Page 46 of Dr. Bell

“Is that right?” I smirked. “Well, I’m not from around here, I’ll give you that. What I won’t give you is Dr. Adir Bryant Bell. So, tonight, I’ll be sure to speak to him about this little matter. That way your mind can be at ease.”

“My mind is at ease, ho. You better get yours right before I have it handled for you.”

I chuckled. “That’s mighty unladylike of you.”

“I wouldn’t be the one putting my hands on you. I’m having a baby.” She smirked. “But trust… if you come between me and Adir, I’m going to make your life hell.”

This broad was crazy. Going back and forth with her was fun. However, it was time she learned that I wasn’t the one to take anyone’s commands, let alone a bitter ex. I surely didn’t take threats lightly.

“When I beat the skin off of whoever you think is gon’ touch me, I’ll be sure to tell them this could’ve all been so simple. You could just walk away with your dignity and leave me alone.”

She snickered. “Okay, okay. I see you’re not hearing me.”

Just then, the announcer came over the microphone, prompting everyone to head for their seats and for all remaining speakers to head to the stage.

Casually she smiled. “See you around, Coco.”

I settled at my table with Russ, who glanced at me like he wanted to say something but thought better of it. He didn’t want to be in my business, and I commended him for that.

As the ceremony commenced, I listened with one ear. My mind was light years away, wondering how the hell I’d allowed myself to really think this could be my fairytale beginning. Dealing with a woman like Dr. Grace wasn’t something I wished to do. Her baby wasn’t even here yet, and she was already acting like the bitter woman that I knew she was.

He said it’s not his baby.

“I know,” I mumbled to myself.

He stood on that stage at the podium, maintaining eye contact with me as he gave his speech. Hopefully, he wouldn’t ask me how he did because I didn’t know. I didn’t hear a word he said.

When Dr. Grace graced the podium, she smiled big and commanded the room. Her black dress was stunning, and she presented to be all the grace and magnificence she looked to be. By the time she was done, the room erupted in applause.Reluctantly, I clapped to keep anyone from capturing me not doing so.

Adir shook everyone’s hands, then exited the stage as the announcer called the ceremony to a close. Everyone went back to mingling as before. Adir came back to the table and addressed Russ.

“Have the car pulled around,” he said.

Russ ducked his head and spoke into the tiny device on his watch.

Adir reached for my hand. All too quickly, I took it. If he was ready to leave, so was I. The night had been great until Dr. Grace came with the bullshit. Even then, I didn’t want it to ruin the night. So, I plastered on a smile and waved bye to people as Adir and I followed Russ to the exit.

The car waited for us, with Zel standing by the back door with it propped open for me. Camera flashes didn’t subside until Adir was inside the sedan, and the door was closed, blocking out the cacophony of noise going on outside. Once Zel slid behind the wheel and Russ took the passenger seat, Adir enabled the partition, separating us from the front seat.

“Are you sure her baby isn’t yours?” I asked without preamble.

“We already went over this.”

I chuckled lightly. “Please, don’t do that. A baby isn’t something to casually push to the side.”

“Just as well as you’re getting to know my sons, if I had another child out there, you’d know about them, too. I wouldn’t put you in a position to have any woman thinking they have one up over you.”

“She’s before me, though.”

“Yet my answer still stands. You would’ve known long before signing those papers and saying I do to me.”

One minute I was poised to spew a comeback, the next I was seated across Adir’s lap. His fingers went to the back of myneck, where he massaged the stressed cords until my shoulders relaxed.

“You’re upset and worked up for absolutely no reason. I had her more times than I can recall. However, each time I was good and protected. Whosever baby she’s carrying is not my concern.”

“So, I’m just supposed to pretend she doesn’t exist? She’s made it clear that she won’t let me forget who she is to you.”

“She’s no one to me, but an ex. I made vows toyou. Nothing or no one will make me go against them.”

---