Paper Dolls

by Sienna Mynx

  He put the camera down. “Talk to me, is something wrong? With the baby? Did the doctors say anything?”

  “No. They said I was fine. I’m a new mommy and I got new mommy jitters.” She shrugged.

  “Come with me.” He smiled. “You can binge and I can spoil you. We can play mommy and daddy,” he said rubbing her round belly.

  “Mmm, sounds tempting, but you know I can’t. The doctors say I can’t fly at this stage, especially to Israel. Go ahead, just be sure to be back in a week.”

  “I don’t think I can stand a week without you.” He kissed her arm. She put it around his neck and turned sideways in his lap. “We could go play a little mommy and daddy now. The doctor says it’s good for me.”

  “No, my love. I think the doctor said it’s good for me,” he said in her ear.

  Raven gasped when he stood with her in his arms. Alex was so tall and strong she wasn’t totally surprised that he’d carry her. “Careful! I’m heavy!”

  “You’re my girl, you’ll never be too heavy for me.”

  She closed the book but held on to the feelings the memory of their love brought. Raven brushed her fingers over the lettering again and smiled. An idea formed. The perfect idea on how to share with him the news that he’d be a father again. The only problem is she’d have to get him back in Miami to do so. That would be her first order of business in the morning.

  **

  “Send him up,” she said to the doorman. She walked back into her bedroom she located her other diamond stud and put it in. She fought with her hair, and applied her gloss. Within minutes there was a knock at her door.

  “Coming!” Raven called out.

  She smoothed over her dress. This one was sexy, figure flattering and high on the leg. Maybe the dress was a little too high cut for her thick thighs and ample butt. She wasn’t twenty anymore. A thirty-year-old woman was a bit more demure. Shaking her locks she walked out of her bedroom, her heels clicked across the hardwoods. Once she reached the door, she received an unexpected gift. He stood before her with his face concealed by a dozen white roses. Kevin lowered them and eyed her appreciatively. “Peace offering and birthday gift.”

  “They’re beautiful,” she said. “Come in, let me put them in water.”

  Kevin entered and closed the door behind him. “I like your hair. It’s a little different now. The color is nice on you.”

  Raven grinned. “Thanks. Zee thought I could do with a change. Speaking of Zee, I’m really pissed with her and Valentina. They haven’t called once to wish me happy birthday. They know I’m hormonal.”

  “Hormonal?” Kevin asked. “Why would you be hormonal?” he asked again. This time she heard it in his voice. He knew the answer but wanted to hear her say it. She turned. She leaned back against the sink. She looked him in the eyes. “I’m pregnant, Kevin.”

  The confusion of her words dented his brow. Raven knew he never considered it a possibility. Hell she never considered it either. “It’s Alexander’s. I haven’t told him yet.”

  “I take it this is what you want?” Kevin asked.

  “Be happy for me. Please.” she stepped forward. “I’d like to celebrate tonight, and I want to do it with you, my friend.”

  “What about Alexander? Shouldn’t he be here celebrating with you?” Kevin asked.

  “He doesn’t know. I plan to tell him, but I haven’t had a chance to yet.” Raven searched Kevin’s eyes. He wasn’t exactly bubbling with joy.

  Kevin drew her into his arms. “I’m happy for you, Rae. I only wanted your happiness.”

  “Thank you.”

  The kiss he pressed to her cheek was both loving and sweet.

  “Happy birthday. Let’s go celebrate.” He took her hand and walked her to the door.

  **

  “I’m so glad you left the jeep behind. It would be murder on my hair,” she chuckled.

  “Again, spoken from the lady that drives a vert,” Kevin smiled.

  “Your jeep is different, and you know it.”

  “Ready for some good birthday news?” he asked as he switched gears.

  “Max Steele has fallen off the face of the earth?” Raven chirped in a happy voice.

  Kevin laughed. “Close. Your ex-husband’s lawyers are good. I have to admit it. Turns out Max has a thing for the teen scene, and a pretty bad coke habit.”

  “Teen scene? He likes underage girls?” she asked aghast.

