“We can try and be quick.” He slid his hands up and down my body.
“Mm,” I responded. He took my moan of approval as an invitation, releasing himself from his boxer briefs. He slid my panties to the side to expose my entrance. He began with a finger, arching inside of me just the way I liked. I lightly moaned, feeling my arousal grow.
“That’s my good girl, getting wet enough for me. Ready for more?” We never had sex before he went to work because he woke up insanely early, and he didn’t want to disturb my sleep.
“Yes, please,” I said, arching farther into him. He moaned into my ear as he slowly slipped himself into me.
“You feel heavenly in the morning,” he said, moving steadily while I circled my ass with his movements. He reached one hand around to massage my clit. The added pressure radiated through my body. I moved in tandem with him, chasing my release. “How close are you, pretty girl? I’m so close, what do you need?”
I leaned back into him, exposing my neck to him. “Can you please bite my neck?” He immediately did so, and a few more thrusts from him, and we were both coming undone. Our bodies shook against each other before going limp in each other’s arms.
“Good morning, my love,” he said, giving me small kisses all over my face. “I really should go get ready now, huh?”
“Probably. I should get up, too. I told my mom to get here early today.” We separated from each other, each getting out of bed from our side.
“Are you sure you don’t want me here when you talk to her?”
“I’m sure. I need to stand on my own this time. I need to prove to myself I’m strong enough to let her go.” He walked over to me and brought me in for an embrace.
“Look at the camera before you open the door in case she tries to bring Andrés. You call me immediately if that happens, okay? You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever known, so I know you got this. Some moms can’t be moms, and sometimes you’re just better off—I was.”
“Thank you for being my best friend and my everything. I’m still healing, but you continue to stand by my side.”
He kissed me on the forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. I will stand by your side forever, okay? Evenpast forever.”
“I believe you.” I smiled at him.
He went off to shower and got ready for work while I prepared a charcuterie board for me and Mom to snack on during our last conversation for a while—or ever. I practiced in my head repeatedly what to say to her. I needed to be vulnerable and honest, so she took me seriously. She had the habit of brushing things under the rug that weren’t directly related to her. But I was sure I made the right decision after what she pulled at my birthday party. I’ve spent weeks in therapy talking to Darla about all the positives and negatives that would arise because of my decision. There were way more positives than negatives. I knew I was ready.
“I’m heading out now, my love.” He kissed me on my forehead and nose, and then finally my lips, like he did everymorning before he left for work. He shows me love in the best ways. “I love you most.”
“And I still love you more. Be safe.” I watched as he walked out the door.
I invited my mom over early so I wouldn’t perseverate on it all day and end up chickening out. She happened to be visiting a friend in town, so I took the opportunity to invite her over to talk since I kept backing out as soon as I got in the car to drive toward her place.
I played an audiobook while I busied myself cleaning. I had the house to myself since Emma had gone home with someone she met at a bar last night. She was officially in her hookup era after finally breaking up with her ex, Vanessa, for good.
The doorbell rang, indicating my mother was there. I took one more look at the house to ensure it was in condition to her liking. When I opened the door, I was surprised to find her dressed so elegantly. She wore a sleek, long, black dress with a matching cardigan and knee-length heel boots. Her makeup and hair looked professionally done as well. “Hi, Mom, come on in.”
“Hi, mija.” She gave me a small kiss on the cheek. “I can’t believe I’ve never been to your place. How long have you been living here now?”
“A little over six years.” I guided her to the kitchen, where I had the charcuterie board and apple cider.
“Such a cute little place for you. You’re still with the man from your birthday, right? Have you thought about living together?” I hadn’t really thought about it, even though we were practically always at each other’s houses. I guess it wouldn’t be the worst idea, even if we’ve only been dating for a couple of months. He already felt like my forever.
“We haven’t actually talked about it,” I said, sitting across from her, adding cheese and crackers to my plate.
“You'd better tie him down soon, guys like him don’t come around very often. Is this champagne?” she asked, picking up the bottle to pour herself a glass.
“No, it’s just apple cider. Grant and I don’t drink.” She poured us both a glass. We ate and drank silently for a few beats. “I invited you over to have an important conversation with you.”
“What is it, honey?” She almost sounded sincere.
“I want to sell the house,” I started, “and I don’t want the credit card anymore.” I grabbed my wallet, took the card out, and slid it across the table to her.
“What do you mean?” She scrunched her eyebrows, head shifting back.
“I need a break from you, so I need to cut our financial ties.” I paused, giving her room to say something. When she didn’t, I continued. “I told you how Andrés abused me beginning at age twelve and didn’t stop until I went to college. You swept my truth under the rug like an old newspaper. My therapist diagnosed me with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Do you know what that means?”
