Chapter Thirty-One

 

Darius opened the cabinet under the stove, looking to find a frying pan. Without the convenience of room service, breakfast was his responsibility. He landed the pan on the burner with a thud.

Their discussion last night just proved living together while she was pregnant wouldn’t be easy. Pregnant women already had to deal with mood swings, but by the time Melissa added her bias against him to the mix, living together could be like living in a war zone. He’d tone his attitude down a little. This arrangement was about the baby, not about their marriage.

All he needed to do was eat fast and get to the new studio before Melissa came back from her walk with the dog. After last night, it was obvious they hadn’t planned this experiment well enough.

He was a jerk. His little outburst last night was not called for. Why he’d let Melissa taunt him was unexplainable. All those conversations in his head about how he was going to be cool and reserved were ditched the moment she challenged him for wanting to be there. Talking about divorce backed him in the corner.

He didn’t hear her come in until the dog nudged his leg. “Hey, boy,” he said.

Melissa’s hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, but she looked incredible. The thin sheen of perspiration on her face made her glow. The tiny, shorts exposed her firm legs, and all he could think about was the last time he’d laid between them. Five months was a long time.

“What cha’ cooking?” She positioned her ass on the stool in front of him. Even though she didn’t quite smile, at least the cold cast from last night was gone.

“Eggs. Want some?”

“Let me wash my hands. I’ll be right back.” He couldn’t take his eyes off her butt as she dashed down the hall. Maybe she’d be open for a little sexual activity to fill some of the hours they needed to share.

When she walked back in the kitchen, the sweat was gone. He divided the eggs between two plates and sat beside her. “I know you’ll think this is corny, but you have a glow.”

“I was just in the mirror. All I saw was fat cheeks, a shiny face, and spreading hips. I hope I’m not one of those women who gain a ton of pounds, then have a baby only weighing five pounds.” She shoved a forkful of eggs in her mouth.

“You don’t have to worry about your weight. Turbo and I will make sure you stay healthy.” He put his fork down. “What time are you going to the gallery this morning?”

“I’m there every morning at nine. Today, I’m meeting with two artists. If all goes well, I just might add them to the opening.”

“Are you going to invite me to the opening?” he asked.

“I…I…I hadn’t thought about it. I guess I never thought our lives would get intertwined just because we were doing this baby thing.”

He put his fork down. “You’re inviting people you don’t know to your opening, so why not me?”

“What?”

“I didn’t stutter. You know exactly what I’m saying. Besides, I’ve got swag that could add some cool to your stuffy opening,” he teased.

“I didn’t mean you couldn’t come. Of course, you can come—I’d love for you to be there. Feel free to bring someone if you want.” Her flippant comment hung in the air as she and the dog trotted down the hall.

“I just might,” he yelled at her.

****

Melissa slammed the bedroom door. If he stepped foot in her gallery with a hussy on his arm, she’d pull every track out of the woman’s head. She pulled off her clothes and placed her hands on her stomach while viewing her profile in the full-length mirror. The slight protrusion of her stomach was hardly noticeable. But the slip gown she had in mind for the party would not accommodate both her stomach and hips.

She picked up the phone and dialed her sister.

“Asa, I need your help,” she said.

“Is everything okay?”

“I feel fine. My appetite is back with a vengeance. I think I’m putting on five pounds a day. I’m going to need something to wear to the opening that’s big enough to go around my hips.”

“Melissa, the opening is in two days,” she squealed.

“I know, but this just happened.” She paused. “Or I’m just noticing. I’m six months and I can’t hide this potbelly anymore. Please tell me you can help me. And I want something super sexy.”

“Oh, where is this coming from?”

“You know Darius is living here, and I want him to know what he’s giving up.” Melissa ran her hand over her stomach while glancing in the mirror.

“Melissa, must you always play with fire? You know you don’t have to fight every battle. You can choose to let the minor ones ease on by.”

“Asa, that’s easy for you to say. You and Simeon haven’t had a bad day in your marriage. I’ve had more than my share.”

“Simeon and I have some bad days. But I’m not trying to cut him off at the knees. I love him and I know he loves me, so we find a way to work through the issues.” She paused. “Stop by the boutique today, I think I have just the dress for you.”

“I’ll be there.”