James, my mother’s latest victim, I mean husband, takes his seat at the table beside us. His cup of black coffee in his hand. James isn’t as rich as my mother’s other ex-husbands. He works in the corporate world. Don’t get me wrong, the man makes great money and lives in a huge home in a gated community, but he doesn’t have millionaire status like my mother would prefer.
“I read an article last night that said making baby food from scratch is much better for the baby. I can run by the farmer’s market and get a bag of sweet potatoes. All you need is a blender.”
This is why I adored James. He knew nothing about babies until Noah and I showed up. Now, he spends his free time researching everything he can about them.
I chuckle as I feed Noah another spoonful of the baby food.
“When we were home, the chef and I would make his food from scratch.” I say, tickling my baby’s belly. “But that requires a lot of work, and I didn’t want to hold up your kitchen doing that. Plus, this baby food is just as good and safe for babies.”
James waves me off. “Tiffany, I told you, you and Noah are family. My home is your home.”
I smile at the older black man. His kind eyes have been a needed welcome in this house. My temporary phone vibratesagainst the table. I quickly pick it up and scan the message from Mira.
When I left the house, I left my phone behind. The moment we made it official; Nico bought me the latest smartphone and put it on his plan. I imagine he could’ve used my phone to track my location. When I got here, I picked up one of those pay as you go cell phones from the local superstore. The only person who has the number is my best friend.
Bestie:Your hubby called again. He’s down to three times a day now.
Me:You didn’t tell him anything, did you?
Bestie:What can I tell him? I don’t even know where you are.
Still the best decision I made. I kept everyone in the dark about my location. It’s clear Nico has no qualms about killing anyone to get what he wants. Mira not knowing my location was to protect her.
Me:He’ll stop calling soon.
Bestie:If you say so.
Placing my phone back down on the table, I continue to feed Noah.
My thoughts immediately go to my husband. I won’t lie as if there aren’t times where I’m tempted to call Nico. I spent a year in the happiest and purest relationship that I’ve ever been in. Yes, it was all fake, but my heart doesn’t yet know that. Every time my heart tries to convince me to reach out to my husband, I remind myself of that horrible video.
“Let me guess, your husband called again?” James asks cautiously.
I told him and my mother that my husband and I had a fight, and I needed time away from him. I didn’t tell them about the video, why I’m running, or who exactly I’m running from.
“Yes,” I reply, going back to feeding my baby. “Mira says he’s down to three times a day now.”
James is silent for a moment, but I know he has more to say. He clears his throat.
“You should at least speak to him. Let him know that you and his son are safe. If my wife and baby left without contact, I’d be worried sick.”
I understood what James was saying. I can only imagine how upset Nico is. We haven’t spent a night apart from each other since we got married. Even when he has to go out of the country for business, Noah and I go with him. This must be tough.
Oh the hell well.
“I’ll speak with him soon. I still need time right now.” The pain I still feel every time he’s brought up tells me I’m not ready to speak to or confront him.
“Exactly how much time are you thinking?” my mother asks as she walks into the kitchen. “Our home isn’t really equipped for a baby.”
For as comfortable and welcome as James has made me, my mother has done the opposite. I hear stories of women saying they were born to be a mother or how much they love being a mother. That trait completely skipped Evelyn Peters. I don’t think my mother even likes people, let alone children.
I stand, scooting my chair back from the table, and then clean the little mess I made while feeding my baby.
“As I said, this is only temporary, Evelyn.”
“Your mother is just joking,” James chuckles. “We have plenty of space for you and Noah. And whatever we don’t have we can get.”
Poor James. He and Evelyn have been married for only two years. He doesn’t yet know that she’s a selfish bitch who only cares about herself. Like all the others, he will find out soon enough.