  “They found two young girls whose families were paid off. Max is from money. He’s a trust fund baby of some hotel tycoon. Daddy cleans up all his messes.”

  “Why is it nothing in this town amazes me anymore? No wonder he and Liza-Rayne hit it off.”

  “That’s not all. Got something for you.” He reached over and popped open the dash. He removed an envelope, which was put into Raven’s hands. She stared at it for a moment then opened it. “What is it?”

  “Read it,” he said.

  It was some type of contractual agreement. Skimming the legal jargon she read down the meaty portion. Max Steele had agreed to make a public retraction where he would admit he acted alone, and recanted his comments against the agency and Raven. In return, Alexander had gotten the D.A. to cut a deal for his guilty confession.

  “Wow, Alexander did this?”

  “Like I said, your husband is a very powerful man.” Kevin noted.

  “Ex-husband,” she mumbled. She tried hard not to be over confident. She hadn’t won her man back just yet. She flipped through the papers. Max’s signature was on all of them. “I can’t believe he was able to do this. I told him to have it done in forty-eight hours, but this two week deal is so much sweeter.”

  “We can go over the deal I worked with Melissa Rayne later.”

  “I knew she had a thing for you. What did you do to get her to re-sign Liza?”

  “I got creative.”

  “Eeeewww! Spare me!” she laughed. The sedan wheeled into the parking spot. Raven noticed that the usual crowd wasn’t overflowing from the front doors, and many parking spaces were empty. “I guess most people decided to stay in tonight. Where is the scene that this place is famous for?”

  “You ready?” he asked.

  “I’m starving!”

  “Wait right there,” he told her. He got out of his car and went around to her door. He extended his hand and helped her exit the vehicle.

  Raven squeezed his hand. “Thanks, Kevin, I’m glad you talked me into this.”

  Kevin offered her his arm, which she accepted. He escorted her through the front door. Once they crossed over the golden threshold into the dimly lit lobby she was shocked to find her friends and family waiting.

  “SURPRISE!” Everyone cheered.

  A large banner hung above and read: ‘Happy 30th birthday Raven’!

  Raven put both hands to her mouth. She should have figured it out. Why didn’t she guess this? No one ever surprised her. She was a sleuth when it came to people and secrets. Except the ones that impacted her life she supposed. Zephyr clapped with Clayton at her side. Valentina smiled and cheered. She held on to Matt. His bruising and swelling had healed enough to show his miraculous recovery. She stepped down into the restaurant and her friends rushed her. The trio embraced.

  “Happy birthday, girl!” Zephyr said.

  “Happy 30th, baby!” Valentina said.

  Raven looked back at Kevin. She pointed at him and laughed. “You set me up.”

  He winked again. He walked down the steps with his hands behind his back. “It was my pleasure, but I can’t take all the credit. Zephyr and I planned it together.”

  Raven hugged Zephyr’s neck; then traded to hug Valentina. “I love you guys so much!”

  When Kevin appeared at her side she turned and hugged him tightly. Offering him a gentle kiss to the side of his mouth. “I love you too. So very much! Thank you!”

  “Love you too, sweetheart!” he said.

  “Raven?”

  She let go of Kevin to the call of her name. Her mo
ther approached with her father. “Hi, Margene? Walter?”

  “Happy birthday, sugah!” Her mother grabbed her face and kissed her lips.

  “I hope it’s okay that I came. Margene said it was a surprise party. I really wanted to come,” Walter said.

  “Did she? Yes, it’s okay. I’m glad you came,” Raven said.

  “I brought someone to meet you.” He gestured. Two tall black men that looked like her father stepped to her. “These are two of your brothers. This is Walter Jr., and his wife Claudine.”

  “Hi.”’ Raven extended her hand and shook his.

  “This is Cornell, and his girlfriend Daphne.”

  “Hi,” Daphne said.

  “Hi, sis,” Cornell said. He kissed her cheek. “Happy birthday.”

  Raven blinked at them all. “Thank you for coming. It’s nice to meet you.” she managed.

