I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter. I feel like I might be giving in too soon. We made a breakthrough last night.”
“Enough for y’all to fuck.”
Sometimes I hate I tell my best friend all my business. But when you get dick as good as I did last night and this morning, you have to tell someone.
“Yes. But Nico and I never had issues with sex; it’s other things.” Like trust.
“Do you love him?” Her question catches me completely off guard.
“I know you met that man, and within six-months y’all were dating, and after nine you two were married and expecting Noah. So I have to ask, do you love him?”
Had you asked me that question three months ago, I would’ve shouted from the rooftop, yes. But now I’m not sure. I’m not sure if I can trust my heart. It was misled into falling for him. I love the version of the man I thought I’d met by chance. How can I be sure I love this version?
“I don’t know,” I admit honestly.
Mira stares at me for a moment, then bursts into laughter. I stare at her through the phone, shocked at her response.
“What is so funny?”
“You and the river of denial you’re swimming in.”
Shooting to my feet, I glare at my best friend. “I’m not in denial. You don’t know what he did.”
“Exactly,” she says, cutting me off. “The fact that you won’t even tell me what he did, lets me know you’re protecting him. And if you are protecting him from my judgement, it tells me you still love him.”
I stand silently, staring back at her through my phone screen. Her words took their time unfolding in my head. The thought of telling Mira what Nico did to get me makes me feel uneasy. I know what he did is bad, and killing Marcus aside, is still against the law. If I tell her and she agrees, or worse, reports him, I couldn’t live with that. I guess I was protecting him.
Sitting back on the bed, I sigh. “You’re right, I still love him.” I admitted to her as if she didn’t already know.
“Duh.” She laughs. “Look. I’m sure whatever he did hurt you, and I’m not saying you should just forgive him immediately. I’m saying that if there is still love between you two and he isn’t cheating or beating on you, then why not try to work it out? It’s obvious Nico is trying. Hell, the man came and got you from your mama’s and drug you back home. He called my phone every twenty minutes when you were gone to find you; that’s either love or obsession.”
I don’t comment that it might be a bit of both when it comes to my husband.
“When me and Quentin got married, my grandmother pulled me aside and told me she had the secret to a long, happy marriage. Do you want to know what that secret is?”
“Of course.”
“Communication, respect, and commitment.”
It seemed too simple, but I got it.
Mira continues, “Talk to your husband. If what he did bothers you, have a conversation about it, but I advise you to listen as much as you talk. There may be a reason behind his actions.”
In my mind, there is no real reason for the shit he did. He had me kidnapped and scared for my life. I mean, who the hell does that just to get a girl? But maybe, having this conversation with him and actually listening this time will help me understand him. Or at least better understand where we stand in this relationship.
“You’re right.” I push my hair behind my ear.
“I know I’m right. Now, go and enjoy your date with your man and talk to him.”
Mira blew me a kiss before disconnecting the call. I finished getting dressed and was giving myself one last look over when I heard my mother’s voice.
“Is that what you’re wearing?”
I turn to find her leaning against the doorframe of my bedroom. Her face is pinched in distaste.
I take in my faux leather pants and the long-sleeve cream-colored bodysuit that shows off my cleavage. The outfit was cute but practical.
“What’s wrong with it?”
