The One That Slipped Away

by LaShawn Vasser

  Harrison had been right, she hated to cook but wanted to start the day off on a good note by making them a big breakfast.

  He walked into the kitchen and went straight to the refrigerator after coming in from his morning run.

  Mia bit the inside of her cheek. “Hey.”

  Harrison grabbed a water out of the fridge and closed the door. He took the cap off and took a long sip. He never made eye contact with her as he looked over her shoulder at the stove.

  “You made breakfast?”

  She nodded. “Yeah. I figured you might be hungry, and maybe we could have breakfast. You’ve been so busy over the last couple of weeks, we haven’t had much time to talk.”

  “Actually, I am pretty hungry. Let me go wash my hands.”

  “Great.” Mia loaded up two plates with food and brought them over to the table. She sat down and a few minutes later, Harrison joined her.

  Mia was so nervous. She bit her lower lip. “I got a call from Jasper, Wiggins, and Associates on Thursday. They offered me a position of Senior Financial Risk Analyst.”

  Harrison finally looked at her. “Do you want the job?”

  Mia shrugged. “The hours are not ideal, but there’s no perfect job right?”

  Harrison put a piece of turkey bacon in his mouth. “What are they?”

  “It’s Monday through Saturday. However, the last week out of every month would require me to be there late in the evenings. It wouldn’t interfere with my morning classes, though.”

  “How late?”

  Mia took a sip of her orange juice. “Mr. Wiggins mentioned that it could be as late as nine.”

  “How would that not interfere with school and your work at the Center? You’ve still got to study.”

  “I’ll have to adjust my time there, yes, but I don’t have a lot of experience in this field. I can’t really be too picky.”

  “You can be as picky as you want to be. You don’t need the money.”

  “I can’t keep living off of you, Harrison. I need a job.”

  “My opinion is I don’t like it. Wait for something better to come along, but it’s your career.”

  Mia nodded. She figured Harrison would say something like that and wasn’t too surprised. “Harrison, I need to talk to you about something else too.”

  His cell phone interrupted them. He looked at who was calling. “It’s my mom. Let me take this.”

  “Hey, Mom.”

  Mia could only hear his side of the conversation.

  “I spoke to Andrew and Tyler about it this morning. I’ll stop by to pick it up before I head over there. Alright . . . love you too.” He hung up the phone.

  “Sorry about that. What were you saying?”

  Mia was curious. “What was that all about?”

  He shrugged. “Tyler and Amber just bought that new house. They are having their housewarming tonight. Mom wanted me to pick up her gift since she won’t be able to make it.”

  “I didn’t know they were having a housewarming party tonight?”

  Harrison’s voice had a bit of an edge to it. “Didn’t figure you’d want to know.” Mia could tell he was still angry that she hadn’t come with him the last time he’d gotten together with his friends.

  “You’re going?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You didn’t mention it—“

  “I didn’t say anything because I knew you wouldn’t want to go.”

  “Harrison—”

  He cut her off again. “It is what it is, Mia. They’re my friends, and I’m going to support them. I won’t be gone long, and you don’t have to come, everybody’s happy.”

  Actually, no one was happy. Mia felt small and like she’d somehow wronged him.

  The disappointment was written all over his face. “What was the other thing you wanted to tell me?”

  Mia couldn’t lift her head from out of her plate. She mumbled. “Umm . . . I . . . I can’t remember.”

  Chapter 19

  Mia was still sleeping when Harrison left. He was supposed to meet Andrew at his house, and then hit the gym before tonight’s company fundraiser.

  He rang the doorbell and Amber answered holding her little pocketbook pooch. Harrison did his best to hold in his laughter. She reminded him so much of Paris Hilton, especially when she had that dog in her arms.

  “Hey, Amber.” Harrison kissed her on the cheek. He hated that dog, and it was obvious the feeling was mutual when Mad Max barked at him. He smirked. “I see Cujo here is in a fine mood.”

