“That—and you.” She turned to him, trying to smile.
If he looks into my eyes he’ll know the truth.
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she took extreme care as she slowly moved closer. Her stomach was huge now and she lived in constant fear that he would crush the baby.
Alicia came to the apartment around 6 p.m. Kristen laughed to herself, surprised how cute and young she looked. And she didn't remember her being so short.
Even shorter than me! I’m not that short, at least for a woman. Just next to Jake…
She laughed out loud this time, remembering how hard it was to reach up to kiss him. How he would always tease her.
The minute she introduced Alicia to Logan the atmosphere changed. It was obvious their relationship would be tumultuous at best. She dreaded the thought of what the worst scenario could be. It had always been easy to tell when Logan was attracted to a woman, or when he had objections, even disdain. There was no in-between with him.
He sat watching them talk and sulked. Once again, Alicia’s positive energy reinforced Kristen’s will power. There was no doubt in her mind that she was exactly what she needed.
Logan sprang out of his seat, motioning for her to go with him. Frustrated by his action, she waved him off. “Sorry he's so rude. You'll find out soon enough how moody he is.”
Alicia shrugged it off, but Kristen recognized her puzzled expression and couldn’t contain her embarrassment.
“I'll be right back, ok? You want anything else to drink?”
“No worries. I'm fine. Take your time.” Alicia gave Kristen’s arm a reassuring squeeze.
When Kristen caught up to Logan in the bedroom, his back was to her as he stared outside.
“How old is she?”
“I didn't ask her. She's in college.”
“You didn't ask her? And you're going to trust her with our baby?” He whirled around, his face flushed and bitter.
Our baby?
“I will, okay? But I'm sure she's old enough. Since when are you so concerned? You'll probably never be here anyway!”
“It's my house too, and I want someone I can trust. You don't even know her.”
“I know I like her and feel really comfortable with her. I'll get references. She lives nearby.” She studied the expression on his face. “Are you jealous? You always hated when I had close friends.”
Logan's eyes blazed, his lips set in a pout. He shook his head in denial. “Close friend? You just met her! And when did I ever say that? I can just tell when someone isn't good for you.”
“Yeah, right! Well she is, and I'm gonna hire her. You just go play with fucking Nick and leave me alone.”
“Then you pay her,” he muttered, rubbing his neck.
“What is it really, Logan? You think I'll get too close and not pay attention to you?”
“I don't like strangers here, that's all.”
“It was your idea, remember? She won't have a key or be here alone. Besides, I'm gonna be friends with her whether you like it or not. You don't care how I feel about Mr. Disgusting Sleazeball!” After glaring at him for what she felt was a sufficient amount of time to make her point, she stormed back to the living room.
Alicia fidgeted, attempted a grin and observed her intently. “He doesn't like me, does he?”
Kristen sat next to her. “If a woman isn't drooling over him he gets all upset.” She made a face like she had just eaten something nauseating and rolled her eyes. “But it’s my decision and I think you'd be great. Of course, there needs to be a baby first! But you can help with housework for the next few weeks if you want. Maybe twice a week.”
I will have to change his mind about paying her first, that’s all.
Kristen skimmed the extensive list of jobs and references she handed to her unable to hide her surprise. “Oh, he thinks you're a baby. How old are you?”
“Here's my driver's license, make a copy. I'm twenty-nine. That's my current address.”
“Wow! You look a lot younger.” Kristen let her eyes graze over her, amazed that she was only three years younger than she was. After she copied her license, she touched her arm gently. “Do you wanna go for a walk? I could use some air.” She gestured toward the bedroom, wrinkling her nose.
“Sure...” Distracted by Logan’s re-entry into the room, Alicia’s voice trailed off.
With a dejected look on his face, he fell into a chair, peeking at her through the corner of his eyes.
“We're gonna take a walk, sweetie,” Kristen planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Surprised, Logan stiffened, his fingers self-consciously trailing through his hair. He started to say something then changed his mind.
* * *
“Wow! He's a little…unusual,” Alicia faltered, as they strolled down the beach.
“He gets very withdrawn sometimes. I think he's going through one of his down spells again. And he also may be jealous of you.”
Alicia burst out laughing. “Sorry. But that's men for you. They can do whatever they want but if we so much as have a friend, they freak out! Drives me nuts.”
“I know, right? He's a big baby. And his partner is a disgusting creep, but he just loves him!”
Kristen started to run out of breath. They sat under a palm tree to escape the blazing sun.
“Have you been together a long time?”
“Almost thirteen years now.”
“Wow! That's longer than I thought.”
“Yeah, but you would never have recognized him before. We were together all the time. It was really, really hot! Our lives were such shit at that time, we actually needed each other, believe it or not.”
She hesitated, hoping Alicia would interrupt. When her eyes remained riveted on hers, Kristen could tell she had no choice and continued, her voice cracking. “Then he changed big time—he met his idiot partner, started making too much money for his own good and suddenly he became Mr. Big Shot.”
Alicia didn't blink as she listened to her. Kristen found herself awe struck by an unexpected, severe maturity well beyond her years, radiating from her.
“Maybe he's scared of the baby. Lots of men can't deal with it.” Sensing Kristen’s growing despair, she rushed to console her. “But—there’s a chance he'll get used to him after a while.”
“I wish. He's not exactly kid friendly. He thinks after I have him he'll somehow just disappear or we can abandon him and everything will be like it was before.” But what was it really like before? Before when?
“Sounds like he was the one with the nanny idea?” Alicia continued studying her. Kristen nodded.
“It figures! Well, now at least you'll have someone besides him to talk to. It's really important. When I was pregnant in Puerto Rico, most of my family was here or in New York. It was terrible.”
“You have a kid?”
“No. I lost it, a miscarriage. I should’ve known better.” Alicia's face darkened, the misery she still felt apparent.
“I'm so sorry, Alicia.” Kristen placed her hand on Alicia’s. She wanted to cry—for both of them.
“It's okay. I'm getting over it and the jerk-off father. That's why I told you, you have to take care of yourself, girl! Don't get stressed and stay positive. You don’t want an unhappy ending. You can call me any time.”