Page 60 of Just Desserts

"No, I'm not sure. I'll ask her," I replied with concern.

"Okay, you focus on that, and I'll send you the number for my guys if she does need a camera and security system set up there, they'll give you a good price. Just focus on that for now and I'll take care of Alyssa."

"Thanks man, I don't know what to say but I really appreciate this. I have no idea how to handle someone like her," I admitted with a worried sigh.

"I got you, boss man. Anyway, sounds like things went well at court?"

"Yep, everything went through just waiting on the final splitting of assets once the ex sells the house."

"Damn, wish we could do more to run him out of town. I bet I could dig up some stuff. You let me know if he gives Isla any trouble." I grinned at Sully's bloodthirst.

"Will do, thanks again man. I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"Talk soon. Later, Boss." We disconnected and I went back to the stove.

I stirred the soup, my concern bubbling along with it. What did Alyssa want? Why was she following Isla around? Who was her focus, me or Isla? Before I could go down that whirlpool of thoughts I heard footsteps above before Isla appeared at the bottom of the steps. She stood there looking adorably rumpled from her nap. Her hair was a mess and there were lines on her face from the pillow case.

"Smells good." She said weaving her way towards the kitchen almost as if she was drunk. I smiled at her, her presence instantly bringing a sense of peace over to me. I herded her towards the table then brought over bowls of soup with a plate of grilled cheese in the center.

"This looks amazing, grilled cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods. Thank you so much, this is perfect." She said with a smile, reaching for a sandwich. She took a half and dunked it into the tomato soup before taking a hearty bite.

Conversation was mild as we enjoyed our meal together. It was difficult, but I pushed my concerns regarding Alyssa to the side, forcing myself to trust that Sully would take care of it. Instead, I focused all my attention on Isla and we spent the rest of the night cuddled close.

It was my job to make sure she didn't have anything to worry about now. I would make sure we would only do things that brought her the joy she deserves. I couldn't wait to show her, give her a glimpse of what our lives could be like if we were together. All she had to do was sit back and let me take care of her.

Chapter 42

Isla

Myles and I were in contact every day, but I hadn't seen him in person since the weekend. It was the longest we had gone without seeing each other and a part of me was uncomfortable with how much I missed his presence already. Living with someone, as a couple, wasn't the easiest thing for me. I didn't realize how much I required alone time each day to unwind or center myself.

Jonathan wanted to immediately integrate all aspects of our lives together. It was jarring for me, I felt crowded and stifled. It took years to get into a routine where we were able to create space for ourselves, and I found time alone to decompress, watch reality TV or read a romance novel. Apparently he used that time to fuck my cousin instead.

Now, after a few short months I was missing Myles in every area of my life. I didn't feel like I needed space when we were together, there was no pressure when he was around. Instead, it felt like I couldn't relax without him. All of this scared me even more. Had my attachment grown too quickly?

I took the coward's way out and worked myself into the ground, using exhaustion to overwhelm any unwanted emotions. It was working, sort of. We had shored up plans for Sunday Dinner at my Aunt and Uncles, with Myles joining us to officially meet the family. I couldn't wait to see him. Which only triggered the circle of doubt and concern rolling around in my brain.

This would also be another family event without Alyssa. My first instinct was sadness but that was quickly replaced with indignation. I didn't have it in me to care about where Alyssa was spending her time, to worry about her emotions or well being. She clearly didn't care about mine so I don't know why I was still burdened by concern for her.

All of my anger at Alyssa morphed into anger at myself. I felt guilty but I also felt weak. I let her walk all over me. Hell, I left the door open and unlocked for her so she could swoop in and rip the rug out from under my feet. I had spent a good amount of time since all this started taking a hard look at my life. I knew I wasn't to blame for the demise of my marriage, but that didn't mean I wasn't at fault for other aspects.

Wes was right when he said that I was too forgiving and had overlooked red flags regarding Alyssa for years. I was non-confrontational, and that led people to take advantage. I gave too much of myself, expecting people to match my efforts without asking for it. Even knowing all of that, there were still parts of me that felt guilty and ashamed. Taking both Jen and Sarah's advice, I had found a therapist to start meeting with.

I knew I had to work through this somehow, that there was a lasting mark on my mental wellbeing since I walked in on Jonathan and Alyssa. Taking some time to focus on myself, to work through my feelings was the biggest gift to myself. I knew it wouldn't come naturally and talking to a therapist seemed like the most logical next step, so I made the appointment. Until then though, I was doing a decent job of keeping the anxiety at bay.

The bakery was open on Sundays, but Carrie had talked me into letting her open and close since she knew Myles was meeting my family tonight. It gave me the opportunity to sleep in, but my internal clock didn't let me sleep past nine. I got up slowly, padding into the kitchen to hover before the coffee machine.I slowly woke up, the smell of the coffee already lifting my spirits.

Once the caffeine hit my system, I decided to keep myself busy. I spent most of the day cooking several pies and cakes specifically for this dinner, making sure to include everyone's favorites, including Myles. After a long shower and carefully picked outfit, I wound up heading to my aunt and uncle's house early.

As nervous as I was, as confused as I was feeling, one emotion rose to the top: anticipation. It felt strange to realize that unfamiliar feeling I'd been walking around with was yearning. I missed Myles. I couldn't wait to see him, to just be near him at this point. I've felt rattled and off my game since I left his house.

The family slowly made their way over and soon the five of us were all together an hour before the time we told Myles to be there. Grams was invited but insisted Myles bring me by tomorrow so she could see both of us. I was worried about whatever latest scheme the crazy lady had in mind, but I was thrilled to visit with her.

It came as no surprise that Myles accepted the invite immediately and without hesitation. Just like he did when my family surprised him with the invite tonight. I looked up at all of them warily, wondering if they would be on their best behavior once he came by.

"Isla darling if you keep making that face and you're gonna get wrinkles. What's got you frowning over there?" My mom asked, not one to beat around the bush.

"Afraid we're gonna scare off your boyfriend?" Wes asked in a mocking tone. I chucked a piece of the potato I was chopping at his head but he caught it before it made an impact. Smiling atme, my mother gave me a stern look for throwing food.

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