  Amber turned to her little reddish-blonde Pomeranian and started to speak to him like he were a small child. “Uncle Ethan didn’t mean it. He’s just cranky in the morning.” She glared at him. “Come in and stop being a jerk to Max.”

  He shook his head as he walked inside. “Amb . . . you’re one of a kind you know that?”

  She flashed him a dazzling smile. “Don’t I know it.” Then, poked him in the chest with her skinny little finger. “You and Andrew better remember it too buddy!” Amber closed the door, and the two of them walked into the spacious living room. “Andrew will be down in a second. He hates these early morning workouts, but I told him, the second his ass turns to lard, I’m getting a divorce.”

  Harrison could only hope Amber was kidding. “Hey, I need a favor.” He used his thumb to scratch above his brow.

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “We’ve all been friends for so many years that sometimes it might be hard for people who haven’t grown up with us to feel included. Can everybody put a little extra effort into helping Mia adjust?”

  Amber tilted her chin down and looked up at him with her blue eyes. “I thought we were doing a pretty good job of it already? I’m not sure what else we can do.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it. It’s just . . .” He hesitated. “It’s a little hard for her.”

  “I noticed she hasn’t been coming around lately. Mia’s been here for a while, and she still hasn’t adjusted to being around us?”

  Harrison rubbed the back of his neck. He didn’t want to feel he was betraying her, so he chose his words carefully. “I didn’t say you guys weren’t trying; I’m only asking if you could just be a little more sensitive to her situation. She left all of her friends and family to be here with me. I just want her to be happy.”

  Amber bit her bottom lip trying to hold back her thoughts.

  Harrison fell for it. “Just say whatever it is you want to say.”

  She shrugged. “Are you happy, Ethan? I’ve seen the strain on your face lately.”

  “I’m good. I just have a lot going on.”

  “Okay, well if you ever need to talk you know we’re here. As far as Mia goes, we can do our part, but she has to do hers too. Do you know how many lunches, shopping trips, and spa days we’ve invited her to? She’s turned us down too many times to count. Yet, because of you, we continue to ask and try to include her. The bottom line is, if she doesn’t want to open up to us, we can’t force her.”

  Harrison nodded. “Mia has always been a little shy. I’m sure that’s the crux of everything, but your opinion is duly noted.”

  Andrew came down the stairs dragging his butt into the living room. “What’s up, Ethan?”

  Harrison turned toward him. “Man, you look like you could use another couple of hours of sleep.”

  Andrew managed a lopsided grin. “It’s Saturday, but Ambs over here is a slave driver. Instead of sleeping in, she’s kicking me out of the house.”

  She rolled her eyes and turned to leave the room. “All I’m going to say is NO LARD ASSES allowed.”

  As she walked away, Harrison yelled at her. “Thanks, Ambs for helping with Mia.”

  Her back was to them as she lifted her arm in the air and waved her hands back and forth. “No problem. We’ll figure it out.”

  *****

  The ringing of Mia’s cell phone woke her. She blinked a few times and tried to rub the blurriness from her eyes. Lately, she j
ust couldn’t seem to get enough rest, but she’d never slept an entire morning away. Mia looked over at the other side of the bed, and Harrison was already gone.

  Disappointed, she sighed, then grabbed her cell from the table to answer it. “Hello.”

  “Girl, you sound awful. Were you still sleeping?”

  “Good morning to you too, Sheena. I was just waking up.”

  “It’s almost noon.”

  Mia flopped over onto her back to stare at the ceiling. “I know.”

  “How did it go last night?”

  Mia yawned. She closed her eyes and threw an arm over her face. “It didn’t. He got off work late, and then went to Amber and Andrew’s to hang out.”

  “So, you two didn’t talk then?”

  “No. Not about that. I’ve got to figure out a way to deal with his friends. They aren’t going anywhere, and neither am I. When I talk to him about it, we always end up fighting. I think it’s best to handle it on my own.”

  “You shouldn’t have to do that; he should have your back.”

