Eyes narrowing, Jennifer glared through the windshield. Head bobbing and hands waving, Rosalyn was causing a scene. “Stay with me for a few minutes while your daddy talks to your mommy,” Jennifer said, attempting to distract Michael from the spectacle taking place a few feet away from the truck. The child didn’t need to witness the heated showdown between his parents.
“Are they fighting again?” Michael asked, his expression having turned serious.
Way too smart and perceptive for his years, Michael deserved honesty from her. “I don’t think they’re fighting so much as disagreeing on what they believe to be best for you. They love you more than life itself. Just like I do,” Jennifer said and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Michael’s brow furrowed. “Why does Mommy hate you?”
Realizing she couldn’t tell Michael the truth, Jennifer lied. “Your mommy wants to be sure that Daddy’s friends are kind and a good influence on you.”
“But you are. You give me pie and play with me.”
Sadness welled within her. Viewing the world with such innocent simplicity must be wonderful. Michael hadn’t been exposed to the same harsh realities as she had at his age. Thankfully, he’d never know what it felt like to be unwanted. As much as she despised Rosalyn, the woman seemed to love her son in her own twisted way. Besides, he had the world’s greatest dad to pick up the slack. Along with an amazing set of grandparents; Andre’s brother, Marcus; sister, Chanel; Vicki and of course, herself, the kid had it made.
The rapid click of heels reverberated off the pavement, stopping abruptly at the passenger door. The door opened, practically swinging off its hinges, the crisp spring air flooding the interior of the truck. “Let go of my son.”
“Watch it, Rosalyn,” Andre said through clenched teeth. “I won’t stand by and allow you to disrespect Jennifer.”
Michael clung to Jennifer’s shoulders, hugging himself tightly to her chest. “Don’t be mean to Jenn. She’s my friend,” he said, his voice muffled as he snuggled against her.
“It’s way past your bedtime, young man,” Rosalyn said sternly. “You’ve got exactly two minutes to say your goodbyes and get into the house.” She whirled around and stormed up the walkway.
“I’m sorry,” Andre mouthed before placing his palm over the nape of Michael’s neck. “Give Jenn a kiss goodbye. It’s time to go inside.”
Andre
“Bitch,” Jennifer spat. She plastered a tight smile across her lips and waved at the doe-eyed little boy who stared out at them through the window. “That woman is so lucky she’s Michael’s mom. She’s used that boy as a pawn—since the day he was conceived.”
Andre’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “Come on, Jenn. Michael’s home. The night is young. Just let it go.”
“Well, I feel sorry for him.” Jennifer crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s terrible for him to watch his parents argue over my presence. It’s not healthy for him and it makes me feel sad.”
“That’s because you’re a better person than Rosalyn,” Andre said. “Don’t let Rosalyn get in the way of our happiness. She’s stolen enough from us as it is.”
“Rosalyn is an expert at spinning it as if I am the problem.” A miffed-sounding tsk rolled from her lips. “Michael doesn’t know the truth. Someday he’s bound to blame me for the two of you not being together. And that wicked shrew will be the first to allow him to believe that lie.”
“You’ve always been a part of his life. My mother made sure of it. I think she knew intuitively that we’d get back together. As he matures, Michael will see the truth.”
Aqua eyes glared over her shoulder at him. “And if he doesn’t? What then, Andre?”
“He knows you love him just as much as both of his parents do. If you ask me, Michael’s a lucky kid. In addition to my mother, my brother, and my sister, Michael also has Victoria and Katie to spoil him.”
“True,” Jennifer answered softly.
“Besides, you’re giving Rosalyn exactly what she wants. Taking out your frustration on me isn’t going to change the situation. It is what it is.”
Throwing her body back against the seat, Jennifer groaned. “As usual, the voice of reason.”
“Someone has to be,” Andre answered solemnly.
“Get over yourself,” Jennifer barked, her lips pressed into a tight line.
“Faith of a mustard seed, Blue Eyes.” Andre removed one of his hands from the steering wheel and reached to squeeze her knee. “All you need is a little faith. You know how important you are to Michael. I trust that as he matures, he will understand what happened and not allow anything his mother says to influence his feelings toward you.”
