The Sweet Road Back

by Jacki Kelly

  The few remaining artists gathered in the corner having a quiet conversation. She hurried to catch them before they departed too.

  “Are you guys pleased with the way tonight turned out?”

  “It was awesome. I sold out every piece.” The only female artist in the bunch looked like she was about to burst.

  “Then you need to get back to work and soon.” She waved goodnight to them and locked the door as they exited.

  Darius never showed. She rubbed her forehead. Maybe there was a bright side to his absence. They had separate lives. Living together didn’t change the circumstances concerning their life. The divorce papers on the table were a testament, just in case she wanted to forget.

  After a night of walking in four-inch heels, she was happy to have a car drop her off at the front door of her apartment. Of all the dreams she’d had, this wasn’t how she had expected the big celebration to end, alone and exhausted.

  She let herself in the apartment and dropped her purse before greeting the dog. From the entrance, she could hear music wafting from the living room.

  Darius sat in the darkened room with a Corona gripped in his hand.

  “I thought you might show up tonight.” She tried hard to sound nonchalant.

  “I had some business I needed to handle, and then I decided to just stay in and work on lyrics.” He took a swallow. “How was it?”

  She dropped her earrings on the counter without turning to face him. “It turned out great. We sold more than I thought we would. Which is a good sign.”

  “You sound surprised. You’ll be a success. You always are.”

  ****

  Darius tried not to stare at her, but his gaze kept going back to her cleavage. The tiny straps of her dress barely contained the luscious bounty. He ran his tongue over his lips, certain she couldn’t see him in the dark room.

  Four beers within five hours gave him too much time to think and not enough logic to handle his thoughts. No matter how much he tried to ignore the images, Melissa was in every one of them. Now, she stood a few feet away from him in a dress that made her look like a goddess. His manhood pulsed with so much need he had to shift in the seat.

  “Tell me about it.” He hoped she wouldn’t slip into her bedroom and close him out.

  She crossed the room like a princess gliding in on royal shoulders. She sat in front of him, giving him a full view of her beauty.

  Maybe the beers had him tipsy or maybe it was the sound of her voice, but the more she talked, the more his edginess slipped away. He envisioned every word as she recounted the details.

  “See, it doesn’t sound like you missed me one bit,” he said when she finished.

  “I would have liked to share the evening with you.” She was getting ready to get up.

  “Don’t go yet. For the first time in months, we’re acting like adults. I’m enjoying this.”

  “I wish you’d come tonight.” He heard the disappointment in her voice.

  “You never asked me. I guess I wanted to be invited, not an afterthought.”

  “Is that what you thought, that I didn’t want you there?”

  He hunched his shoulders. “I’m not sure what to think right now. Our life is in a constant state of upheaval.”

  “Maybe you’ve put your finger on what’s wrong with our marriage. Instead of saying what we really felt, we were always sugarcoating things. Maybe we needed to vow to be honest with each other. No matter what happened.”

  “Are you sure? Honesty can cause some hurt feelings.”

  “I think we can handle a little truth. Maybe a little more honesty in the beginning would have saved our marriage.” Regret gripped his heart.

  They listened to John Legend sing about ordinary people, but nothing about him felt ordinary with her sitting so far away from him.

  “My father is getting remarried.” He blurted to keep her from leaving the room. “I saw him a few weeks ago and he seems really happy.”

  “Are you feeling okay with his decision? Or were you still hoping him and your mom would get back together?”

  “No. I gave up on that idea months ago. The important thing is for the two of them to be happy. He’s not planning a fancy wedding, which is a relief, so there won’t be any odd moments.”

  “You know once the baby is born, you’ll have to face your mother. She’s going to want to see her first grandchild. You can’t hide from her forever.”

  “I know and I’m not hiding. About the divorce papers—”

  “Let’s not talk about those papers tonight. We’ve got time.” She paused. “Why did you get mad the other night when I brought them into your room? And remember, we promised to be honest.”

  He sucked his tongue and steeled his stomach. The only thing he had to lose was the most precious thing he’d ever had. “I don’t want a divorce.”

  Her eyes widened before she hurried from the room. The sound of her door closing disrupted his heartbeat.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Melissa woke with the sun rise. All night, the only words playing in her ears like a broken record were, “I don’t want a divorce.”

  What was she supposed to do with his declaration? It was like selecting the winning lottery numbers after they were displayed on television. She had no magic wand to erase their past, or to turn this pumpkin into a fairy tale life.

  She crawled out of bed and sat on the edge. With her stomach growling, she couldn’t hide in her bedroom all day. She stepped out onto the private balcony. The view alone was worth the hefty price she’d paid, but she loved the big wicker chaise that allowed her to hide from the world for just a few moments. She stretched out and allowed the sun to kiss her skin long enough to warm her.

  The bang on her bedroom door made her jump.

  “Darius?”

  “Come on out, I’m taking you to breakfast.”

  She wasn’t certain breakfast was a good idea but twenty minutes later, she was dressed and ready to go. Darius wore a loose T-shirt over his jeans. There was just enough five-o-clock shadow on his face to give him a bad-boy quality. With his hat and sunglasses in place, his disguise was complete.

