The One That Slipped Away

by LaShawn Vasser

  “Liberty and her mother arrived in the car with us, which means they’ll need a ride to the cemetery too. My mother invited them. I hope you don’t mind.”

  What was Mia supposed to say? No? Instead, she attempted to keep the frustration out of her voice when she responded. “It’s fine.”

  Over the next couple of years, Mia found herself saying that a lot.

  Chapter 16

  After Graduation

  Harrison stood leaning against the wall with his arms folded watching Mia. Wearing a pair of cut-off shorts and a t-shirt, she was kneeling on the floor in an empty room surrounded by boxes—unpacking.

  It should have been a momentous day. He’d purchased his first home. But it was another milestone that he wouldn’t get to share with dad. It was almost two years to the day since Harrison lost his father. His carefree days ended the moment he found out he’d passed. Parts of him felt he’d been walking around on autopilot going through the motions of life. Through some miracle, he managed to graduate on time and earn not only his Bachelor’s but his Master’s degree.

  Mia had been by his side the entire time. He would never be able to repay her for all of her emotional support considering she’d been dealing with a loss of her own. The rift between her and her parents had only grown. They’d spoken just a few times since that disastrous dinner. After graduation, she’d packed up her life and moved with him to Chicago. He owed it to her to buy whatever home she wanted.

  “Hello! Anybody at the Haughton residence?” Harrison’s mom opened the front door and called out to him.

  Harrison answered. “We’re in here, in the family room.”

  Mia pushed herself up from off of the floor and dusted herself off. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing his mother. The woman had two faces—a loving and devoted mom and a manipulator to the extreme.

  Mrs. Haughton made her way into the room. “My goodness. This is a big house for just the two of you, but it is quite lovely.” She turned to Mia. “This is probably like a fairytale for you.”

  Mia was offended again. With Mrs. Haughton’s track record, she wasn’t quite sure how to take that comment. Instead of being disrespectful, she smiled and kept her initial response to herself. “I think we’ll be very happy here.” The cattiness of his mother seemed to always go over Harrison’s head.

  “Son, where are your friends? Are they coming?”

  “They’ll be over later. Mia and I wanted a little time to enjoy this moment alone.”

  “Oh? I’m sorry, am I intruding?”

  “Of course not. You’re always welcome.”

  Mia would beg to differ—his friends too.

  “Why don’t you let us show you around?”

  His mother smiled broadly. “That would be great.”

  Mia was saved by the sound of her cell phone. She pulled it out of the back pocket of her shorts. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to take this call. I’ll catch up.”

  Harrison nodded and guided his mother out of the room. Mia could hear her asking questions. “When is the furniture coming?”

  “They already delivered the bedroom furniture. The rest we haven’t picked out yet.”

  “Why am not surprised that that’s the first piece of furniture you’d be worried about. At any rate, if Mia’s not up to it, I have a wonderful decorator you can call. Between you and me, you might just want to call her anyway.”

  Mia’s blood was boiling. She whispered into the receiver. “I’m about to commit murder.”

  Sheena laughed. “I wouldn’t advise it. Prison orange is not your color.”

  “I suppose not.” Mia exhaled. “Did you get the pictures I sent?”

  “Yes! That house is gorgeous. When I fly up there to visit, I just might not come back.”

  “I’d love that. It would be nice to have some family around.” Mia pressed her lips together. She was hesitant but pushed through it. “Have you talked to my mom or dad?”

  The lightheartedness of the call changed. “I saw Aunt Avery yesterday. She and my mother were going shopping or something.”

  Mia couldn’t keep the sadness from her voice. “So, they’re doing well?”

  “Seem to be, but I’m sure they miss you.”

  Mia was hopeful. “Did she say that?”

  It took a moment for Sheena to respond. “I’m sure she was thinking it. You know your mother and father are stubborn, apparently so are you.”

  Disappointed she said, “I’m not stubborn. I just have a right to live my own life without being disowned by my parents.”

  “They haven’t disowned you, Mia. Hopefully, after some time, you all will be able to come together.”

  “Maybe. I know one thing. When I have kids, I won’t ever let their choices keep me from loving them and showing them every day.”

  The doorbell rang. “Hey, I’m going to have let you go. I think the monsters are at the door.” Mia wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure it’s them.”

  “Don’t choke anybody. Or, at least wait until I get there so I can get in on the action. Call me tomorrow.”

  Sheena could always bring a smile to her lips. “Okay. I’ll call and do my best not to show up on the ten-o’clock news.”

  *****

  The conversation between all of Harrison’s friends went on around Mia. Thankfully, his mother had left shortly after they arrived.

  Mia smiled politely at different points but had given up hours ago of trying to get involved. No one seemed to want to engage with her. That wasn’t anything new.

  She’d been in a room full of people and had never felt more alone. Sadly, it wasn’t unlike many of the previous times they hung out with his friends. And Harrison seemingly oblivious to how everything always went down when they were all together.

