Not Broken: The Happily Ever After(19)

“Yeah, she’ll be out in a few.”

“You wanna just go?”

“No. Shawn is still up, and we haven’t let him feed the giraffes yet.”

She buckled London back into her stroller, and we headed out. We talked about random things on the way, I could tell she wasn’t completely satisfied with the end of our conversation, but I was glad she wasn’t pushing.

Shawn was excited to get up close to the giraffes. Macy took a cute picture of us that I sent to my parents. By the time we finished, it was almost two, and I realized I’d still not heard from Malcolm. Not even a text. My thoughts were at odds over that fact. It wasn’t like I needed him to call me every day, but part of me worried his lack of communication stemmed from guilt. Yes, he went to Macy’s last night, but what went on before then?

“I’m hungry and rather not eat here. Let’s go get some lunch,” Macy said.

I put my phone away and shook off those wandering thoughts. “Sounds good.”

“Do me a favor,” she said as we walked toward the front gate.

“Sure thing.”

“Don’t talk about the sex. The idea of my brother is too…ew. I don’t think I could handle it.”

My first reaction was to say there wouldn’t be any sex to talk about, but stopped myself. It was easier to play along.

“But Macy,” I replied, forcing a laugh, “you’ve always wanted to know about my sex life. I will have to share. I mean, what if he knows cool tricks from those fancy French women or something.”

She made a gagging motion that made me laugh hysterically. Shawn joined in on the laughter. As she walked toward her car, I thought about what she’d said. I’d not even thought about the ramifications when things didn’t work out with Mal and me. I didn’t want to lose my friend over this, nor did I want to be the cause of another rift in their family.

∞∞∞

When we got home, I entered the house as quietly as possible, careful not to wake Shawn. Once I got him settled in his crib, I headed back downstairs to retrieve my purse and the diaper bag. I was hot and tired after being out longer with Macy than I’d planned. A shower then a nap sounded good, but before that could be done, I needed to call Malcolm back. He’d finally called while Macy and I were out, and had apologized for not calling sooner. Digging through my bag, I found my phone, and then dialed his number. He answered on the second ring.

“I was starting to think you forgot about me,” he said, and I could hear the humor in his voice.

“You know how time has no meaning to your sister,” I replied with a laugh as I headed to the sofa.

“That’s true. So whatcha up to?”

“Nothing. Um…Shawn’s napping, and I’m thinking about joining him.” I kicked off my shoes and propped my feet up on the coffee table.

“A nap…I was hoping to come see you.”

There was a hint of disappointment in his voice, and I chewed on the corner of my bottom lip as I thought of a reply. Having visitors at my house was not something I enjoyed. The eventual “when would I move” topic always came up, and I knew that since he’d gotten the house I’d be faced with it again. However, it didn’t matter whether he came over or not, that conversation was inevitable. Macy had said as much today.

“No…you can come. I’m sure Shawn will be happy to see you.”

“Only Shawn?” he asked, with an edge to his voice.

“No…I guess I wouldn’t mind seeing you.” I tried to sound playful.

Mal laughed, which was a good sign. After we hung up, I headed to take a shower. Being able to take a nice, long, leisurely shower was one of the things I missed since becoming a mom. Nowadays, they were quick five-minute events because I was too nervous Shawn would get hurt while I wasn’t watching.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I heard Shawn calling for me on the baby monitor. I dressed quickly in a pair of blue shorts and gray T-shirt before going to retrieve him from his crib. When I stepped into the room, his deep blue eyes sparkled, and his face lit up. With each passing day, he looked more and more like Seth. He haunted me through our son.

Shawn’s arms stretched out toward me. “Ma-Ma!”

Pushing away my negative thoughts, I gave him a warm smile as I picked him up. I’d just finished getting his diaper changed when I heard Mal’s voice come over the intercom.

After buzzing him in, Shawn and I headed downstairs. Malcolm had a huge grin on his face when he saw us standing in the doorway. Shawn squirmed in my arms when Mal climbed out of his truck, so I put him down. Malcolm scooped Shawn up and swung him around in the air, and he erupted in a fit of bubbly giggles.

Malcolm looked over in my direction. His hazel eyes shone with amusement as he walked to me. The smile on his face was contagious, and I returned it freely.





Chapter 9


Malcolm





Ginger looked genuinely happy to see me. My eyes took in her beautiful form. The blue shorts she wore were surprisingly short, stopping just below the curve of her thighs. Her T-shirt fit loosely, but did nothing to hide the generous swell of her breasts.

After everything had happened, she’d taken her modest clothing to a new level, opting to be fully covered at all times. She’d worn nothing but sweatpants and long sleeved shirts, even in the dead of summer, for a full year.