  Mia was a little defensive. “He does have my back. It’s just that they’ve been friends for so long, they’re like family. Harrison doesn’t see all the craziness mainly because those girls are masters of manipulation. They’ve never honestly tried to get to know me and take great pleasure in throwing Liberty’s name in my face every chance they get.”

  “Hmph . . . I wish I was there. I’d put all of those crazies in their place, quick fast, and in a hurry. How about his mom? Has she warmed up?”

  “Mrs. Haughton is Mrs. Haughton. I mean, I think she’s progressed to being indifferent. That’s the best word I can use to describe it.”

  “I’m sure that will all change once she finds out you’re pregnant. Harrison’s friends are going to lose their collective minds.” Sheena started to sing. “Y’all are going to have little brown baaaabies.” Then, she burst out laughing. “God, I wish I could be there to see their faces.”

  Mia didn’t laugh. “My life is not a reality show, Sheena. I just can’t seem to find the same humor in it as you do in this situation.”

  “Okay . . . okay. You’re right, and I’m sorry. This is your real life. You’ve got to tell him soon otherwise that baby is going to reveal him or herself.”

  Mia spoke softly. “I know. We’ve been fighting so much lately. When we’re not fighting, the distance between us makes it tough to have any meaningful conversations. Honestly, I don’t know how he’ll react.”

  “Girl, don’t let his friends make you doubt him. Harrison loves you. It might be shocking at first, but you guys will be fine.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Mia wasn’t at all as confident as Sheena. Her tears were building, but Mia was going to blame them on her hormones. “I’d better get out of this bed before someone shows up. They already think I’m only after Harrison for his money.”

  “I don’t know about you, but the caricature of us drives me crazy, the stereotypical lazy black woman. You’re not her, and most of us aren’t. So, for the last time, don’t feed into that garbage. You graduated not only at the top of your class but summa cum laude.”

  “Yeah, but I’m still unemployed, pregnant, and unmarried. I check all the stereotypical boxes.” Mia dropped her face into her hands. “What are my parents going to say? They are already disappointed that Harrison and I are living together, and we’re not married. The way things are going, I don’t even know what we’re doing in our relationship.”

  “Mia, take a deep breath. Yes, our parents are old school, and I’ll be honest, it will be a shock to everyone especially your mom and dad. But, that’s just because we all want the best for you. At the end of the day, they’ll accept the fact they’re going to be grandparents, and I promise they’ll start preparing to spoil that child rotten.”

  Mia whispered, “You have the faith of Job. My parents aren’t even speaking to me.”

  “You’re an adult not a child, and children have a way of weakening people’s defenses. Not that it’s any of the Romper Room gang’s business, but you’ve been offered some fantastic positions all over the country. What have you done? You’ve turned them down because Harrison wants you there, in Chicago. You two have decided that your life is with him.

  “He’s the one who’d rather have you volunteer at the Center than getting a regular nine to five. If you two are fine with your arrangement, then that’s all that matters. Regarding Harrison’s family and friends, just do your best. If things don’t eventually smooth out, screw ‘em.”

  A tear slid silently down Mia’s face. “Thanks, Sheena, for always putting things into perspective. Ugh . . . all these tears. I swear, I’m turning into this person I don’t even know. I definitely need to plan a visit home.”

  “True. I miss you.” Sheena could hear the sadness in Mia’s voice. “Everything is going to be fine. Your hormones are acting up and probably all over the place. Give yourself a break. Don’t you have that fundraiser tonight?”

  “Yeah. I’ve got a hair appointment in a couple of hours. Last night was a long one and tonight will probably be even longer.”

  “For a few hours, put all of your worries on pause. Get gorgeous for Harrison and have a good time. Don’t let anyone get in the way of that.”

  Mia wiped away her tears. “That’s a good idea.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to do my best to clear my mind and enjoy the night. Thanks again.”

  Sheena laughed. “Lord knows I’ve cried enough on your shoulder. It’s my turn to be a shoulder to lean on. Call me tomorrow?”

  “Definitely.”

  Chapter 20

  Harrison yelled up the stairs. “Come on, Mia. We don’t want to be late.”

