Anguished (Crimson Elite 2)

“You did not just say that.”

She sits up, all sarcasm is gone from her face. “He did come all this way to talk to you about it. Maybe it was a mistake? We all have them.” She shrugs.

“You’re on his side now?” I ask now more confused than ever. Rubbing my head, I can’t make out what’s happening.

“No, what he did was a dick move, but did you actually let him explain? Because from what you said the ex is a real piece of work and maybe you should hear him out?”

I close my bag and pull it from the bed. “I don’t want that, Mel. I don’t want complicated. I want easy. I deserve easy.”

She scoffs loudly at me as she gets up from the bed straightening her skirt. “If I had easy with Howard we wouldn’t be together. Did I tell you I second-guessed us a few years ago?” Her hand goes to her hip. “I kissed someone else and he saw me, but because he loves me, he wanted to hear why. And guess what, that night I knew he was it. I knew he was my forever. No man knocks someone else out after kissing their girlfriend then walks back to her and asks her why with hurt written all over his face. He gave me the benefit of the doubt. He loves me, and I knew right then and there that I would do everything in my power to prove to him that he was it. Which took a while considering I broke our trust.”

“You didn’t tell me that.”

She looks away as I lay my hand on her shoulder. “It was just… I didn’t know if I wanted to spend my life with only one person. But I do know now. He never doubted us. It was only me. He knew I was it, and it took me a while to reach him, but I’m there now. And never plan on leaving.”

Wrapping my arms around her, I hug her tight. “You two are perfect for each other. He calms your crazy.”

She laughs as I pull away wiping her tears.

“He does, doesn’t he?” We both nod in agreement. “Howard likes Echo, by the way.”

“He met him?” I didn’t know that. I figured he came straight here.

“Yep, he took the cell from you and told him your address.”

“He wanted to explain. Explain what?” I shake my head as I start walking out the door.

“You should still hear what he has to say, at least. I’ve never seen you get completely fucked up over a guy before. Not even Matthew, and you were with him for years.”

“If I let him explain, it will lead to one thing, sex. It’s what we’re good at.”

She fans her face as we walk down the stairs. “I would let that man ride me… you know… if I wasn’t engaged.”

My suitcase drops from my hand. Turning fast, Mel shows me her hand that’s already stretched out.

“You’re engaged, and you didn’t tell me the minute it happened?”

Her ring has small diamonds wrapped around a pearl. It’s stunning and so Mel.

“I did. Why do you think I’m here, woman?”

“Oh my God, it just happened and you let me go on and on about myself?”

She shrugs as we both look down at her ring again. “You and Howard are the most important people in my life. Your problems are just as important as my engagement.”

“I really do love you, you know?”

She nods her head with a smile on her face. “I know.”

“When is it going to be your turn? You know I want grandbabies before I die.” My mother appears at the bottom of the stairs holding my discarded suitcase.

“Matthew and I are never going to happen, Mother,” I say stepping down, reaching out I take my bag from her.

“What about that new guy? I quite liked him. He’s easy on the eyes as well.”

I cringe and cover my eyes. “You did not just say that to me.”

“Oh, she did, and she’s right. He’s your perfect ten.”

“I have to go. I have to go home to get ready for work tomorrow,” I say turning to them. “Mel, send me all the details. Dates and ideas. We’re planning a wedding.” She nods her head excitedly. “Mom, I love you and promise I won’t wait as long to visit.” I kiss her cheek and she holds my face.

“Maybe I can even come see where you live?”

I’m taken aback by her words. My mother’s a creature of habit, she doesn’t like to change scenery, she stays in one place and has never left.

“I would love that.”“You should come, please come,” Tracey begs me.

We’ve just finished work, and I have to wash my clothes which are still sitting in my bag. That designer dress is going to be ruined. It’s so perfect.