Page 9 of Nothing Even Matters
It was clear David preferred Eli and didn’t bother hiding it. “You’re going to leave me alone with him?” Faith questioned.
“I don’t need to be there nor do I want to,” David replied, “this is a conversation between you and Eli to settle once and for all. No more games. No more talking through attorneys. Parent to parent.”
“Okay, I guess.” Faith waved a hand. She wasn’t going to argue with her father and she didn’t want to. He was right; she needed to talk to Eli and get everything out in the open.
Tonight was either going to be a big mistake or resolve everything once and for all.
~~~~~
Kids always reminded him how old he was.
As Eli laid on the hardwood floor of his apartment, he laughed at the energy his eight-year-old, four-year-old, and two-year-old had. The spent the better part of the afternoon climbing all over him.
He was pooped and his kids were still roaring to go.
Eli decided he was going to play dead and have the kids use him as a makeshift bridge, sofa, and even a wrestling opponent named The Big Daddy. It worked for him. He could rest a bit while still being somewhat active with his children.
“What are you doing tomorrow, Daddy?” The oldest, Nathan, asked.
“I’m going to go over to see yourNonnaandNonnotomorrow and see all of your cousins and aunts and uncles.” Eli mentioned. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow from your grandparents and take you over there.”
“Sounds like fun!” Nate replied. “Can Mommy come too?”
Hell, no, she can’t.Eli remembered the conversation with his mother.Forgive her, Eli. “We’ll see.” He made no promises.
“Cool!” Nate beamed. “I love spending time with both of you!” He got up and went into the kitchen.
The child’s words struck a chord with Eli. What was he doing? Faith was vindictive in her behavior but Eli certainly didn’t act any better. “That’s good, son.” He heard a knock at his door and knew it was David coming to pick the kids up. “Alright, guys. Gather everything! Your grandpa is here. Hurry up now!” He ordered as he walked to the front door.
He opened the door and gasped as the sight. There was David and to his right, was Faith. She looked beautiful as ever, sporting long, bouncy brown hair that brought out her dark skin tone. She lost weight – maybe a bit too much for Eli’s liking – but it didn’t take away from her features. She made Eli’s heart temporarily stop and he had to remember to breathe for a split moment.
Lord have mercy.
He held gazes with her for a moment before his attention went back to David. “I’m getting the kids ready for you now, David.” He finally swallowed the emotion that climbed up his throat and became lodged there. “You can come in if you like.”
“I would like that,” he walked in and Faith followed. Eli hurried to clean up the mess around them as four-year-old E.J. and two-year-old Abriana, greeted their grandfather and mother.
Nathan came out and hugged his mother. “Mommy! Daddy invited you over for Christmas at Nonna’s house tomorrow!”
“He did, did he?” Faith looked up at Eli, who once again met her eyes. She felt her heartbeat pound out of her chest. She just about forgotten the smoldering look Eli could give her and all he did was smile. He was simply breathtaking.
“Uh-huh! He wants you to come!” Nathan squeezed his mother. “This is so cool!”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Faith hugged her son back. “I need to stay behind and talk to Daddy for a bit so you go with your grandpa. And don’t stay up too late! Santa Claus is coming tonight!”
“Yay, Santa is coming!” Nathan cheered as he walked over and gave his dad a hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Daddy.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, ‘lil big man.” Eli hugged and kissed his son.
“Bye, Daddy!” E.J. walked up to him.
“Bye, ‘lil man.” Eli hugged and kissed him as well. He picked up his daughter and squeezed her tight before handing her over to David. “Thanks, David.”
“You’re welcome, Eli. See you tomorrow.” He waved him goodbye before he left with the children.
Eli closed the front door and locked it. He rested his eyes on the floor for a long moment. He’d successfully avoided his ex for two years. Now she was in his home.
He turned around and went straight into the sprawling kitchen. He knew Faith just came in from her flight and she was probably starving. “Are you hungry?”
“I could use a bite to eat,” she nodded.
Eli wanted to spend Christmas Eve relaxed, in his draws, and watching all the sports he could handle. Now he was stuck entertaining his ex for who knew how long.
He might as well get comfortable. It was going to be a long night for them both.