  Mia took Sheena’s words to heart. She took extra effort into trying to make this a special night and that included making sure she looked her absolute best.

  Mia opened the bedroom door, stepped out into the hallway, and made her way to the top of the stairs. “I’m coming.”

  Harrison was standing at the bottom. When he looked up, he was absolutely speechless. Mia was simply stunning in a pale pink off the shoulder gown. The raised bodice and scooped neckline made her breast look even fuller than normal. She let her hair hang loose in big wavy curls.

  Hesitantly, Mia smiled as she walked down the stairs. “Do I look okay?”

  The second her feet touched the bottom step, Harrison pulled her into his body. It had been awhile since he’d held Mia like this and gazed passionately into her eyes. “I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

  He could still take her breath away. Mia’s smile spread across her entire face. She was beaming. “Thank you. I could say the same about you. I love a man in a tuxedo.”

  “Good thing, I’m the only one here wearing one.” Harrison didn’t want to mess up her makeup but couldn’t resist pressing his lips against hers. Mia wrapped her arms around his neck. They were locked in a deep kiss that became more and more passionate.

  Reluctantly, he pulled away but touched his forehead to hers. His voice was husky. “If I didn’t have to be at this fundraiser tonight, I’d take this dress off of you, and we’d go right back upstairs for our own private party.”

  Mia moaned. “I’d like that quite a lot actually, but you’re right. We’d better go. This night is not about us but your dad. Let’s go honor him. Once everything is over, we can come home to our own celebration.”

  Harrison wiggled his eyebrows up and down. “That sounds like a damn good plan.”

  *****

  Mia and Harrison hadn’t had as much fun as they were having in a long time. She mingled with Harrison’s co-workers, laughed, danced, and did her best to be nice to Jeanine and Amber.

  Of course, that stupid little brat pack was seated at their table. Those witches, had been attempting to make snide remarks all evening, but Mia wouldn’t allow it. She made herself scarce from the table most of the evening because she refused to have anything or anyone ruin their
night.

  It was good to see Josiah and Daphne at the benefit. They were standing with another couple who were quite striking.

  Daphne admired Mia’s dress. “Your dress is stunning, Mia.”

  Mia couldn’t help but return the compliment. “Yours too, Daphne.”

  Daphne was a natural haired Diva—a queen. She was pint-sized standing next to the over six-foot tall Josiah. But, she packed a lot of power in that little body. Her peach colored dress complimented her caramel complexion perfectly. The big hair, infectious smile, and hearty laugh left no doubt that she was proud to be who she was. There was no attempting to blend into the background. Mia admired her a lot. She also had Josiah wrapped around her fingers. It was obvious he worshipped that woman.

  Josiah laughed. “I guess us guys don’t look too bad. Harrison, have you introduced Mia to our new assistant, Alexandria and her date . . . Nicholas Hastings, right?

  Nicholas nodded. “That’s exactly right.”

  Harrison responded. “No. I hadn’t had a chance to introduce them. Mia, this is Alex and Alex this is Mia, and Nicholas.”

  Mia shook Alex and her date’s hand. “It’s very nice to meet you. You work with Harrison?”

  Alexandria returned her smile. “It’s nice to meet you as well, and yes, we work together. It’s my job to keep Josiah and him in line.”

  Daphne joked with Alexandria. “You probably deserve an extra week of vacation for that. Not to mention, planning this benefit with Mrs. Haughton, Josiah and Harrison had to be more than a little challenging.”

  Alexandria smiled politely. “I actually enjoyed every minute of it.”

  Mia responded. “Still, I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task, and you all did a wonderful job.” She got in on the fun too and winked at Harrison. “Dealing with Josiah and Harrison couldn’t have been easy.”

  Harrison laughed jokingly. “Alright, we’re leaving. When the women start talking about how hard it is to keep us in line, it’s time to go.” Harrison shook Nicholas’s hand. “It was nice to meet you.”

  After making a few more rounds and being introduced to more of Harrison’s business and foundation associates, Mia was exhausted.