  Mia was more than a little disappointed but wasn’t surprised. Time after time, when they would hang out, his friends practically ignored her. Every now and again, they would throw a question or two at her so that it wasn’t too obvious to Harrison, but Mia didn’t honestly think his friends were sincere in getting to know her. She’d hoped over time, they would give her a chance and that was why Mia continued to make every attempt to be friendly.

  The guys went outside so Harrison could show them the backyard. Jeanine Ridley, one of Liberty’s best friends, took a sip of her wine before turning to Mia. “You and Harrison met at college right?”

  She was caught a little off guard considering over the past hour, no one had even acknowledged her presence. The question seemed to come out of the blue. Mia smiled warmly. “Yes. That’s where we met.”

  Jeanine shrugged. “I thought it was a little weird he would want to attend that college with Micah before he was killed, but it was more than a little odd that he would still attend after his death.”

  Her comment left Mia feeling some type of way. It was insensitive and insulting. However, to keep the peace, she kept her thoughts to herself. “It was important to Harrison to honor his friend. I can understand it completely.”

  “We all liked Micah. He was a really nice guy except for when he wanted to get all West Side with us.”

  Mia frowned. “Jeanine, I’m not sure if you’re aware of how you sound, but I don’t appreciate it.”

  “Gaaawd. Mia.” She laughed. “Don’t be so sensitive. I didn’t mean anything by what I said.”

  Amber Scott, Tyler’s wife and another good friend of Liberty and Harrison, decided to join the conversation. “You’ve been here for a few months now haven’t you? Have you found a job yet?”

  Mia slowly peeled her eyes away from Jeanine to Amber. “Umm . . . not yet. I’m still looking for something that I can work around school and the Center.”

  Nonchalantly, Amber shrugged. “I guess I wouldn’t be in any real rush to go to work either if someone else was paying my bills.”

  What was this ambush Mia day? Mia was pissed. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” Amber had crossed the line.

  “Of course, it’s not.” Am
ber’s tone was sarcastic as if she didn’t believe her. “He’s only our best friend who we care nothing about, who brought home some stranger who is now living in a half-a-million-dollar house without a job that he pays for rent free. Why wouldn’t we care about that?”

  “Harrison and my financial situation has absolutely nothing to do with you.”

  “Come on, Amber.” Jeanine responded. “That’s not fair. I’m sure Mia didn’t know Ethan was a trust fund baby when they started dating.” She laughed. “He was just a baller—destined for the NFL until his injury.”

  Mia didn’t know why she felt the need to defend herself to them. “We started dating after he was injured.”

  Amber responded with a fake laugh. “He does hide his wealth well. Harrison would rather spend his time playing football with those kids at that Center than with us. I guess it’s admirable that he volunteers in an effort to keep them off the streets.”

  Mia had done her best to keep her cool, but Amber and Jeanine were making it difficult. She’d almost reached her BS level and breathed in slowly before speaking. “I volunteer at that same Center. But, just so that I’m clear? What exactly do you mean by those kids?”

  Amber rolled her eyes. “You are so sensitive tonight, Mia. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Then, what exactly did you mean, Amber?”

  Amber didn’t respond. She and Mia stared at each other, neither one refusing to back down. In the awkward silence, Jeanine huffed and answered for her. “Underprivileged kids. What else could she have meant?”

  Mia didn’t believe that for one second. Had she not been in the room, she was sure someone would have described those kids as those black kids or even worse. That might have been too much to try and explain to Harrison that his black girlfriend was offended by his friends being bothered by him hanging out with those black kids.

  The tension in the air was thick. Mia was quite possibly about to be violent for the first time in her life. Jeanine could probably sense it and turned away from her back toward Amber. She still wanted to make sure Mia knew her place. Jeanine was the walking definition of a witch with a capital B. “I talked to Liberty today.”

  Amber responded. “Really? I haven’t talked to her in a couple of weeks. How is she doing?”

  “She’s fine just a little homesick. Hopefully, she’ll visit soon.” Jeanine giggled. “Liberty said to tell everyone hello, especially, Ethan.”

  Mia had had enough. She picked up her drink and decided to step outside onto the patio. It was either that or toss Amber and Jeanine out of her house. The stench of crap in the air was making her nauseated. A bit of fresh air would do her good.

  Chapter 17

  Harrison’s friends had all gone home, and they were getting ready for bed.

  “Tonight was really interesting. I don’t think your friends and I are ever going to get along, Harrison.” Mia was standing in front of the dresser. She pulled her bed-shirt over her head just as he walked out of the bathroom.

  He rolled his head around his neck as he got into the bed and under the covers. This was not a conversation he wanted to have again. “Come on, Mia. Don’t start.”

  She turned to face Harrison with one hand on her hip. “When you were in the room, did you notice that nobody even talked to me? I felt like I was in a room full of strangers. And, when you left, all hell almost broke loose.”

  “Don’t you think you’re being a bit dramatic?”

  “Your friends don’t like me, and what’s worse, they have no problem letting me know it.” She left off the part that they may even be a little racist.

  Harrison pulled the cover up almost over his head. He wanted to block out the coming argument. “I’m sure whatever was said was only a misunderstanding.”

  “Why is it always a misunderstanding where Amber and Jeanine are concerned? They all but called me a gold digger.”

