Noah: It’s done.
I should’ve felt relieved, no more hiding our relationship, but it isn’t enough. I know that if I’m to be around Jessa and help Noah co-parent, I need to speak to Morgan face to face. I don’t want to always be communicating through Noah because, let’s face it, men can be hopeless at times.
Pressing dial on my phone, I let my temporary assistant know that I’ll be stepping out of the office for an hour. Grabbing my things, I remember that we drove to work in one car. Shit. Thinking quickly, I order an Uber and hope that the address I have is correct, and most importantly, Morgan is at her office.
Clutching my purse beneath my arm, I step into the fancy building and make my way to the receptionist’s desk. The red-headed bimbo with her obvious hair extensions plasters a fake smile as I ask for Morgan.
“She’s not taking appointments right now.”
“Well, perhaps if you give her my name, I’m certain she’ll see me.”
The young girl, clueless and a waste of office space, dials her number, bowing her head until she hangs up.
“Follow me.”
I walk behind her, noting her dress is way too short to be acceptable in the workplace. But this isn’t my office.
Stopping at the door, she ushers me in as my eyes meet Morgan’s from across the table.
“You may leave, Tiffany.”
I purse my lips, standing in place. “May I take a seat?”
Morgan remains silent. I sit down on the white leather chair, crossing my legs as my eyes gravitate toward her pictured frame of Jessa on her desk.
“I’d like to make it clear that Noah didn’t send me here, nor is he aware that I am here.”
Morgan looks perplexed, but beneath it, I see the eyes of a woman who has zero empathy for me right now.
“Then why are you here?”
“Noah has told you of our relationship and our living situation?”
“Why, yes.” She releases a disturbing laugh. “It’s all very last minute, isn’t it? I tell him I need to go away and ask if he can take Jessa, then he throws this giant curveball in my face like I’m not supposed to care.”
“I understand your concern.”
“Do you?” She stands, moving closer to the window to create distance between us. The red body-con dress she wears molds to her figure perfectly, matching the shade of lipstick applied to her full lips. “Do you understand what it’s like to be a mother of two children, one with special needs? And to have your husband bounce from woman to woman?”
“From memory, Michael came into your life, and you welcomed him with open arms, correct? You loved his father and made sacrifices to be the best stepmother you could be,” I inform her, trying to drive my point home but attempting to keep my tone controlled. “So, while I don’t have any biological children, I do believe in the power of love. I understand what it’s like to be loved by a parent. My role in Noah’s life is not to replace you. You’re irreplaceable. I’m his best friend, his partner, and his family is everything to him. As for the bouncing woman-to-woman comment, nobody is perfect. Noah isn’t, I’m not, and I’m pretty sure you aren’t either.”
“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that,” she mumbles, lowering her head. “Because I’m being made to feel like I am irreplaceable.”
“You’re Jessa’s mother and always will be. Nothing could ever change that. I’m only asking that we work together as a team. We all want the same thing, for Jessa to be happy and feel the love she so greatly deserves.”
“And what about Michael? He’s grown fond of Noah. Noah has always been this male figure in his life. I can’t take that away from him.”
“He’s welcome in our home, Morgan,” I insist, my eyes watching her
closely. “You don’t have to do any of this alone. Just remember that.”
Silence falls between us, and despite my phone blowing up with notifications, I don’t want to push her. I don’t want any animosity between us, worried it will filter through to the little girl who’s innocent in all of this.
“I knew, from the beginning, that you and Noah had this unbreakable bond. I should’ve followed my instincts.”
“I know exactly how it feels to be on the outside looking in. I’m not here to flaunt our relationship. I truly want to make this work. And while you may not trust me around your daughter, I hope, with time, you’ll feel comfortable enough to do so.”
I check my watch while standing. “I appreciate your time today.”