“I’m fucking sick and tired of therapy,” Tara says. “I already go with Ethan and his ex-wife, and now our mother. I don’t know if I’ll have the patience for our mother if she cries.”
FIFTY-NINE
While Vickie meetswith her siblings and mother, I leave physical therapy and head to her family home in Sugar Hill. I can only hope that she doesn’t come over here after her appointment with Alicia. I know she went in with an open mind, but I also know it’s not something she was looking forward to, but her absence freed me to do this. Dante lets me out, and I tell him I’ll text him when I’m ready. They’re expecting me, and the door swings open before I get a chance to knock.
After turning down Cheryl’s offer for food, the three of us sit at the kitchen table. Between Mama and Myra, there’s more than enough to eat at home. Before Charlie left, he was cooking too, but he had to get back to work on the restaurant. Rosalie has agreed to stay with him until Mama returns.
“I just want to apologize again for my behavior after the last game and for what happened after I found out Vickie was pregnant. I’m goin’ to do everything to make sure she has a healthy and safe pregnancy.” I clear my throat, wanting to say so much more but can’t. Victoria wants to keep our relationship quiet for now without family members breathing down our throats.
I want to do things her way, but I’m also dying for the entire world to know that we’re back together.
“What are your intentions with my daughter, Colton? I thought you said you loved her, but she’s pregnant and I have no idea what your plans are.”
“I assure you that I do.” Cheryl puts a hand on his arm, and his hostility wanes but only slightly. “But I’m doing this on her terms. She knows I’m ready to pick up where we left off, but I know she wants me to prove myself first. I’m willin’ to do that.”
I think I’ve done a good job of answering his questions. He stares at me, and I don’t shrink or look away. “And then what?” he asks.
And then I put a ring on her finger, and you walk her down the aisle. We buy a bigger house and fill it with more children, but I can’t tell anyone that right now.
“Let them find their way, John,” Cheryl says, saving me. “If Vickie wants him to prove himself, that’s what he needs to do. At least she’s giving him the chance to do that.” Cheryl reaches over and rests a hand on mine. I lift it and put it to my lips. After Vickie, she’s definitely my favorite Taylor.
“Thank you, Cheryl,” I whisper.
“Fine, but you need to prove yourself quick or you and I are going to have a serious problem,” John says.
* * *
The restof the conversation with John and Cheryl was a lot less combative. The discussion turned from me and Vickie to my knee and my plans to play this season which is set to begin in less than two weeks. My knee feels good, and I’ve been performing well at practice, so my doctors and physical therapists have cleared me to play.
Me: Where are you?
I see the three bubbles show up and her message pops up.
Queen Vee: Headed home
My heart sinks. We didn’t talk about her coming back here. I assumed she would since we spent the night at her place yesterday. It’s Friday, and Evan has a birthday party tomorrow that I promised I would take him to, so we need to be here, otherwise, we’d go to her.
Me:How was therapy?
Queen Vee:Good. I’ll tell you about it when I get there. Going to get clothes. Cynthia just pulled up.
I fist pump the air.
Me: Are you feeling okay?
The nausea is controlled with medication, but she gets sick at least once per day.
Queen Vee: Was sick earlier, but fine now. Let me pack so I can see you soon.
It takes two hours until I hear my door open. I practically tackle her, lifting her off her feet and kissing her senseless.
“I didn’t miss you,” I tell her.
“Me neither, but guess what?” I take her bag and her hand and walk into the bedroom. I try to contain my happiness when she puts her clothes in my closet. “I’m actually hungry.”
I approach and rest my hands on her stomach. There’s not much of a difference, but I’m familiar enough with her body to know the slight change. “That hasn’t happened in a while.” Eating has become a chore for her. She does it because she has to, but she hasn’t enjoyed food in a long time. “Do you want to go out?” I pull out my phone, ready to make a reservation wherever she wants.
“Um, let’s stay in.” I sigh, disappointed. “I’ll probably get sick again, and I’d rather stay here if that happens. And you know I like your place.” She wraps her arms around me, gets on her toes, and I meet her halfway to kiss her. “I’d like to spend this Friday night with my guys. Where’s Evan?”