  He was tired. Lately, it was always something. “Mia, I’ve told you this over and over again. It’s going to take them some time to get used to us as a couple.”

  “Because they are such good friends with Liberty? She conveniently came up tonight too.”

  “I’m not discussing Liberty with you. You are not a rational person when you hear her name.”

  Irritated, Mia walked over and lifted the covers to get into the bed. “That’s not true. I just wish you would take my words and feelings to heart. I’m not making this stuff up.”

  “I don’t take your feelings into consideration?” He snatched the covers away from his face, lifted his head off the pillow and glared. Harrison was getting more annoyed by the second. “All I do is take your feelings into consideration, Mia.”

  Frustrated, she exhaled. “I’m just saying your friends ignore me when you’re in the room then insult me when you leave.”

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  Mia was hurt. “As usual, I guess that means I’m lying.”

  Harrison ran his hand down the back of his head. “Look . . . I think you’re letting your insecurities about their friendship with Liberty and your lack of friendship with them, cloud your judgment. They’re my friends . . . scratch that. They are my family. I’ve known them almost my entire life. If nothing else, out of respect for me, even if they didn’t like you, they would still be cordial.”

  Mia didn’t know what else to say. Harrison either couldn’t see or didn’t want to see the truth. What was worse was the rift between her and his friends was also driving them apart too.

  Slowly, she blew out a breath. “Harrison, I don’t want to argue.”

  Mia felt it the second Harrison put that imaginary wall up between them. She could always tell by the placating tone of his voice. “I don’t either. It’s been a long night, and I’ve got to get up and go to work in the morning.”

  Harrison lay back down on the edge of his side of the bed, far away from her, and turned his back. “Let’s just go to sleep.”

  Mia lay down on her side staring at him for a long time contemplating the best way to handle her situation. Maybe she should keep her thoughts to herself since talking to him wasn’t really helping. If anything, it was driving a wedge between them. Yes, from now on, Mia was going to keep her frustrations with his friends and mother to herself.

  She may not be able to do anything about the emotional distance between them tonight, but she could close the physical distance. Mia scooted over and placed her arm around his waist, then buried her face against the strength of his back. She inhaled deeply breathing in his scent and closing her eyes. She loved this man.

  After a few moments, Harrison placed his own hand over hers cradling it in his arms. It was only then that Mia could relax a little, and go to sleep.

  Chapter 18

  Mia was glad it was Friday. Harrison had been gone all week on business and didn’t get back until the night before. He still had to go into the office today, and she missed him. While he’d been gone, Mia tried to make use of her time by spending it at the Center when she wasn’t in class and doubling her efforts in her job search. She had a couple of interviews that seemed promising.

  However, today was spent in the kitchen cooking her man a good meal. Mia planned to feed him and make love to him until they both fell asleep from sheer exhaustion, in that order. Then, hopefully, after a good night’s rest, they could talk about their future. A smile threatened the corners of her mouth as Mia thought about it.

  The timer on the oven went off, and she took the lasagna out of the oven. The butterflies in her stomach were going crazy after glancing over at the clock. Based on Harrison’s text message he should be home soon.

  Like clockwork, she heard him call out to her. “Babe! I’m home.”

  The sound of his voice had Mia rushing out to see him. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard on the lips. “Hey you.”

  He held her close. “Mmm . . . this is what I’m talking about. I missed you. I almost called in sick so that I could lay c
lose to you this morning.”

  Mia whispered into his lips. “That would have been better than Christmas morning, but I understand Josiah needs you.” Her voice turned husky. “Still, I’m glad you’re home. I even made dinner.”

  He pulled back surprised. “You cooked? I thought I smelled Italian.”

  Proudly, she smiled. “Yep. I made your favorite, lasagna.”

  “I know how much you hate being in the kitchen. Are you sure you didn’t order from Malnatti’s?”

  Lightly, she hit him on the shoulder. “Yes, I made everything myself!”

  Harrison still held her in his arms. “Damn. I forgot. Andrew called me while I was at work today. He and Jeanine invited us over tonight. I know it's last minute, but he got some kind of award, and they want to celebrate.”

  The smile on Mia’s face vanished. “I don’t know if I’m up for a visit with your friends. I was kind of hoping we could spend a cozy evening at home. Can we take a raincheck?”

  The carefree energy in the room evaporated. “Come on Mia, I would love to stay home and snuggle, but this is important to Andrew. I need to be there to support him. We’ll make it an early night.”

  The look on Mia’s face said it all. She did not want to go, especially after dealing with Amber and Jeanine a couple of weeks ago.

  Harrison was disappointed. He stepped away from her. “You know what, it’s probably best if you don’t come, but I’m going to hang out for a couple of hours.”

  *****

  Mia was nervous. She needed to talk to Harrison, but lately, they seemed to be talking past each other. Ever since she’d declined the invitation a couple of weeks ago to celebrate some award over at Jeanine and Andrew’s, Harrison had been distant and worked later and later hours.

  She hadn’t been able to find a good moment to discuss anything with him. It was Saturday; she didn’t have any plans this morning. Hopefully, he didn’t either, and they could talk.