I bit my lip listening to her, not commenting. The feeling of hope filled my heart for a split second.
“Are you going to tell him?”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I did go to the doctor though and I am for sure, one-hundred-percent pregnant. I’m already in love with my baby. I remember you saying that and me thinking you were losing your damn mind.”
“For me it was instant. You’ve always had a mother’s instinct. You will do great.”
“Please don't say anything yet. I need to get my thoughts together. I can’t have Cash in this baby’s life if he is going to be like the old Cash. I refuse to have my child growing up like that, a father never around.”
“Girl, you don't have to convince me. Hell, my father was a drunk. God rest his soul. Just don't wait too long to tell him. In his defense, he should know…”
“Don’t you dare say a word to him. I wish I could tell you not to say anything to Wyatt, but I know that is a moot point.”
“I will say this, Wyatt is skeptical, just as I am, with Cash. We pray and hope for the best, and see the changes he is making but we would never want him to be a father who was not around or was a bad example. Our lips will be sealed until you say something. But please know I am here for you. For whatever you need.”
“Thank you, Breigh.”
“Isn’t it crazy how a person can love someone so much, but hate them at the same time?”
“Cash has given you every reason to feel that way.”
“But you too Breigh. You have forgiven him for so much, breaking you and Wyatt up, hell he even caused you to lose Wyatt until he came to his senses.”
“I know. I can’t believe I’ve forgiven him myself, but I have to remember to forgive, otherwise it just holds anger inside my heart. I don’t have room for that anymore.” Breigh said reflecting. “I spent too long holding a grudge and letting anger lead my heart with my father.”
“You ladies ready now?” Both pedicurists walked up then sat on their small rolling chairs, ready to get started.
“Yes, we are,” I spoke up. “Now enough of me; relax and tell me how happy you and Wyatt are, with your perfect little family.”
“You picked your color?”
“Yes,” we said together.
“Breigh, I probably should tell you something else. I know you think Cash has changed… but he hasn’t. He pulled the wool over my eyes, AGAIN!” I had raised my voice and the pedicurists all looked at me to make sure I was okay.
“What now?”
“I was supposed to meet Jessica on Friday after work… well, I was waiting and waiting and she hadn't showed. So I decided to go in and sit at the bar, have one drink and then leave.”
“And?”
“When I walked in I saw Cash with a woman. They were kissing and I don't mean just kissing, I mean the smooching you do when you have been intimate with someone. Like when you really know them.”
“DAMN HIM! I am going to cut his ba…” The rage filled Breigh’s eyes. “Please tell me you walked up to him and called him out.”
“I made a scene… not something I’m proud of. I poured water on his head, then threw a glass on the table. I was so shocked, and confused. It was like something was playing out in front of my eyes, but I had no idea if it was real or not.”
I then started to cry again. I cried without even knowing it anymore, and sat there with Breigh holding my hand. She had reached for it and hadn’t let go.
It was exactly what I needed.
CASH
I was sitting at the desk in my little cubicle when Wyatt marched in with a look of rage. My instinct was to run from him when he had that look, even when I hid it. Whatever was going on he was not happy, and I hoped it was because of our father and not anything else.
He stood at my desk, opposite of me, and instead of sitting or talking to me like I was his brother he was in attack mode. He had on his state police uniform sans his hat.
“What in the hell is going on, Wyatt? I’m at work here.”
“I know where you are, Cash,” he spat at me with anger.
“What I need to say to you won’t take long.”
“Okay… what’s up?”
“I am so mad at you I could strangle you.”
“I haven't done anything… what now?”
“Emma told Breigh about your date at Blue’s on Friday. She saw you kissing. She saw everything.”
“Wow, Bro, I wasn't on a date. I met Maddy because I was calling it off. She had been calling me and wasn't taking no for an answer. I had to meet her in person and tell her I was off the market.”
“Since when does telling someone it is over constitute a kiss? And from I’ve heard it was not…”
“Maddy kissed me before she left. It was a bitch thing to do, but she was trying to prove her point. She wanted to make me miss her and figured I would be calling her again.”
He stood in front of me, keeping his eyes locked on mine.
“Which won’t happen, and I told her just that. I told you I am done dating. I want Emma and that is it.”
“That isn't how Emma saw it, and of course, I don't like it when Breigh is upset. Emma asked that we stay out of it, but that’s not possible now.”
“I agree that y’all should stay out of it, but I