  “I’ve already walked the dog, so let’s head out.” Darius opened the door for her. “Are you hungry?”

  “I’m hungry all the time. If this keeps up for three more months, we’ll have to take out a loan to feed me.”

  “I’ve got you covered.”

  They walked four blocks and turned onto South Street. “We’re almost there. This little diner came highly recommended. I hear they have excellent pancakes and fried chicken.”

  “Can I get them both?”

  Darius stopped in front of a plain storefront that didn’t catch her attention. “You can have whatever you want. I want my baby’s mommy to be happy.”

  The smell of fresh baked bread greeted them as they walked inside. A small bakery showcase displayed the biggest muffins she’d ever seen, along with lemon-frosted pound cake. She swallowed and tried to decide which one she was going to devour after breakfast.

  When the server arrived at the table, Darius said, “Help us out, man. This woman is going to take a bite out of me if we don’t get her fed right away.”

  After placing their order, she sipped water to fill the gnawing until something more substantial arrived. “Asa says what I’m feeling is normal. I thought I was trying to make up for those first few months when I hardly ate anything.”

  “From now on, I’ll make sure we have something at home for you to munch on so you won’t drool or snap at me. Are you going to pretend you didn’t hear what I said last night?”

  She sucked in a big gulp of air. “We promised to be honest with each other last night, and I wanted to think about my response before I answered.”

  “Maybe your most honest response would have been the one you gave me last night. Now, you’ve had an opportunity to script the good answer.”

  She wove her fingers together and placed them on the table. “Th
ere are things we want in life and there are things we shouldn’t have. Discerning the difference is sometimes hard.”

  The server returned and placed two plates of pancakes on the table and two additional plates of bacon, eggs, and potatoes.

  “This is enough food to feed a small army.” Melissa picked up her fork and cut into the golden brown stack without syrup.

  Half way through the meal Darius returned to his questions. “Melissa, we’re not discussing candy or shoes. We’re talking about our marriage. You can’t lump everything together and pretend they are in the same category.”

  “How many chances do we give our relationship before we realize we can’t get it to bend in a direction that works for both of us?” She reached for a strip of bacon and bit off a large piece.

  “We keep trying. There’s no giving up.” He pushed his fork into his over-easy eggs, letting the yoke flow onto the plate.

  From her peripheral vision, she saw a woman approaching their table. Other couples got the opportunity to enjoy a simple meal without interruption. Seldom did she and Darius enjoy the same luxury. If they wanted to discuss the state of their future, they should have eaten at home.

  “Excuse me. Can I get a picture with you, Darius? I’ve got to be your biggest fan here in Philly.” The woman, dressed in a green shirt and matching pants, stood at their table resembling a string bean. Melissa took another stab at her pancakes. Darius never ignored his fans, so she pushed a huge forkful of food into her mouth.

  “Maybe, after we’ve finished our meal.” His tone was casual, but Melissa could detect a bit of annoyance. He turned his attention back to Melissa before the fan had crossed the room.

  “Did I just see what I thought I saw? I don’t believe it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you refuse an autograph.”

  “I’m enjoying breakfast with my wife.”

  “My company has never stopped you before.”

  “People can change. Even me, Melissa. Now you know why I don’t want to give up.”

  “I know, I just never thought I’d live to see such a miracle. If I could take this little moment and multiply it a thousand times, I could have been a happy wife. But I knew better.”

  “We’ve both made mistakes. You kept a secret that tore me apart.”

  She finished her breakfast, and for the first time in days, she felt satisfied. “I know my doctor will fuss if I put on too much weight, but I really must have a slice of frosted pound cake. I swear it’s been taunting me since I walked in here.”

  Within an instant, the server placed the cake in front of her. Darius helped her finish off the slab, paid the bill, and escorted her out. He pulled his baseball cap down and put on his shades.

  “You’re really not going to sign an autograph for your fan?”

  “I paid her check and autographed the back. The server will give it to her.” He placed his hand on her back and maneuvered her through a crowded crosswalk. “Don’t sound so surprised. I’m always nice.”

  “I’ve got a gap in our marriage that says otherwise.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Darius opened the car door and Melissa slid into the front seat. Since going out for breakfast last week, they hadn’t spent much time together. Her snide comment had opened a wound he’d rather ignore. The small apartment made avoiding each other difficult, so they communicated in a series of groans, grunts, and gripes.

  “When did you get the car?” she asked.

  “It’s a lease. Everything is so temporary I decided the car might as well be temporary too.”

  Melissa snapped the seatbelt over her ever-growing stomach. “I still don’t know why we have to trek all the way to Bristol for breakfast. You know there are excellent eateries in Philadelphia?”

  “Yeah, but your sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews are all in Bristol. So, try to be on your best behavior and pretend this is the only thing you wanted to do today.” Darius kept his eyes on the road. She’d been fussing ever since he told her how they were going to spend their Sunday morning.

