“Monica?” I call out but don’t get an answer.
I head toward what I assume is her bedroom. Maybe she fell asleep and doesn’t hear me.
I push the door open and my heart halts in my chest. There lies my girl between another man’s legs. I need to throw up, but the rage takes over instead.
“What the fuck?” I roar. Monica flies off the bed with a look of shock on her face. I look over at the douche bag and he looks terrified. Good. That’s what you get for screwing my girlfriend.
“Ryke?” Monica asks innocently. I’m not an idiot. “What are you doing here?”
She doesn’t even act regretful as she stands, covering her body with a sheet like I haven’t seen her naked figure before.
“I should probably be asking you that question.” I can’t see straight.
Now the douche stands from the bed, ass naked, and starts towards me like he can actually do something to me.
“Who the hell are you?” The douche asks. He’s still walking toward me and I decide the best move would be to leave the room so this naked ass guy doesn’t try to assault me.
I make my way to the door, but before I can leave, Monica stops me in my tracks.
“Ryke, I can explain!” She sobs. Apparently, she thinks if she cries I’ll actually believe the bullshit she’s about to spew at me.
I turn around and once again my heart stops.
“You’re pregnant?” I croak out.
She hurriedly shields her stomach as if that’ll cover the large bump.
“Goodbye, Monica.” I don’t give her a chance to explain as I slam the door behind me.
I’m currently in a foreign city with nothing but a goddamned broken heart.
2
Claire
I shoot up in bed so fast I nearly fall off the edge. I’m drenched in sweat like any other night. My long, curly hair sticks to the side of my face. Between having to feed Brady and trying to survive these horrible nightmares, I hardly got any sleep. When will things get better?
All little girls have dreams about being an adult. I dreamt of marrying my Prince Charming and living in a beautiful white house with a picket fence and a huge yard where all five of our children would run and play. I’d sit on the porch and sip on my morning coffee while enjoying the sounds of their joyful giggles.
Trevor Davis is the furthest thing from Prince Charming.
I flew into Phoenix late last night with my son Brady. We’re staying with my brother Evan and his wife Avery. They are seriously a godsend. As soon as we walked through the door, Evan was asking questions. I told him we’d talk about it later because I was worn out and not ready to talk. He doesn’t know that I left my husband. Avery gave me a knowing look as if she could read my mind. She’s like the sister I never had.
I look over to my left at the blue and purple plaid playpen my parents used for me and Evan. Little coos come from my son.
“Hey, little man, are you hungry?” I ask Brady. He, of course, says nothing back, but instead kicks his chubby little legs and swings his arms in the air. “I’ll take that as a yes.” I give his soft cheek a kiss while I lay him on the bed to change his diaper. He is such a sweet baby and has always been extremely laidback. This chubby little boy with dark brown curls and icy blue eyes always knows how to make me smile. He motivates me to keep going every day.
I lay next to Brady on the bed after I mix up his bottle. It’s nice that he can hold it on his own now. He fists my long hair in his hand as he sucks away. This is something he’s always done since birth. It seems to be a comfort for him. I love you too, little man.
This past year was one of the best and worst years of my life.
Trevor and I were together for seven years and getting ready to celebrate our third wedding anniversary in a couple months. Everything seemed so perfect until I caught him cheating on me last month. I wanted to leave him right away but confronting him turned into a fight which caused me to trip and fall down the stairs backward. Not only did I break my tailbone, I lost my unborn child. Trevor didn’t mean to hurt me, but that night he ruined me. I never told him that I had a miscarriage. I knew that he would try to guilt me into believing that it was my fault.
“Hey, sis, is it okay if I come in?” Evan calls from the other side of the door.
I roll my eyes in frustration, ready to get this conversation over with. I lay Brady back in his bed and then swing the door open to see my brother on the other side.
“You doing alright?” Evan asks me as he gives my cheek a kiss. He’s probably four or five inches taller than me, which intimidated all the boys when we were younger.
“Yeah, I’m fine. What’s up?” I ask, not wanting to discuss my reason for being here yet.
“You do know we have to talk about this, right?” He asks as he raises his dark eyebrows at me. Brady got his dark, curly hair from my brother and I. Evan usually keeps his short, but right now it’s becoming a bit unruly.
“Talk about what?” I ask, trying to act naïve.
“Sis, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You and Brady are welcome here anytime, but what’s going on? Where’s Trevor?”
“He’s in Chicago still. I left him.” I try so hard to keep the tears from coming but fail.
“Come here.” He wraps his large, muscular arms around me and lets me sob into his chest. He is all I have now, besides my son. “What happened?” He asks gently.
“He had an affair.” I sniffle and wipe the tears from my face. “I feel like such a fool.” By now, my cries are coming out hysterically and I’ve lost all control. I’m positive that Avery can hear me from the other side of the house.
“How is that even possible?” He asks, shocked. “He’s always working, especially since he took over the practice.” He searches my eyes for answers. “I’m going to kill him for doing this to you.” He scowls as he clenches his fists.
“Evan, calm down. I’m fine. And it’s very much possible when he’s sleeping with his assistant.” I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I don’t even know if Trevor has slept with anyone else. But honestly, it doesn’t even matter now.
