Page 61 of Almost Paradise

Chapter 34

Nia

I’m exhausted. Not physically, but emotionally. I don’t know how people remain in toxic relationships because one week in, I’m ready to wave the white flag. I didn’t grow up like this. I lived in a house with my brother and two loving parents. My father is Audrey’s father’s younger brother. They lived one street away. We were always together. One could say that I’ve had the ideal childhood. Other than Drake and the path that led me to single motherhood, my life has been drama free.

So, how did I ever end up here? I don’t want to stay here, and I’m not referring to this beautiful penthouse. I mean this emotional place. The last thing I want is for my son to absorb some of what I’m feeling. I don’t even know what that is anymore.

A few days ago when I woke up wrapped in Drake’s arms, I had closed my eyes and gone back in time. Back then, we’d wake up facing each other. Our limbs would be intertwined. Most nights, I’d sleep so deeply and soundly that I’d drool on his chest. He never minded. He’d joke and say it was good luck. We’d make love again before showering together. Most of that was done in this house. In that bedroom upstairs. That’s why I got no sleep my first night here. There are too many memories in that bedroom.

“When is he getting here?” I hear Mason ask someone.

“He’s on his way,” Drake says, and I guess they are talking about Wyatt.

“Whatever,” Audrey says. She’s leaning against the wall across from me, watching me like a hawk. I had no idea she was coming, but she showed up with Ray, who is in the kitchen drinking a beer.

There’s a loud knock on the door and I go to get it, but the boys come running out like a herd of elephants. Mason opens the door, and they practically jump on Wyatt, who dramatically falls on the floor. The kids jump on him until he manages to get up. He picks up Carter, and Kyle wraps himself around one of his legs.

“Uncle Wyatt has arrived,” he says, throwing a punch in the air.

“You’re not their uncle,” Audrey says.

“Yes, he is,” Kyle says in Wyatt’s defense.

“Let me guess. You knew I’d be here, so you had to show up.” He wiggles his brows, and she looks away. “Where’s the pizza, men? I hope someone got me one with anchovies.”

As if on cue, there’s another knock on the door and four boxes of pizza are delivered. Drake takes them into the kitchen. The boys, including Wyatt, all run after him.

“Let’s eat,” I tell Audrey, suddenly hungry.

“Dad, is Carter’s dad rich?” Mason asks when we get to the kitchen. My brother playfully whacks him upside the head.

“Mason, he’s beyond rich. He makes some rich people look poor.”

“Wow,” Kyle says. “Can you buy me a dragon?”

“I want more Piderman,” Carter adds. He’s never one to be left out if there are going to be presents.

“I want a dragon, like in House of the Dragon,” Mason says.

“Boy, didn’t I tell you not to watch that?” Ray says, giving him a look of disapproval.

“He likes the girls,” Kyle snitches. “He says he wants to kiss one like this.” Kyle puts his tongue where his two missing front teeth would be. He closes his eyes and slowly moves his head around.

“Shut up, Kyle,” Mason says, but he doesn’t deny his brother’s words.

“That’s isgusting,” Carter says between giggles.

Today seems like a million miles away from the lighthearted Friday and Saturday night I had with the boys. Having them there was a gift I didn’t know I needed. The house was loud and messy, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I also saw another side of Drake. For someone who said he didn’t like kids before, he has infinite patience with the boys. They built a fort with blankets in the living room, they asked him all kinds of questions about Paradise Construction, and he answered all of them. Mason declares he wants to work there as an engineer so he can build bridges, and Drake promises to hire him.

Now, I’m in the back of his car with Drake and Carter while Bertram drives us to his family home. It’s the last place on earth I want to be today, but there’s also no way in hell I would let my son do this without me.

When Drake told him about today’s plans, he was eager to go. I bet he thinks everyone will love him like my family does. I didn’t tell him otherwise, but I’ll be here to distract him if any bad vibes come his way. I’m also ready to leave if this shit goes left, and Drake will just have to deal with it. I don’t care how much money he has or how many lawyers he can hire. No one is hurting my son. And as of now, I can afford just as many lawyers as him.

The car turns onto a long, winding street. It’s the type of street where the rich people in horror movies always live. There are no sidewalks, and the street looks cold and deserted. The car stops in front of an even colder dark gray house. I’m surprised I don’t see crows squawking around outside or gargoyles on the roof. Carter’s hand tightens around mine, and I try my best to give him a reassuring smile, but I don’t think I succeed.

“Daddy used to live here?” he asks while he looks out the window.

“I did,” Drake says.

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