  “You shouldn’t have agreed to it without talking to me first.”

  “Oh, boy. I didn’t know we’d decided that I needed to run every little thing by you. You certainly didn’t ask me before shoving the ugliest dressing table in the world in my room.”

  “It wasn’t ugly.”

  “It was yellow, for God sake. Are you trying to scar our son?”

  “We don’t know if it’s a boy. And we agreed not to ask the doctor, remember?” She placed her hands on her stomach. “Yellow and green are neutral colors. Haven’t you come that in your reading?”

  “I know you’re having a boy and we won’t be dressing him in neutral colors. The next time you go shopping, I’ll go with you.” He changed lanes.

  “Yeah, right. You hate shopping, and you can’t take your headphones off long enough to be bothered.”

  “So, today must be one of your bad hormone days, huh? You’ve been argumentative since you woke up this morning. Maybe you need a little loving to soften up the edges. Pregnant women can have sex, you know.”

  She folded her arms over her chest and huffed. “In your dreams.”

  “I know you want some of this. Stop pretending.”

  “Are you going to sign the papers, Darius? They’ve been lying on the kitchen table for a month. I know you see them.”

  “I do. I figure I’ve got until the baby gets here to examine them. Are you planning on going into labor early?”

  “I would if it would make you get on with it.” Even though she tried to sound upset, he detected softness in her delivery. Every night, she met him at the door with some new baby news or idea. Even if she wanted to pretend not to need him, she loved the attention he lavished on her.

  “Aren’t you happy with our current living situation? You’re not ready to renege on our agreement, are you?”

  “I can keep my word as long as you can keep your hands to yourself. I notice you’re always staring at my breasts like you’ve never seen them before.”

  “I’ve never seen them so big. I swear they’re calling my name.”

  “I don’t have talking breasts.”

  “That’s what you think,” he mumbled loud enough for her to hear.

  ****

  Melissa tried to remember if she’d ever heard anyone talk about how horny pregnant women could get. Her growing belly didn’t seem to erase her desire for Darius. He strutted around the apartment bare-chested or in sleeveless t-shirts exposing enough muscle to still make her drool. If she had one more dream about climbing on top of him, she just might walk across the hall and take him.

  “Let’s get another thing out in the open while we’re at it. You need to make sure you wrap a towel around your waist after you shower. I’ve seen your bare ass too many times.”

  His laughter filled the car. “Did you like what you saw?”

  “How would you like for me to walk around the apartment showing my wares when you aren’t allowed to touch me?”

  “Baby, you can touch me anytime you want. No matter what I’m doing, I’ll stop for you.” He took his eyes off the road long enough for her to see the lust sparkling in them.

  “You can’t be serious for one moment, can you?”

  “I’m deadly serious right now. Deadly.”

  He brought the car to a stop in Asa and Simeon’s circular drive and shut off the ignition. “Remember, your sisters wanted to do something nice for you, so as hard as it might be for you, please leave your attitude in the car.”

  “How about you try growing a little person inside your stomach and let’s see how pleasant you could be. I’m just praying I don’t get nauseous while I’m here.”

  “You’ll be fine. Sickness everyone expects. It’s when you snap someone’s head off that takes them by surprise.”

  Dakota opened the door before they even knocked. “I was beginning to wonder if you two were going to show up. Bishop and I got here an hour ago.”

 
“Whew, trying to get your sister out of the apartment this morning was like herding cats. I should have let you all come get her.” Darius allowed Melissa to walk into the house.

  “Don’t pay him any mind,” Melissa said over her shoulder. “He’s just horny.”

  “I heard you.” Asa wiped her hand on a towel and gave Darius a hug. “She’s just grouchy. Ignore her.”

  “I’m glad you all are having fun at my expense.” Melissa placed her hands on her hips.

  “Let’s go out on the patio. Breakfast is all set up.” Asa swept her hand toward the French doors.

  Melissa led the way. The smell of food enticed her and even eased her disappointment for having to get up early.

  “Surprise!”

  Melissa stood in the doorway leading to the patio. A blast of heat rocketed through her body, leaving a film of perspiration on her back. She looked around at the crowd of people. Some of them she recognized, others were strangers. Darius slipped next to her and took her hand in his.

  “You knew?”

  “I did. But I was sworn to secrecy.” He hugged her waist, pulling her closer to him.

  “There goes our vow of honesty.”

  “I was honest. I told you I knew about it the moment you asked.”

  “Semantics, Darius,” she whispered as Pam made her way towards her.

  “We knew you’d fuss if we asked you about having a shower, so we decided to surprise you. From the expression on your face, it worked.” Pam led her across the patio to the seat of honor.

  “But why so early? Isn’t a shower something you do in the last month of the pregnancy?” she asked.

  “Yeah, but this way, you had no idea. If we had waited until eight or nine months, you’d be even more cantankerous.” Pam smiled.

  “Who told you I was grouchy?” She glanced up in time to see Darius disappear back into the house.

  “Oh, we know way more than you think we do.” The look on Pam’s face left her with more questions.