“Look at me, sis.” He grabs my chin so I can’t look away from him. “You’re going to get through this. You and Brady can stay here as long as you need.”
“Thanks, Bub.” Evan grins at the nickname I gave him as a kid. “I don’t want to be a burden, so I’ll try to get us out of here as soon as possible.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We love you both and we’re glad you came, no matter the circumstance.” He leans in and gives me another kiss. “I’ll take Brady while you get showered.”
I couldn’t tell my brother that Trevor caused me to lose our baby. It doesn’t matter if it was an accident. Evan would hop on the next flight and kill him with his bare hands.
Evan and Avery have a four-bedroom house. The guest bedroom Brady and I are staying in has an attached bathroom, so it allows for some privacy. I step into the scorching hot water and let it relax my body. I don’t think a shower has ever felt so good. How did things get so bad? I know my body changed from having a baby, but I tried every day to get back to my pre-pregnancy size so I could look good for Trevor. I did the best I could by eating healthy and going to the gym every night. Apparently, I didn’t work hard enough. Although, I’ve lost a bunch of weight over the past month from all the stress. Evan didn’t notice because he hadn’t seen me in months.
Isn’t being a new mother supposed to be an enjoyable time? I was blissfully happy until last month when everything fell apart.
When I get out of the shower, I realize that I forgot to wash my hair.
“Damn it,” I mumble to myself.
I guess I’ll be wearing my thick hair in a messy bun today. I don’t have anyone to impress anyway. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and see that my dark brown eyes look tired. I am tired.
When I step back into the bedroom, I put on clean yoga pants and my Illinois State University workout tee. I’m no
t planning on working out today, but I’m all for comfort.
Once I’m dressed, I go in search for my phone that I haven’t looked at since I got off the plane last night. Once I finally find it at the bottom of my purse, I see there are three missed calls from Shayna and eight text messages.
Shayna: You better be dead if you can’t even text me to say you made it.
Her final text reads. I shake my head. She’s crazy.
Me: Thanks for your concern. I am alive and well. Love you.
I met Shayna several years ago at the daycare we both worked at. She was the reason I stayed there so long. Other than all the times we went out with Trevor’s co-workers, I didn’t have much of a social life. Even though I hadn’t seen her much outside of work, Shay had always been my rock.
She is engaged to her son Koda’s father, Dennis. They’ve been together for five years, but he just proposed last year. They are set to get married this fall.
My stomach rumbles, so I head for the kitchen, but my phone rings in my pocket.
“Hey, bitch, what are you doing?” Shayna asks as soon as I answer.
“Well, hello to you too.” I roll my eyes. “I was trying to eat some breakfast before I was so rudely interrupted.” I laugh.
“I wouldn’t have to bother you if you’d answer your damn phone.” I feel bad because I know she’s really concerned.
“I’m truly sorry, Shay.”
“You’re forgiven.” She sighs. “How’s my baby?”
“I’m good, thanks for asking.” I snigger.
“You know I mean sweet little Brady. Is he doing okay? Are you doing okay, mama? I’ve been worried about you guys since I dropped you off at the airport.”
“Yeah, we’re both fine. I told Evan this morning I left Trevor and he said it’s alright to stay here as long as I need.”
“You found out your husband was cheating on you and now you’ve moved across the country. You deserve time to relax.”
“I know, I will. I just don’t want to bum off of him, ya know?”
“Well, I’m sure he doesn’t think that’s what you’re doing. He’s been begging you to move to Phoenix since your parents passed, so I know he’s glad you’re there. Even if it is because of the douche canoe.” She chuckles. Shayna has always been able to make me laugh in a cruddy situation. I’m not sure how she does it, but I wouldn’t have her any other way.
“Thanks, Shay.”
“But, seriously, let me know if you need anything at all and I’ll be on the next flight out there.” I know without a doubt she’d do anything for me or my son. Even though she has her own family to worry about.
“I know you would. But I have to go or I’m going to starve to death. Love you and I’ll text you later.”
I hit “end” and walk to the kitchen and notice Evan watching me.
“What?” I ask, not meaning to snap like I do.
“Why are you limping?” Shit, think quick.
“I, um, fell down the basement stairs while I was working on laundry.” Well, it’s the partial truth.
“You are such a klutz, sis.” Evan laughs. Thank God, he bought my lie. My tailbone still hurts like hell, but I’ve got to remember to try to walk straight, at least around Evan.
Avery strolls into the kitchen with a babbling little Brady.
“Look at Aunt Avery’s favorite little guy!” I love seeing her and Evan with my son. Unfortunately, they haven’t gotten to be a big part of his life since we lived so far apart. I’m glad we now get to make up for lost time. At least there is some good coming out of this nightmare.
“Hey, bud.” I take Brady from Avery as I kiss his pudgy little cheeks. “How’s Mommy’s boy?” He giggles and kicks his feet. He’s the number one reason I came to Phoenix. I wanted to start a new life for him where he can be around the people who love him most.
“Hey, Claire, I talked to my mom this morning and she offered to watch Brady tonight if you want to go out with us and some friends.” Ugh. The last thing I want to do today is put real clothes on and face a bunch of strangers.
