Page 4 of Cutthroat

Somehow, she felt that telling her sister the truth would make her appear like a bad wife. She felt horrible for wanting to prioritize her career over motherhood.

“Tears of joy has you crying those ugly ass tears. What is going on Edy?” Eve asked. She wasn’t buying the tears of joy speech.

“I’m serious. Everything is all good,”

Eve looked skeptical but she wasn’t going to pry. Eden would share what was on her mind when she was ready.

“Come get in the passenger seat. Emotional driving is a recipe for disaster. I’ll drive but you’re still paying,” Eve joked, she knew it would make her sister laugh.

Eden did as she expected. Laughter instantly replaced her tears.

“You’re so crazy with your cheap ass,” Eden laughed while wiping the wetness from her face.

“You were just all smiles twenty minutes ago. Now you’re crying. But I’m crazy. Yeah right,”

“These are tears of joy,” Eden lied. “Jermaine wants me to throw away my birth control. I want that too, at least I thought I wanted that. I’m unsure of what I want. Will I have to give up my job? I would die if I had to leave such a prestigious bank just to be a mom,” Eden cried.

She knew her words sounded selfish, but Rashid Zayed International Banque was not a bank that a person could simply apply to. The company didn’t even post open positions. It was invitation only. When a position needed to be filled, the bank’s internal recruiters would reach out to potential applicants by viewing their employment qualifications via theirLinkedIn. Giving up employment with such a prestigious bank seemed like a death sentence.

“Eden,”

“I love what I do. I love having to take a flight to meet some of my clients. I don’t want to change my life or lifestyle. I know that sounds selfish but-”

“But nothing. You are not mommy. The days of being a stay-at-home mom are over. I’m a flight attendant with two kids. My life hasn’t changed. You’re terrified about being a parent and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a new experience and it’s ok if you’re scared.

Between me, Mommy, and my kids, your baby will be well taken care of when you have to work. Calm down everything will be ok,”

Eden wanted to cry all over again. She knew that she would’ve been able to trust Eve with her feelings without judgement. The fact that she doubted their bond made her feel horrible.

“You’re right. I just, I’m just-”

More tears erupted.

“Girl, why are you crying now? You know what, we might need to skip Ribeye’s and go to Walgreen’s to get you a pregnancy test. This new emotional you has me thinking that you’re alreadyknocked up,” Eve said as she patted Eden’s flat stomach.

Eden shook her head. She knew she wasn’t pregnant. She had just thrown her pack of pills away.

“You always know how to make me feel better. I love your-”

Eden’s sentence stopped and her eyes squinted as she tried to process what her eyes were seeing.

“I love your big head too,” Eve said sweetly, but Eden ignored the sentiments. She was too focused on what was in front of her. It wasn’t every day that a Bentley was parked in front of a family friendly steakhouse.

“That’s Jermaine’s car. Why would Jermaine be parked at Longhorns?” Eden asked herself unaware that she had asked the question aloud.

Eve looked to the left at the Franchise steakhouse, saw the black Flying Spur, but thought nothing of it.

“He’s probably having a meeting. You said he has meetings every Thursday,” Eve shrugged.

Eden tuned Eve completely out. The only thing she could focus on were the drums now pounding in her head.

“Turn in,” Eden said dryly.

“Why?” Eve asked while scrunching her face.

“Turn into Longhorn’s right fucking now,” Eden said slowly, making sure to annunciate the syllables of each word.

The hair on the back of Eve’s neck stood on end. She had never seen her sister like this. The joy that always brightened her face had been replaced with something dark and malevolent.

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