She shot him “the look.” The one that betrayed the fact that she was starting to see things his way. “Always the optimist.”
And there it was—the sarcastic comment he’d been waiting for. There was no way Jennifer would ever admit that he might be right. Those gorgeous eyes of hers, the ones that captured his heart when he was only twelve years old, told him everything he needed to know.
“Hey, want to stop at O’Halloran’s? Maybe Katie is working and we can shoot some pool?” he offered, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Not tonight. I just want to go home and get some sleep.”
He cocked an eyebrow, glancing at her suspiciously. “It’s not even nine o’clock. You’re tired already?”
“Don’t make more out of it than is necessary. I told you earlier, there is nothing wrong with me.”
From his peripheral, Andre noticed she’d closed her eyes. Her fair skin was paler than normal, her cheeks less rosy. “Javier gave me a prescription for vitamins,” she informed him.
Vitamins? Andre highly doubted that a lack of vitamins was responsible for her fatigue. “They must be pretty powerful vitamins because you look like you need something stronger than that. I’m worried, Jenn. You look exhausted.”
Jennifer cracked one eye open, drawing out a long breath. “I’m exhausted. Vicki has been balls-to-the-wall with wedding plans. She’s driving me crazy. Ever since she hooked up with Henrique Santana, she’s lost all common sense. Don’t get me wrong, Henry’s good for her. He’s proven that. It’s just that she’s turned into a damn bridezilla. Seriously, Andre, there are moments when I swear she’s turned into a loon.” Jennifer twirled her finger beside her head for emphasis and then dropped her head back against the headrest. “As soon as I walk into the shop tomorrow morning, she’ll bombard me with some new wedding fixation she’s found to obsess about. I can’t wait until the damn thing is over.”
“Isn’t that how a bride—” He stopped talking, tension filling him as he peered over at her. Lips slightly parted, Jennifer breathed in and out, fast asleep. There was something more she wasn’t telling him. He knew better than to push her. Andre was a patient man. Eventually, he would find out.
Chapter 35
Jennifer
“Do you think you’re going to make it?” Peering above her glasses, Victoria eyeballed her, making note of her every move.
“I’ve got no choice.” Jennifer scowled over her shoulder.
“Well, actually—” Victoria began, holding a wad of cash she’d been counting in her hand.
“And stop looking at me like that. It’s creepy.”
“Creepy? No!” Victoria’s mouth dropped. “Worried is more like it. You’ve been acting weird lately.”
“Not listening.” Jennifer raised her arm to the side, her palm open. “Don’t want to hear it, Vicki,” she grumbled, forging right past her friend. This latest bathroom trip had been her fourth that morning. Already a good forty-five minutes behind schedule, Jennifer couldn’t afford to waste any more time. Going home was a moot point. She had work to do.
“I’ll help you. I’ll just be a minute. I have to finish counting first,” Victoria said.
“Whatever.” The scent of blueberry muffins wafted through the shop. Saliva secreted at the back of her throat as nausea swept over her. De
ar God, not again. Stomach roiling, Jennifer slapped her hand to her mouth and bolted back into the bathroom.
After several minutes of gut-wrenching dry-heaving, Jennifer willed herself to stand at the mirror. Aren’t I supposed to be glowing? Shaking her head, she wet a paper towel and patted it across her hairline. Why are you trying to kill your mother, Little One? You could at least wait until you meet me first. Jennifer arched her back and thrust her belly forward as if she were several months pregnant. She smoothed her hand over the bump and shook her head. Definitely not glowing.
Disgusted with her appearance, Jennifer took in a deep breath and resigned herself for the task ahead, having no idea which was more torturous—heeding off Victoria’s inquisition or actually doing her job. The line between them was nearly invisible. And unfortunately, Katie had a bad cold and wasn’t about to help out.
“You never told me about your appointment with Javier. Did he figure out why you’ve been so sick lately?” Victoria asked while pouring coffee beans into the grinder. “Did he give you some meds? Are you okay?”
