by K. Webster
“Nothing,” she squeaks out.
I cock an eyebrow at her and pull off my jeans but leave my T-shirt and boxers on. Her eyes drop to my dick, but she hastily looks back up at me.
“Don’t lie,” I grumble as I crawl into the bed and under the covers beside her. Wrapping my arms around her, I spoon her from behind, enveloping her with my warmth. The lavender-scented body wash floods me and I inhale her more deeply.
“Another one of my mistakes,” she murmurs. “I’ll tell you. But not tonight.”
In another life?
My thoughts are from obsessing over knowing what the pill bottles are to knowing how she got them prescribed to her in the first place. It almost seems as if she were in some sort of accident or something. When she rests her hand on my arm and soon falls fast asleep, I try to fall asleep as well with this beautiful woman snuggled up against me. Instead, I spend most of the night with wide open eyes and Lortab on my brain.
My internal alarm clock, a.k.a. my dick, wakes me up before my phone alarm does. With Opal pressed against me this morning, my cock is erect and ready to play. And God how I want to play. Her supple body begs to be tasted—every fucking inch of it. Too bad I won’t get the opportunity today. She feels fucking perfect, all warm and soft… I could spend every morning like this.
Groaning at my inner pussy, I roll away from her and throw on my jeans. She looks stunning as she peacefully sleeps, her dark skin a beautiful contrast against her cream-colored sheets. Knowing she’ll feel awkward after last night, I slip out of the apartment before she wakes up.
After a shower and a change of clothes at my parents’, I walk into the office to meet up with Griff. He texted me earlier saying that he wanted to talk about something.
“Hey, Thad,” he booms from behind his desk as I walk in.
“Hey, Griff. What’s up? Already ready to fire my ass?” I tease, grinning. I’m joking, but my nerves are truly on edge. My mind, which I thought was stronger after rehab, seems fucking rattled to the core after last night. With no sleep, I’m feeling tense.
His loud laughter rumbles through his chest as he shakes his head no. It comforts me in some way, but I feel like the proverbial ball will still drop.
“Fuck that, Thad. You are a hard worker. I’m going to let Les continue on as foreman though.” His voice is stern—less brotherly and more authoritative.
Shit.
My stomach clenches because I thought, from our conversation yesterday, he was going to put me back in as foreman. But I had left him high and dry while I’d run off to rehab, so it’s understandable. I can feel myself getting worked up though, and my thoughts flit to Opal’s cabinet. To the painkillers.
What would the pills even do to me after two months of nothing? I’d probably get fucked the hell up.
“Oh, okay, man. No big deal,” I lie.
He beams at me and winks, dragging my attention back to him. I’m fucking confused.
“I have something better for you. My friend, Chester, has gone into house flipping. He’s recently bought up several properties that need to be gutted and redone. Since I am trying to expand my company, I have partnered up with him. However, obviously, I can’t do the work because I need to be here. I need someone I can trust who will get in there and do just as good of a job as I would do. Now, if you’re game, I will assign you a crew. You’ve always had a knack for detail and want things perfect. This would be a great opportunity for you. If you accept, I’ll give you fifty percent of my half from Chester as your pay. Additionally, you’ll continue on receiving your normal salary. What do you say?”
I’m blown away. This is my chance. I need to shake the funk I’m in so I can move forward in my recovery—with my life. This is an amazing opportunity. I’m fucking pumped! While commercial construction is what I know, he’s right. I prefer the smaller, detailed jobs. House renovations are right up my alley.
“Dude! Are you shitting me? I’m fucking stoked, man. When do I start?” The cheesy-ass grin is on my face before I can stop it.
He chuckles and tosses me a set of keys. “The address is on the key ring. It’s a townhouse in a high-end part of town. We’ll go over the budget and what Chester would like to see done. He’s a pretty easygoing cat, though, and trusts our creative ability. Go give it a look after we talk about what we’re working with budget-wise and you can get started. This is your baby, and I know you’ll blow me away.”
