Shattered Pieces

Seven

"I'm sorry, baby. I know you asked for space, but everything feels wrong when we fight."

I should've known better, asking Spencer for spacd. We haven't been able to keep our distance since the moment we first laid eyes on each other. Honestly, trying to be mad at him consumes all of my energy. If I'm trying this hard to be upset with him, maybe it's time I let it go.

"Your words really hurt me, Spence. Yet, somehow, I can't find it in myself to stay mad at you. Just promise me that next time things get heated, we take a step back before saying something either of us will regret."

"Bet. I'll never fix my lips to say anything that could hurt you ever again. Promise. You and Grayson are my world. Does this mean I get to fall asleep in our room, holding my wife tonight?"

"Play your cards right, and there won't be much sleeping involved in our room tonight."

"Say less, Mrs. James. I'll be on my best behavior." His tone is somehow playful and enticing at the same time.

I blush at the flirty antics with my husband. One thing about being irrevocably in love is that you're utterly obsessed with your partner. My husband is, without a doubt, my favorite person on the planet, and together we created the most magical little being I've ever laid my eyes on. If that's not proof of how meant to be we are, I don't know what is.

"Alright, babe. Bryce's wife is still here, and I don't want to leave here waiting for too long! I love you."

"Not as much as I love you. I hope it goes well, baby."

The line clicks, and I can't help the smile that grows on my face. Spencer knows how important this studio is to me, and I can't begin to express how much it means to me that he's supportive of this potential partnership with Kia despite his less than warm thoughts about her husband.

I make my way back into the office to find Kia scrolling on her phone. Her niece is situated comfortably next to her, engrossed with something on her iPad with the headphones to help her block out the world. My eyes linger on the young girl for quite a while. Something about her looks and feels eerily familiar.

Her hair is a really light brown and tied into a curly bun on the top of her head. I'd say she's no older than five years old, if that, and she's incredibly adorable. Her hand rests comfortably on Kia's lap, almost as though she just needs reassurance that her aunt is near.

"Sorry about that." I tear my gaze from the little girl. "My husband called, and he's in the thick of training camp, so I wanted to make sure it wasn't important. I'm sure you understand." I smile at Kia.

"Of course. How long have you been married, if you don't mind me asking? Bryce told me you guys are old friends from LSU!"

Ha! That's one way to describe us, I suppose. If Bryce didn't feel the need to explain the true nature of the shit show that is our relationship, I certainly didn't plan to fill in the blanks. The past is the past, and just like me, Bryce obviously believes it belongs there.

"I've been married for a little over three years."

"Oh, wow! So that means you got married as a freshman! I can't even remember half of my nights from my freshman year." Kia laughs.

Sometimes I let myself wonder how different college would have been had there been no Spencer. Would I have joined a sorority? Would I have the list of nights I can't remember from the parties I'll never forget? Getting married at nineteen definitely puts a little damper on your college life.

"Yea. People tend to tell us we were crazy for getting married so young, but I loved experiencing college with him. From the moment I locked eyes with Spencer, I knew he'd change my entire world."