Reed's Reckoning

“I’m going for a run. Then once I pick up Davis, I thought I’d make us all dinner. You in?”

“Sure. Aren’t you home a little early?”

“Yeah, my mind is spinning over the presentation tomorrow and I needed to get out. I’ll go over my notes later tonight.”

“Have fun, I’ll walk over around six.”

“Great, before I go, did you notice a strange car across the street?”

“Yes, he’s a handsome man that works for the city. He came by to do a land survey.”

“Oh, okay, that makes me feel better.” I wave and take off my normal route.

When Davis finally falls asleep after reading him three books, I get my notes, a glass of wine, and go to my porch. This is my favorite place in my house. I’ve worked hard to make it my sanctuary. Flowerpots filled with seasonal blooms cover every space possible. A bistro set sits on one side while a swing takes up the other. I spread my stuff out and run through the presentation in my mind.

After having Davis, I stayed home and resumed classes at the local college. It took me a year longer than planned, but I graduated with a Finance degree and started working for the bank immediately. I’ve worked my way through several positions, but tomorrow I’m going after a job that could launch my career. With a few years under my belt, I could be considered for a vice president role.

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, considering I never thought I’d be a single mom working on her career alone. When Reed and I were together, he asked me to follow him wherever the NFL drafted him. He was a year older than me, and we talked about me changing schools when he landed in a new city. But that never happened.

Seeing him dredged up feelings I pushed away a long time ago. Even with the briefest glance at him on that beach, he was gorgeous. His body was more toned and his hair longer, his muscles were much more defined, but he was still the Reed I remember. Tall and tan with light brown hair and mesmerizing crystal eyes. His eyes could penetrate right through me, making my defenses dissolve. This man had once owned every beat of my heart. Even with the distance between us, I could see his aqua blue eyes staring into me. After all this time, the gaze had an effect on me I couldn’t explain. But then again, I look into those same eyes every day in my little boy.

My phone rings and I see it’s my crazy best friend calling for my daily check in. Luke and I never go a day without talking. I’ve tried to step back after my talk with grandma, but he won’t hear of it. We haven’t mentioned it since that day, but I know he’s worried about me seeing Reed. He was with me four years ago when Reed shattered my heart.

“Hello, honey,” I greet Luke.

“Babe, how’s my favorite girl tonight?”

I smile at his usual question. “Oh, you know, kicking ass, taking names, ready to move up that corporate ladder tomorrow.”

“Let’s hear it; I’ve got all night to help you nail this thing.”

There’s a soft noise behind me, but when I turn around, there’s nothing or no one there. I sip my wine and proceed to go through my presentation with Luke. He gives me pointers that boost my confidence. By the time I go to bed, my nerves are settled and I’m prepared to rule the boardroom tomorrow.

Reed fills my dreams, but instead of being devastated, these are pleasant memories. I wish I could hate him, but a piece of my heart still belongs to him. It always will.

Reed

Fuck! Just hearing her voice on the phone had my dick hard. She still has the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard. I used to ask her to help me study just to hear her read my notes back to me. Because of her, I aced almost every test my senior year. She definitely raised my GPA.

When she mentioned the big presentation, I couldn’t find it in myself to surprise her last night. Even with the thick envelope in my hand that gave me every detail of her life for the last four years, and the proof I have a son, I didn’t want to hurt her chances at impressing her boss. I sat back in the shadows and listened to her on the phone for an hour talking to Luke.

Now, I’m standing at her door, hoping to God that she lets me in. The shadows through the windows let me know she’s home. I knock and wait. When she opens the door, her face goes from happy to complete shock. Tears fill her eyes and I reach out to steady her arm when she sways.