Shomari’s response was so soft, it could have been nonexistent.She glanced at him over her shoulder.He stood by the window with both hands in his pockets, and his shoulders slumped.
When she was halfway through the door, he called her name and crossed the room with one hand held out.“Here.”
On his palm lay the thumb drive he’d used to save her files on Friday after insisting he’d work on the proposal over the weekend.
She studied him, unsure what this gesture meant.
“It should be almost complete.”His head was lowered, as though every bit of vitality had left him and sucked away his personality as well.The man had given up on everything, including them.
Stiffening her spine, she swallowed the knot in her throat.“Thanks.”
His eyes were deep pools of anguish, which clashed with the cheerful piped Christmas music and the children’s excited chatter that filtered to them.
She went to her desk, feeling as if she’d left an important piece of herself with him.But she couldn’t do anything for Shomari if he wouldn’t let her.
The project wouldn’t finish itself, so she opened the file on the thumb drive.She scanned through, focused on the improvements Shomari had made.Aside from replying to her text to confirm he was fine, they hadn’t communicated on the weekend.
She hired an accountant to prepare the financials, which were almost ready.With Shomari’s help, Lizette was confident she’d be able to submit her proposal to the Ministry employee assigned to help her make the Wintertime Preparatory School a reality.At times, she’d fought off feelings of inadequacy for not being able to complete the proposal on her own and within the timeframe she’d set.
Shomari had teased her about laying down her Superwoman cape and learning to accept help, especially where her skill sets ended, and his began.He had a valid point, but now that the situation had turned around, he’d put himself out of reach.
She whispered the chosen name for her school and ran her finger across the screen.A week ago, Lizette doubted she’d be ready without Ms.Whorms’ help, but it seemed the opposite was now the case.The presentation was complete, except for the final touches she would add.If Shomari had told her that he’d spent his entire Sunday working on the document, she wouldn’t be surprised.
Tears burned her eyes, and she wanted to rush to the lab and express her appreciation, but he was in class, and it wouldn’t be appropriate.In the middle of what had to be the lowest point in his life, Shomari ensured he took care of her business.Yes, he might have done it to take his mind off his misery, but she was beyond impressed, not to mention grateful.
He was an uncommon man, and some time, she’d tell him so.That’s if she could get through to him.
Chapter 18
Thebottomhadfallenout of Shomari’s world.He didn’t have space to think, process, and recover.That was likely a part of Christy’s plan.If she bombarded him enough, then maybe he would cave and see her for a face-to-face chat, which didn’t make sense.
Why she would even bother puzzled him.How he felt about Natanya hadn’t changed.In his head, she was still his daughter, but he didn’t have a single clue how the situation would pan out.
This was week two, and he’d gone through it on automatic.The kids kept him busy, and he was grateful for that.Lizette was another matter.They spoke about the assessments and how he was doing, but he wouldn’t allow her to breach the wall he’d built.He didn’t know how to let her in, so he didn’t try.
Her reproachful stare whenever they spoke told him she was disappointed with his withdrawal, but he didn’t have the bandwidth for a proper conversation about where they were as a couple.Christy had taken a hammer to his life and smashed everything good and wholesome.
Earl tapped the horn, turned a corner, and pulled up to the curb outside Mother’s house.Shomari did a double-take when he recognized Chelle’s Kia in the yard.Mother had asked him to come over, which was a surprise.Since he had no reason to refuse, having declined Zack’s invitation to spend the evening with the Winters, he came straight from work.
The grille was open, so he walked straight through the open front door.
Christy was in the room, seated on his mother’s sofa.
The air whooshed out of his chest, and heat flooded his face.If he hadn’t seen her immediately, the flowery scent she wore would have given away her presence.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Well, you wouldn’t speak with me, so you left me no choice.”
“This is some …” He stopped, then asked, “Where is Natanya?”
“With my sister.”
“Oh, so you only exercise your options when it suits you.”
She smoothed her crisp cotton shirt and wouldn’t meet his gaze.“I’m not here to quarrel with you.”
“I should think not.Why did you come?”