  “We really wanted to meet you.” Walter Jr. added.

  Raven looked at her brothers then her father. Margene always pushed things too fast. But she thought it was really kind of them to come to celebrate with her. “You both look so much like Walter,” Raven chuckled.

  “Well don’t hold that against us.” Cornell joked.

  “I want you to have a good time. Eat up and have some fun. Looks like we got a DJ too.”

  “I took care of the tunes. It’s my specialty.” Valentina announced.

  “Can I get your autograph?” Walter asked of Valentina. “For my thirteen year old.”

  “Sure thing,” Valentina winked.

  It dawned on Raven that she could be an auntie many times over with as many sons as Walter had. It will take some getting used to, having a family this large. “I’m happy that you came,” she repeated not sure what else to say.

  Margene hugged her daughter. “I’m proud of you,” she whispered in her ear.

  “You and I are going to talk,” she whispered back.

  Margene laughed. Her mother formally introduced Walter’s children to Zephyr and Valentina. Raven scanned the faces of the party. Surely Alexander was part of the surprise too? He wasn’t there. She struggled to hide her disappointment. She and her family were seated at her table. The food and company was superb. Raven kept trying to remember her waistline as she gobbled down big bites of crab and lobster dishes. Her appetite was large.

  “Well look at that!”’ Margene said.

  Raven looked to the dance floor. Kevin cut in on Clayton dancing with Zephyr. Her pretty friend looked confused by the attention. Kevin would not be denied. He spun Zephyr around and she smiled. Clayton didn’t look too pleased.

  “Ain’t she dating that basketball player who’s on crack?” Margene asked.

  “Baseball player, Margene,” Raven corrected.

  Margene shrugged. “Same thing.”

  Raven laughed. “No, she’s single and apparently loving it. Good for her!”

  “I know my bringing Walter is a shock. But I got to thinking since you wanted to meet your brothers, it would be nice if they came. I hope you aren’t mad at me.”

  “You can’t rush this thing, Margene. I still struggle with why you would even want to.” She immediately regretted her sharp tone. “It’s okay. I’m glad he came. It’s weird, but it feels like I have my family for the first time. And right now family is very important to me.”

  “Why is that, sweetie?” Margene asked.

  “I wanted to wait until I told Alexander, but it doesn’t look like I will have the opportunity to do so any time soon. I should have told you first, but I know how you worry. I was hoping that, well never mind what I was hoping—”

  “Raven Marie Katz! Tell me what is going on with you right now,” Margene said concerned.

  “I’m pregnant,” she said softly.

  Margene blinked at her shocked. “Huh?”

  “I’m pregnant, and it’s Alexander’s baby.”

  “Okay, honey, I’m confused. Are you and Alexander together?”

  Raven laughed. “No, he came to Miami one night, and well things happened. Now I’m carrying his baby again. One plus one equals three! Alexander, baby, and me!”

  Margene squealed. Heads turned to their table. People gawked as Margene bounced up and down in her seat. She clapped then hugged Raven’s neck like they just won the lottery. “My baby! Oh my lord! I can’t believe this!”

  “Margene! Stop it!” Raven tried to calm her down. Walter arrived back at their table from the bathroom.

  “Walter! Raven is pregnant.”

  “Mom!” Raven yelled. She only evoked her mother’s name in times of duress.

  Margene calmed herself. “I’m sorry, baby, but this is wonderful news.”

  Walter hugged on Raven and she pushed him away.

  “Um, excuse me,” she said. She made a quick exit. The need for air and space was so extreme her hands were shaking.

  “Raven! Sweetheart, I’m sorry!” Margene went after her. Raven kept going.

  “Let her go, Margene, don’t force it.” She heard Walter speak before she escaped them both. Outside of the restaurant was a pier. It was often a spot for night dining or evening events. Tonight the restaurant belonged to her friends and family, so it was deserted.