Although relieved that Vicki had jumped in to help, Jennifer cringed at the arsenal of questions. “I’ll tell you later. There’s too much to do before we open.”
Victoria shot Jennifer a quizzical look. “But—”
“Thanks for the help. I can take it from here,” Jennifer interrupted.
“Are you sure?” Victoria asked skeptically.
“Yup. It’s close to nine, we should probably open now.”
“Okay, then.” Victoria looked toward the front door. “Mrs. Burton’s already here.”
A smirk crossed Jennifer’s lips as she looked toward the entrance. The nosy woman was staring blatantly in their direction and pointing at her wristwatch. “See. I told you. It’s time to open.”
“Ugh,” Victoria grunted and headed off toward the door. With three minutes to spare, she turned the open/closed sign to signal the start of business and unlocked the door, holding it open as Mrs. Burton swept into the bookshop.
“Whatever took so long?” Mrs. Burton huffed.
The woman is never going to admit she needs a hearing aid. Jennifer laughed to herself, amused by the expression on Victoria’s face as the elderly woman grilled her.
No sooner had Jennifer begun unloading the dishwasher when chaos erupted. She peered toward the entrance, straitening up to her full five feet one inches as Rosalyn Spears barreled past the women, nearly knocking Victoria over along the way. Without a word of apology, Rosalyn charged toward the café. Mouth firmly set and nostrils flaring, she had the look of a woman about to wage war.
“Who unleashed the beast?” Jennifer taunted, striking out first. She glowered up at her nemesis, bracing herself for yet another round of their many cat fights. Those boots are to die for, she thought, momentarily distracted by the amazing pair of chunky-heeled boots clunking directly toward her. As always, Rosalyn was dressed to impress.
Jennifer’s jaw tensed, the vision of herself standing before the bathroom only moments ago flashing into memory. I really do hate her.
A disgruntled sound spewed from Rosalyn’s mouth. “Stay away from my son,” she said, an oversized Kate Spade bag slung over her elbow.
Jennifer furrowed her brow, feigning contemplation. “Um...I do believe Michael is Andre’s son as well.”
“Haven’t you done enough already?” Rosalyn’s lips puckered as if with distaste. “Keep your filthy paws off my child. I don’t want him anywhere near the likes of you.”
Jennifer shrugged, wishing the words hadn’t stung so much. “That’s too bad because his father does.”
Even a scowl did little to mar Rosalyn’s beauty. “I’m warning you.”
“Or what? You’ll call the police?” Jennifer smiled mockingly. “What are you going to tell them? That you freely entered this establishment and then harassed one of its owners?”
Rosalyn’s eyes bore through her, sheer hatred emanating from their depths.
“Get off of my property,” Jennifer said. “You’re sucking the life out of this place.”
“I’ll leave. But first, you’d better listen.” Rosalyn stepped closer as if to bully Jennifer. The Amazon woman pointed one long fingertip beneath Jennifer’s nose.
“Save your ridiculous warnings for someone who gives a damn,” Jennifer said through gritted teeth. “If you’re smart, you’ll lower that finger right this minute before I do it for you.”
“I’ll fight for what’s mine. You may have convinced Andre to take you back, but you’ll never get your hands on my son.” Without another word, Rosalyn whirled around and stormed away from the café.
Just a few feet shy of the front door, Rosalyn stopped to confront an open-mouth Mrs. Burton. “There’s plenty of other bookstores in the world. You should be ashamed of yourself for supporting this whore’s business,” she spat. Then strode out the door and onto the street.
As if her head were on a swivel, Victoria’s gaze shifted to Jennifer, then to Mrs. Burton, and back to Jennifer again.
Jennifer shook her head, attempting to appear as if she wasn’t completely humiliated by Rosalyn’s tirade. “I apologize, Mrs. Burton. You should not have had to witness that,” she said.
“It’s quite all right,” Mrs. Burton answered. “I assume that was Rosalyn Spears?”
“Yes,” Jennifer stated, deadpan.
“She’s a real thorn in your side,” Mrs. Burton added rather than questioned knowingly.
