He calculated the due date. “If you’re three months… that means he’s going to be born in May – like me!”
“I love you baby.” I said, blowing a kiss at the screen while rubbing my tummy. “We can’t wait for you to come home.”
“I love you more, babe,” he said. “And our little one that’s going to be here before we know it.”
Chapter 27: Natalia
Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went so quickly, as did the New Year. Despite getting acclimated to my new life in Dallas, I missed my son, and Kelli. I spent the holidays in Twenty-nine Palms, with my son and Hollis, who was able to extend a cordial hand in my direction when we spoke about my visiting.
Jordan had grown so much over the past few months. He was at least two inches taller. “Mom, I get to play basketball with the fourth graders!” he proudly proclaimed, beaming with pride.
“That’s awesome honey,” I replied. “My little man is growing up and getting all A’s! I’m so proud of you. You know that right?”
“Uh huh,” he said, wrapping his arms around me.
***
Jordan and Hollis went to Kristophe’s while Kelli and I lounged in the house. I took in the changes that took place in the house while I was gone. The house was decorated in more green and gray tones. It was interesting, because Hollis and Jordan loved the color blue.
“He’s really making himself at home in here, huh?” I said of Presley, gesturing to the new color scheme. “Hollis would have never let me put this much green in the house.”
Kelli shrugged. “You know what they say…”
“No. What do they say?” I sat up, genuinely curious.
She laughed. “Woman, I don’t know. It just sounded like the thing to say.”
Rolling my eyes, she continued to rib me. “You’re so green sometimes Natalia.”
I shot her a glare. She couldn’t help but to cackle harder. “Forgive me. I couldn’t resist.” She cleared her giggles, and got serious for a moment. “I’m glad you’re here though. I’ve really missed you.”
“I missed you also,” I said. “But I’m finally starting to catch my stride in Dallas.”
I filled her in on the good news: I found a new job at the local library, and I started taking cooking classes in the evenings. Thanks to Rose’s job as a beauty editor, I had access to beauty goodies and cosmetics without destroying my budget.
“And thanks to my personal trainer, I’m actually tightening up all those loose rolls I’ve been trying to get rid of,” I added.
Kelli was hip to my expression. “Who’s this personal trainer of yours, and why are you smirking like this?”
I blushed. “You remember that guy I twisted my ankle with?”
“Tuh! How could I forget!?” She said. “You’re the only woman I know who could injure herself on a first date.” We laughed at my comical misfortune. It was true; we didn’t know anyone who could be as clumsy as I was.
“Well… Desmond was a blessing in disguise. He’s been there for me every day since that night. He’s never let me down, and he’s completely comfortable allowing me to take my time with our relationship. And yes, we go jogging twice a week. It’s helping me blow off steam.”
“I can’t believe you have a new flame this perfect and you’re not sleeping with him,” Kelli snickered. “Don’t make Adam Levine’s little brother wait too long. A man that fine is tearing someone else up.” She started singing the chorus of Maroon 5’s “Makes Me Wonder.”
I laughed and rolled my eyes at my best friend’s off-key theatrics. I even joined in, lightheartedly, because for once in a long time, I was really that happy. Dealing with the sudden declaration of divorce was painful, especially when I love my marriage so much, but over time, I’d begun to look at things differently.
Desmond’s presence was the very reason for my new outlook. I feared the worst when I met him. I was scared that he was a player or a ladies’ man looking for his next flavor of the month. I was also scared that he wasn’t serious about being there for me when I needed him, and only said those sweet words to me the night I sprained my ankle to be nice. I figured he’d never contact me again after that incident.
But he proved me wrong – and I was so glad he did.
“He’s amazing,” I gushed. “Simply amazing.”
Whenever I had sleepless nights where I stared at the ceiling, scared and worried about the future, I could call on him. Whenever I realized even though I could never repair what I lost in Hollis, I wasn’t meant to be alone – and I could call on Desmond.