My face hurts from smiling like an idiot. “Thank you—not only for being a great boss and friend, but also for being the big brother Trent never had the balls to be. I’m going to make you proud, man.”
“Don’t go getting sentimental on my ass,” he groans, but his eyes twinkle in amusement.
I finally have something to throw myself into and keep my brain off the toxic things in my life.
Alcohol.
Fucking prescription painkillers.
And Opal?
What is that obnoxious sound that has crawled into my brain and taken up residence? After ignoring the noise over and over again, I finally roll over and realize that it’s my phone.
Shit!
Fumbling through my purse on my nightstand, I yank out my phone and notice that I have missed sixteen calls from Andi and it’s almost noon. My head pounds furiously in unison with my rapidly beating heart.
Dialing her number right away, I nervously bite my lip. I’ve never been late or even missed work in the four years I’ve worked there, but now, I feel like I ruined all that hard work.
She answers on the first ring with a screech. “So help me, Opal! You scared the shit out of me! I am actually two minutes from your apartment. Are you home?” She’s pissed and I can’t blame her one bit.
“Yeah, I’m here. Bring coffee, babe,” I whine before we hang up.
I burst from my room toward the front door and unlock it before hopping in the shower. Knowing that an angry Andi is on her way, I take a quick shower and throw on some slacks and a blouse. No time for pussyfooting around. I’ve barely managed to pull my hair into a bun and slap on some mascara before I hear her come in.
“Get in here, woman!” she snaps from the other room.
I nervously round the corner and meet her in my living room. Once her furious eyes find mine, her anger melts away as she looks over my appearance with concern.
I flash a fake smile and motion for her to sit on my sofa. But she holds my gaze for a few seconds more as she scrutinizes me before moving to sit down. Finally though, we both plop down side by side and she hands me my coffee. I groan at how delicious it smells and my stomach grumbles it’s appreciation as well.
“Okay, Opal. You need to spill it. What the fuck is going on with you? You’ve been a mess for two days now. This is totally not like you and I’m worried sick.” The stern tone coming from my sweet friend indicates her concern for my wellbeing.
I groan as I sip my piping-hot coffee. “Andi, I am so stupid. So fucking stupid.”
She just arches an eyebrow as she waits impatiently for my story. I can tell she is about two seconds from shaking it out of me, so I hurry and continue.
“Last night, I got invited on a real date with Trent to make up for the night before. I heard a knock on the door and thought it was him. When I walked out of my room, I found Thad standing there, looking hotter than hell, all dirty from his day at work. He looked at me like I was the most beautiful thing that walked the Earth. And then he kissed me. He kissed me with more passion than I’ve ever been kissed with before,” I admit, sighing.
She frowns. “But you had your date still with Trent?”
Nodding, I continue my fucked-up tale. “I asked him to leave and he was barely gone before Trent showed up. Trent’s reaction was not what I’d hoped for, but I was geared up for our date. I started getting tipsy during dinner, and Trent asked me to come back to see a movie at his place.”
Andi’s eyes widen and she asks in a hushed whisper, “Opal, you didn’t sleep with him, did you?”
I purse my lips together and give her a slight nod. Her jaw drops but nothing comes out.
“We got pretty wasted and one thing led to the other. Next thing I knew, we had sex and it was a nightmare. I didn’t even get off. He practically fell asleep on me after he came. But that isn’t the worst of it,” I exhale loudly.
“Honestly, I don’t know how much worse the night could have gotten,” she murmurs in disbelief.
“I got sick a little bit after and decided to call Thad.”
“No. Please tell me no,” she mutters, shaking her head.
“Yep. Stupid. What do I do? Do I try to keep things going with Trent or try something with Thad? I’m so confused.”
“Opal, listen to me. You have messed this up pretty good. I think you need to take a step back and focus on you for a while. You’ve been so fixated on your goals that you have been whizzing through life. For once, you need to discover who Opal is—not who Opal thinks she should be. That means, back away from both men for now. Once you are in a better place, then maybe you can focus on your love life.” She’s wise for a woman not even thirty years old.
