Page 52 of Imperfections Seduced
“If you didn’t make your big announcement, we could’ve figured this out quietly, and we would still be on friendly terms. I don’t like to be blindsided, and that’s exactly what you did when you decided to announce to your family that we were engaged.”
“I’m sorry if you felt that way. I didn’t see what the big deal was anyway. You don’t care what people think about you.”
Is she trying to piss me off? I stand up from my chair, take a step toward her, stop myself, and take a deep breath. “You’re not sorry. Don’t look at me and give me a fake-ass apology I didn’t ask for. You’re right; I don’t care whatmostpeople think. I think we know whoisn’tmost people are,and that’s one of the reasons you made your little announcement that night.”
She knows who I’m talking about. She doesn’t have to say a thing. Placing her hand on her stomach, she manages to straighten her back even more. I’m surprised it doesn’t snap as she stands up with her head held high. I turn around and open the door to go downstairs, holding it open, motioning with a sweep of my hand for her to go first, even though she’s a manipulative bitch. After we reach downstairs, she sits down on the couch and takes a sip of what looks like ginger ale. I stand across from her with my hands in my pockets. She doesn’t look so good. I wonder if it has something to do with the pregnancy.
“You don’t look good.”
“Gee, thanks! What every woman wants to hear.” She rolls her eyes at me and leans back against the cushions.
“I didn’t mean it like that. Are you okay? Are you sure everything’s fine?” As much as I don’t want this baby to be mine, I do want it to be healthy. Whether I’m the father or not.
“I’m fine, just a little queasy. It’s normal, don’t worry about it.”
I nod and then I hear the door open. In walks Chris with a big-ass smile on his face, like a Cheshire cat. “Why the hell are you smiling so hard? You look like you found out you hit it big.” He walks over to me and pats me on the back.
“You can say that. Jay and I had a bet to see which one of us could sell a multi-million-dollar property first. Guess who won?”
I smile back at him and shake my head. “Let me take a wild guess. You.”
“Damn right.”
From the couch Kate raises her head. “What’s the prize?”
“My big-ass commission and a round of beers on him. You coming out with us? Guys’ night out.”
“Definitely. I brought those papers for you to sign; they’re on the table over there.”
“Cool, after I’m finished, we’ll head out.”
“Sure, but first I need to speak to Cat.”
“She’s not here.”
I look at Kate, still leaned back against the cushions. “She’s not home yet?”
“She was, then your cousin came over and they said they were going to some club in the Bronx.”
Chris stops signing and turns around to look at her. “Which part of the Bronx?”
“I don’t know. Some shady-sounding part.”
I stare at her and throw my hands up in the air. “You let them go without finding out where?”
“Yes. I’m not their keeper, they’re adults. They’re free to go wherever they want to go. Cat’s capable of taking care of herself; besides, your big-mouthed Amazon of a cousin can help her if she gets into any trouble.”
Chris finishes signing the papers and turns around to stare at her. “You could at least act like you’re a little concerned instead of name calling.”
“Are you kidding me, Chris? I showed plenty of concern when I told them that two women dressed the way they were shouldn’t be out in a part of the Bronx they’re not familiar with.”
I laugh because I can’t see her telling them that. “Did you really?”
Taking her feet off the couch, she stands. “You two can stop looking at me like I’m a rotten apple and kiss my ass!”
“Why are you getting so upset and defensive, Kate? We’re just concerned about them.”
“So what’s new? I don’t see anyone concerned about me when I leave my house,” she mutters under her breath as she stomps up the stairs. “I’m not a fucking babysitter. Next thing you’ll be telling me I have to wipe her ass.”
