An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Morning Check in

LENA POV

It was early, the morning of my birthday, and I had not gotten much sleep last night at all. Not a wink if I'm honest, despite the fact that Denni had given me a massage, we had talked almost all night until the sun came up, and she made me a soothing cup of tea. Denni really had been extremely supportive even if it continued to feel difficult and embarrassing for me that she was seeing certain sides of me and the troubles in my life. But I knew the closer I got to her, the more she would see and know. And that alone scared me.

Sighing I realize the bed feels light as I turn over and see it empty but a note on Denni's pillow. Picking it up I see a heart and a birthday cake drawn on it as I smile and open it.

Be right back my darling. Went to get my beautiful birthday girl something special.

I smile at the note as I get up and throw a tank on glancing at the clock radio on the nightstand and see it is almost seven in the morning. I knew the kids were up and getting ready for their day, and I promised Frankie I would call. Of course I planned on calling anyway to check on them after last night's event and to see what was going on and if I needed to go home or not. Yes, Mike told me to stay put and finish out my week, but my kids meant the world to me. They just did as well as their safety, and well so did Stef despite how awkward our relationship was.

Taking a seat at the little table, I suck in my breath and gear up for this call because I had no idea how Stef was going to be, pleasant or a fucking nightmare, which I hope would not be the case considering I hung up on her the last time we spoke. But whether we liked it or not we had to work together for our kids especially when things like this happened.

Letting it ring a couple of times I finally hear someone pick up and the kids in the background.

"Hello!"

"Sharon, good morning it's Lena." I say thankful she answered as her voice is so happy and chipper, like always.

"Well, if it isn't the birthday girl herself! Happy Birthday, sweetheart!" Smiling into the phone I begin to doodle on the hotel notepad as I continue to hear the kids in the background, for I did miss them. I missed all of them.

"Thank you, Sharon. I appreciate that. Listen is Stef there?" I ask as I hear the kids begging to talk to me.

"Is that Mama, Nana Dukes??! Is that her?" I hear Frankie yelling as well as Corey.

"Ma!! Happy Birthday!! Happy Birthday Mama!!!"

"Oh you have a bunch of people over here that wanna wish you Happy Birthday. Come, honeys, gather around! Callie, Stefanie, Jude come say Happy Birthday to your Mama!" Sharon says as I am happy to hear their voices.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!!!" They all yell as I smile so wide and can feel tears fall down my cheeks. They run down my face as I wipe them and see Denni come inside as she places a bouquet of flowers on the table in front of me.

"Thank you, babies. Thank you so much. I love you all so much."

"We love you too, Mama!!!" They yell as Sharon gets back on the phone .

"Now, I hope you aren't calling to say you're coming back home because of the little spat made by that little hussy last night. It's completely unnecessary for you to do, sweetheart. I took care of her ass," Sharon says as I try not to laugh.

"Sharon, the kids sounded so scared. And Stef? Her job? And a fight with Jillian? What happened? I feel so far away, and..."

"Oh that," she cuts me off. "Well, baby you know my daughter is very passionate. And there is nothing to worry about. And there's no reason to rush home and be in a tizzy. Jude has his little day camp, Corey will be in school and the girls have the bakery. Stefanie will be with me all day doing my readings. So what would you come back for, honey? "