“I think you’re right, Andi. I’m sorry I worried you today. Did I miss anything major?” I ask in an attempt to change the subject as I sip my cooling coffee.
“Actually, I was on my way to meet Dr. Ellis at his office. Want to come with me and then we can ride back to work together?” she questions as she stands and straightens her skirt. She’s always so impeccably dressed and beautiful. No wonder Jackson adores her. She’s also one of the sweetest, most caring people I know—and that’s why I adore her.
“Yes. Sounds great. Why are we meeting him? Do you have paperwork for him?” I stand and locate my purse.
“I do, and I actually have an appointment with him, remember?” Her smile is one of pure happiness.
“Oh! Yes! About seeing if you are a good candidate for in vitro?” I’m so thrilled for her.
“Yep. I’m so nervous. I just pray this will work.” Tears fill her eyes momentarily, but she quickly wipes them away.
“Andi, it’s going to work. What does Jackson think about it all?”
“He just wants me to be happy. And right now, trying this will make me happy. You have no idea how hard it is for me to see Pepper and her big, pregnant belly these days. I want—I need—to be happy for her, but until I get this sorted out, it is really hard to be the right kind of friend for her. I’m just a mess emotionally.”
Walking over to her, I hug her tight. “You’ll get through this, babe. We’re going to get through this rough patch together.”
“How’d it go?” I ask, standing from my chair in the waiting room.
Andi walks over with a huge grin on her face. “According to Dr. Ellis, he thinks we’re good to start the process. I have an appointment set up for both Jackson and me to proceed. I’m so excited!” she squeals and hugs me.
We chat for a few more minutes about what she can expect before Dr. Ellis rounds the corner.
“Mrs. Compton, are you ready to meet in my office now?” he questions.
When our eyes meet, the same look of familiarity is in his eyes. He looks me over once more before motioning for us to follow him.
Who is this guy and how does he know my bitch mother?
During the meeting, Andi shows him what he needs to sign and goes over a few documents with him. When we stand to leave, he seems extremely nervous.
“Um, Mrs. Compton, do you think you could let Miss Redding and me speak alone for a moment?” he asks.
My skin goes cold. There is something about him that makes me incredibly uncomfortable—like whatever he wants to talk about will be something I won’t want to hear.
Andi nods after she throws a confused glance in my direction. Then she lets herself out.
“Miss Redding, may I ask you a few questions?”
“Please just call me Opal,” I tell him firmly and meet his gaze. Holding my chin high, I prepare for whatever questions he has for me. I know they have something to do with my mother, so I steel myself for whatever they may be.
“You look just like her,” he begins, and his nervous smile stretches into a fond one.
“Well, you know, she’s my mother,” I bite out. I don’t mean to be rude, but I am ready for him to get to the point.
“And you have her saucy attitude as well,” he chuckles, his kind, brown eyes twinkling.
I anxiously fidget in my seat. Get to the point, old man.
“I’m sorry, Dr. Ellis. I can see that you knew my mother once upon a time, but Andi and I really must get back to work,” I finally huff out and reach for my purse on the floor.
“No! Opal, please wait. Let me tell you a story,” he pleads.
The sadness in his eyes forces me to give in and relax back into my chair. Then he shifts nervously in his chair but finally proceeds with his tale.
“During my last year of med school, I was called away to take care of my sick mother. My studies had to be put on hold, and I was devastated on all fronts. Not only was my mother dying from cancer, but the leave would put me behind in school. I was stressed to the max.
“My mother loved to go to the park and watch the kids play. She knew she was dying and would never have the chance to see her own grandkids. Each day after lunch, I’d wheel her down to the park in the neighborhood. One of those days, a beautiful woman and a stunning little girl came to play. The little girl couldn’t have been more than two, but she was fascinated by my mother and her wheelchair. Those two became fast friends, and the little girl, Olive was her name, would curl up in my mother’s lap and let her hold her—it was as if those two belonged to each other.”