  Raven walked the length of the pier under the Miami moon and sparkling stars. She felt the air return and replenish her lungs again. None of her emotions felt right. Too many people knew, and the one person who should know had no clue. “God what am I doing wrong? The man was here when I didn’t ask for him, now I need him and he’s thousands of miles away. Why is my life always so backwards?”

  She kept walking. The Pink Pelican had earned its name honestly. A large brown pelican flew over and landed on the wooden post of the balcony. It stretched out and flapped its long wings and then stared at her. Raven again touched her tummy. She stared at the bird and smiled. “Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us.” She sang to the baby. “It would be perfect if he were here. Wouldn’t it, baby?”

  “Who’s this man that can make your birthday perfect, I’m jealous already.”

  Raven turned to see Alexander behind her. He smiled at her. “Happy birthday, love.” He said with a bouquet of calla lilies. Raven didn’t hesitate. She ran straight into his arms. She caught him by surprise. Alexander stumbled but held her close. Raven kissed his face and then claimed his lips. When he opened his mouth to speak she deepened their passion. Overwhelmed, he dropped the flowers and the wind blew them off the pier into the bay. Alexander was never a man to turn down a kiss from her. He held her up against him and swept his mouth and tongue over hers. Raven’s lungs burned with the need for an intake of breath, but she didn’t dare take one. She missed and loved him too much. Thankfully for her sake, his senses returned to him and their passion slowed to a stop. He left her mouth and heart yearning for more. Her hormones were off the chart.

  Alexander looked down at his wife with a perplexed smile. He cupped the side of her face. She was so damn beautiful under the moonlight. She glowed. Something was different about her. He liked the highlights in her hair, and the feel of her lush curves against him. Whatever the reason for her change of heart he was grateful.

  “Is it my birthday or yours?” he asked with a soft chuckle.

  She wiped the lipstick from his lips with the pad of her thumb. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m so happy I’m going to cry.”

  He touched her forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”

  Raven laughed. “I knew you would come. I just knew it.” She hugged him once more.

  “Well I wasn’t sure it would be okay, but Zee called and insisted.”

  “This is the best birthday gift I could have asked for. I wanted to call and tell you to come back. I should have.”

  He moved her locks from her face. “You look beautiful under the moonlight, you always have.”

  “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I have to tell you.”

  “Rae! Alexander! Come back in, we’re going to
sing happy birthday,” Zephyr yelled. Raven stopped. She sighed at the bad timing. Alexander took her hand and walked her back inside.

  “Tell me? What’s given me all this forgiveness?” he asked.

  “Soon. I’ll tell you soon,” she said.

  They entered to find the crowd gathered in her favor. Alexander let her hand go so the reaching hands of her friends could consume her. She looked back at him with a thoughtful look as she was led to the center of the room. She would love for it to be just them. She wanted to celebrate with him privately. Later.

  Happy Birthday to you…

  Happy Birthday to you

  Happy Birthday dear Raven…

  Happy birthday to you!

  Everyone cheered and clapped. A large sheet cake carved in her image was brought before her. It had enough candles to burn down the place. Laughing she glared playfully at Zephyr and Valentina. She then sucked down a deep breath before blowing. The applause rose like thunder. Raven bowed and smiled for her friends. She looked past the friendly faces. Alexander stood alone to the back of the restaurant. He watched her.

  Alexander accepted his Scotch with no ice from the waitress. He watched as Raven smiled through a birthday dance with a tall black man. He heard one guest say the man was her brother. That couldn’t be right. She didn’t have any brothers. He sipped his drink and spied Margene approaching from the corner of his eye. His head turned at her arrival.

  “Hey, sweetheart?”

  He set his drink down on the table.

  “I want you to meet Walter, Raven’s father.”

  Alexander’s eyes stretched.

  “Hello, nice to meet you,” Alexander said.

  “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard many good things about you from Margene.” The man said. Alexander swallowed his shock. If he thought Raven was behaving strangely earlier this was positive proof. Knowing how she felt about her father, the mystery deepened as to why Raven would allow him to come. Walter must have been a mind reader because he chose to answer the question directly.

  “Margene invited me here. Raven asked me to stay,” Walter said.