He never pushed and I appreciated that. Some days I had a lot of shit on my mind and we’d talk for hours about anything but what I was going through. After I hung up, it was like I had all the answers, even though I never once mentioned what the problem was. Shit just worked like that sometimes.
“She wants to meet you.”
The line went quiet for a minute before he spoke again. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“She does and she’s not the type who lets people tell her what to do.” I smiled just thinking about it. If I didn’t set it up for her, Sophie was liable to show up there on her own with a court order demanding she be allowed to see him.
“When?”
“Soon, that’s up to you. Just let me know.”
“Whenever she’s ready. How is she?”
“Pregnant.” I had no idea why I let that out, but he would eventually have to know.
“Pregnant?” he repeated for confirmation. “And how do you feel about that?”
“I feel like I fucked up.”
“Did you tell her that?”
“I handled it all wrong, but she’s giving me a chance to fix it.”
“I see.”
“It’s a lot, especially for me.”
“I understand, but I hope you understand the blessing in it. There are no guarantees in life but there’s the potential for a lot of regrets. Don’t make the same mistakes I made. My regrets far outweigh anything else in my life. I can’t change that, no matter how much I wish I can. I should be an example for you.”
“Ay, some things are out of your control. You can’t control what other people do.” I knew what he was getting at. Letting Sophie go was fucking with him, even if he felt like he did it for the right reasons.
Story chuckled. “You’re a good man, Trooper. I trust you with my life and hers. I have no doubt you’ll find your way.”
“Shit, I didn’t know I lost that muthafucker.” I laughed and so did he.
“Most of the time we don’t realize it until we wake up in the middle of chaos like how the fuck did I get here?”
“You’re right.” I nodded and inhaled slowly, held it in, then released the smoke.
“Get some rest and I’ll be seeing you soon.”
“You too, old man, and yeah, you will.”
I leaned back and closed my eyes. Like it or not, I had to step up. I had my reservations, but it wouldn’t stop me from trying. I just prayed I could handle it.
Chapter 35
Maddie
“Will you stop looking at me like that?” I rolled my eyes at Carlos and moved past him with the buggy. We were in Whole Foods getting a few things for dinner I was cooking tonight with Sophie for the guys.
He followed me, and when I stopped, he circled my waist with his arms from behind, making sure to press his body against mine.
“How am I looking at you?” he said against my neck before his teeth gently tugged at my skin.
“Like you want to bend me over this buggy right here in the middle of the wine aisle. Now move please, so we can finish shopping.” I shrugged him off and moved forward again, but I heard him laugh behind me.
“You got me doing domestic shit, the least you can do is let me use my imagination.”