Tears fill his eyes, and I exhale the breath I’ve been holding. The moment he said my sister’s name, I became enthralled with his story.
“Yolanda, the little girl’s mother, was absolutely gorgeous. Tall, just like you, and had the silkiest dark skin I’d ever seen on a woman. She carried herself with grace and pride. I quickly learned she was a single parent to little Olive. Each day, we’d sit on the park bench and talk about everything while Olive and my mother played. Yolanda knew I was in school to be a doctor. She knew how difficult it was for me to be caring for my dying mother. Our connection was instant, and it didn’t take long before Yolanda and Olive were coming over to the house at night, bringing supper, and eventually spending the night. Olive stayed glued to my mother’s side—and I stayed glued to your mother’s,” he smiles wistfully and winks.
My heart is pounding because Momma never told me of this story. And the Yolanda from his story sounds a lot different than the one I know and have known all my life.
“I’ll spare you the details, but Yolanda and I quickly became romantically involved. I loved her early on, pretty much the day I laid eyes on her, and wanted to be the man for her. As my mom’s health declined, I realized my time with Yolanda and Olive was also coming to an end. At some point, I would have to make a decision. Either go back to New York and finish school or stay in Detroit with those two girls.”
Now, his tears are really falling, and I have the urge to go around the desk and hug him but I don’t.
“And then my mother died peacefully one morning. I was devastated, as were Yolanda and Olive. They accompanied me to the funeral and stayed by my side until she was buried. We spent one more night together. I knew in that moment I wanted to have a family more than a career. When I got up the next morning to tell her I’d decided to stay in Detroit, I found a letter. Yolanda told me it was better for me to follow my dreams than to stay with a single mom. She told me in that letter that she didn’t want me to resent her one day for being the reason I didn’t go after what I truly wanted. Trouble was, she was so wrong. Nothing else mattered except her and that little girl.”
His expression is serious—and so sad. I gulp down the emotion choking my throat.
“Why didn’t you go after her?” I demand with a wobbly voice. Even I have a big enough heart to feel
sorry for the Yolanda in his story.
Squeezing his eyes shut, he shakes his head sadly. “Opal, I did. I looked for them for two weeks while I took care of my mother’s affairs. They had moved out of their apartment and were nowhere to be found. I was honestly devastated. Eventually, I had no choice but to come back to New York and finish school—alone.”
While his story is sad and I feel bad for him, I still don’t know why he’s telling me all of this.
“Okay, Dr. Ellis, I am incredibly sorry that my mother broke your heart, but I don’t know what you want me to do. My mom is not the same woman you remember. In fact, we don’t speak. I’m sure Olive would love to meet with you though. She has a little one of her own now.” I smile thinking about little Abby.
“No, Opal. As much as I want to reunite with Yolanda and Olive, that isn’t what this is about.” He pauses before dropping his bomb. “Opal, I think I may be your father.”
My heart stops beating at this point—or at least it feels that way. This man with the kind eyes sitting before me could possibly be my father? I’m dumfounded and in shock.
“I, uh, am not sure—” I stutter but he stops me.
“Honey, I’m a good man. If I am your father, I want to be that person in your life. Had I known Yolanda was pregnant with my child, I would never have let her leave my sight. Would you be willing to do a DNA test? And even if you aren’t, I would still love to be a friend to you and your sister. What do you say?” he questions hopefully.
What do I say?
The only thing that feels right.
“Yes.”
“I want to add arches to the doorways in the hallway at each end,” I tell Manuel, the leader of the crew I’ve been given.
He points and says some stuff in Spanish to the other crew members, who all nod in understanding. “Okay, Mr. Sutton. From everything you have told me, I think we can have all of the drywall prepped for painting in a few days,” he promises and writes something down in his notebook.