“Thanks, Av, but I honestly want to be lazy today with Brady. I might take him to the zoo later, but I don’t want to leave him yet.”
“Aww, come on. You deserve a night out and you know Brady will be in good hands. Pa-lease?”
“Okay, okay. Fine.” I huff and roll my eyes in annoyance, but how can I say no when they are letting us stay with them?
“Good!” She cheers. Why is she always so damn chipper?
“I don’t even have anything to wear. Where are we going?” All I brought in my suitcase was yoga pants and a few pairs of jeans and t-shirts. I couldn’t bring all my clothes because I was in a rush to get everything packed before Trevor got home from work. He knew I was coming to stay with my brother but doesn’t know I plan to stay long-term.
“Don’t worry. We’re the same size, so I’ll find you something in my closet.” Dear Lord, help me. She is a lot less conservative than I am. I’m now extremely scared about what she’ll possibly pull out for me.
“Okay, but remember I’m a mother and my girls are bigger than yours.” I wink at her.
“Eww, your brother and kid are in here!” Evan yells as he sweeps Brady out of my arms. “Us guys will be in the living room watching the sports network, away from this nonsense.” We both chuckle at him.
I sneak back into my bedroom while Evan has Brady. I’m already worn out from pretending to be okay. I’m not the outgoing girl I acted like in from of him and Avery. I crawl back into bed. I feel like I’m slowly losing myself.
3
Claire
I wake once again breathless. It takes me a second to remember where I am. Phoenix. Evan’s house. Where’s my baby? I look at the clock. 3:00 PM. I fell asleep while Evan entertained Brady.
I gaze at myself in the mirror over the dresser and I look awful. It’s clear I haven’t been sleeping or eating well. I see puffy bags under my eyes. I have cried enough tears to fill the Nile River and I haven’t been sleeping well at night.
I spray myself with my vanilla-scented body spray and reapply some deodorant. I feel like I need another shower, but this will have to do for now.
I open the bedroom door and still hear nothing in my brother’s house. I can’t remember anyone trying to wake me. I’m suddenly nauseous. Where is my son? I’m being overprotective, but Brady needs me. When I walk into the kitchen, I see a note sitting on the table next to an ink pen.
Hey Sis,
We took Brady to the zoo with us and to get some dinner. You looked peaceful, so we didn’t want to wake you.
P.S: Avery left some clothes for you on our bed.
Bub
My stomach clenches. Why would they take my child to the zoo after I told them I wanted to take him? I’m livid and it’s best I found out like this instead of them telling me face-to-face. They’re helping me and offered us a place to stay, but I’m envious. My baby is all I have now. I run to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face.
Once I finally gather myself, I head toward my room to get my phone I left when I went in search of my family. I need to ask Evan when they’ll be home. He’s also going to get a piece of my mind.
Me: You should have woken me up.
My brother is notorious for not answering his texts, so I decide to unpack more while I wait. I hang a few shirts I brought for myself. I really need to go shopping. When I’m finished, I fold all of Brady’s little outfits and put them in the set of drawers Evan moved into our room. It’s a lot warmer here than it is in Chicago, so I’ll need to get him some things as well.
After fifteen minutes, my phone finally dings in my pocket.
Evan: Sorry, sis, but Brady is fine. We’ll be home around six, so be ready.
Me: Fine, but I don’t want to go out tonight.
Evan: Come on. You need to meet some new people if you’re going to stay here.
Damn him. Why does he always think he can decide what I do? I really don�
��t want to go out, especially after he took Brady from me all day. But he is letting me stay at his house and I really do need to meet people. I hate admitting that he’s right.
Me: Fine, but only this time. You owe me.
Evan: We’ll see.
I huff and fall back on the queen-sized bed. Avery is an interior designer and doesn’t mess around when it comes to their house. The walls in here are a beautiful lilac color and all of the tables and picture frames are ivory. She put a down comforter on the bed, a lighter color purple with ivory flowers. It’s like the decorations were made for this room. I wouldn’t be surprised.
After wallowing in self-pity, I remember the clothes Avery set out for me. Their room is done in different shades of green with a stunning white comforter. Sitting on the bed, I see a skimpy, leather skirt and a gorgeous sequined, purple tank top. Why in the world does my sister-in-law want me to show my ass off to a bunch of strangers? I pass on the skirt but grab the tank and head back to my room to try to look like a human again. I pull on a pair of skinny jeans with the tank top and slip on a pair of wedges from Avery’s closet. It’s nice having someone to bum clothes off of, especially after only having a brother. I sit on the bed but fly off immediately when an awful pain shoots through my tailbone. Sometimes I forget I’m supposed to be gentle on it. Some days it’s fine, while others it hurts just to sit.
I pop a couple pain pills and soon the pain becomes tolerable. I curl my hair and apply minimal makeup. I’m not going out to impress anyone tonight. I might have a drink or two, but I also want to have a good time and try to get my mind off of everything. Maybe this is just what I need. I won’t be telling Evan that, though.
Revived (Unexpected Series Book 1) Page 2