Stop fishing for info, old lady. Jennifer shrugged. “Something like that.”
“And she’s your competition,” Mrs. Burton stated matter-of-factly.
“Mrs. Burton,” Victoria gasped, her hazel eyes widening. “Perhaps—”
She needs a muzzle. Jennifer tensed, her fingers flexing at her side. She’s ancient. I can’t hurt her.
Ignoring Victoria’s outrage, Mrs. Burton smiled slyly. “It didn’t take Officer Jenkins long to realize that one was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Anyone who truly matters will realize that too.”
Jennifer grinned, her spirits suddenly lifting. Crafty old bat.
“I remember a time when she used to be nice,” Victoria sputtered. “In elementary school.”
Letting out an unladylike snort, Jennifer rolled her eyes. “You were too young and naive to know what Rosalyn Spears was capable of.”
Mrs. Burton raised a bemused eyebrow as she stated the obvious, “Well, it appears that she’s a royal bitch nowadays.”
BY NOONTIME, THANKFULLY the morning sickness had passed. The rest of the afternoon flew by as Saturday tended to be their busiest day of the week. “Oh my God!” Jennifer laughed as they both prepared to leave. “Who knew Mrs. Burton had a potty mouth. I love it.”
“It won’t take long before the entire city hears about your latest showdown with Rosalyn,” Victoria said, shrugging on her coat. “It’s not good for business.”
“Well, it’s not like I gave the bitch a handwritten invitation to harass me.” Jennifer removed her coat from the closet, shutting the door harder than necessary. “You know how Rosalyn is. She struts around as if she has a permanent pole shoved up her boney ass. Anyway, you heard what Mrs. Burton said.”
“I did and I agree with her. Anyone with half a brain knows that Rosalyn’s a fake. But when you instigate with snarky remarks, you’re only adding fuel to the fire.”
Jennifer narrowed her eyes onto Victoria. “What are you getting at, Vicki? I know you too well and something is brewing in that head of yours.”
“I hate to sound so self-absorbed—”
Dear God, don’t let me kill her before the wedding.
“I’m afraid Rosalyn will change her mind about Michael being a ring bearer. Do you think I should talk with her about it?”
“You’re right. You sound very self-absorbed,” Jennifer said. “It’s a good thing I know you as well as I do.”
“With everything that happened, I do understand why she doesn’t want anything to do with me,
” Victoria continued, not listening. “I just hope she doesn’t resent me so much as to prevent Michael from being part of Henry’s and my wedding.”
“I can’t advise you on this one, Vicki. You’re a smart woman. Do what you think is right.”
“I’m sorry, Jenn.” Victoria lightly touched Jennifer’s arm. “I know it may seem insensitive of me.”
“No, Vicki. It seems like you’ve turned into a bridezilla,” Jennifer snapped. She tugged her arm away from Victoria’s hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
Victoria’s lips trembled, a glassy sheen coating her eyes.
Fuck!
Jennifer sighed, instantly regretting the comment. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to act bitchy. It wasn’t fair of me. If you believe that speaking with Rosalyn will ease your mind, then please, do so.”
“Do you also remember how she used to leave a trail of drool behind Andre, how she’d always flirt with him and try to make me look bad? Do you remember when she decided to sleep with my boyfriend?” Jennifer said acidly. “In case you’ve forgotten, let me remind you, Vicki.”
“I’ll think about it some more,” Victoria said, her shoulders slumped as she opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk.
Jennifer shook her head, dimming the lights behind her. “Have a good day off tomorrow, Vicki,” Jennifer said trying to break the tension as Victoria secured the lock. I’ll tell her about the baby on Monday. I can’t deal with telling her right now.
Chapter 36
Jennifer
Before she’d gone home, she’d stopped at the grocery store, having decided to prepare a decadent dinner for the baby reveal. Although she’d been upset that she’d hurt Victoria’s feelings, Jennifer tried to put that behind her knowing that once she’d told her friend about the baby, she’d understand. But first, she needed to tell Andre.
Forever His Desire Page 15