyer. He turned to watch me, his face appreciative as his eyes appraised me from top to bottom. They rested on my overflowing bosom. His eyes darkened discernibly. That was exactly the reaction I'd hoped to achieve. I glimpsed a slight frown crease his otherwise perfect forehead.

  Trey went to the closet, pulling my long black wool coat out and holding it up for me. He watched as I fanned my hair out from underneath the collar of my coat as I buttoned it up.

  “What’d you do to your hair?” he asked.

  “Since I had no time to flat iron it,” I replied, “I just unbraided it and brushed it out. Why, don’t you like it?”

  “I do,” he replied quickly, “It actually makes you look, I don’t know, like a different person almost.”

  “Good,” I replied, “that’s the look I’m going for.”

  Trey’s eyes narrowed infinitesimally at me. He placed his hand on the small of my back as he escorted me to his Lamborghini.

  We rode in silence to the Andrews’ house, which was no more than a couple of miles away. A multitude of vehicles had parked on both sides of the circular drive leading up to the impressive mansion. Trey helped me from the car, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we made our way up the drive to the well-lit entrance. A servant greeted us, allowing us entrance into the front foyer. Trey helped me with my coat, handing it to the waiting servant. Party guests milled about in a huge room off to the right. Music emanated from an adjoining room. I strained to spot a familiar face. My eyes fell upon Susan, who was waving me over to the group of people standing with her. I hurried over, not willing to be tied to Trey’s side all evening.

  Susan introduced me to several of the neighbors as I was already part of the family.

  Clive approached the group, giving me a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, Tylar, we missed you today. Are you feeling better?” I could see the warmth and compassion in his eyes.

  “Much better, Clive, thank you,” I replied honestly. It was good to be out of hiding, I decided.