An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Brunch

LENA POV

As I pull up to the cafe that Denni and I frequent often, my stomach is a bit nervous. I knew I came here with every intention to speak to her about what was going on in terms of my son, especially since she was my girlfriend, and I felt she deserved to know. But, part of me wanted to ask her if she had been upset with me because it was very evident she felt something when I told her I was staying over Stef's.

The conversation Stef and I had on the beach yesterday has been plaguing my mind as well as the conversation with Sharon. I loved Sharon dearly, I really did, but I felt like she didn't fully understand my intentions with Stef and that I cared for her as a friend. I wasn't in love with her anymore, I wasn't going to sleep with her and sabotage my relationship with Denni. But she was the mother of our children, I cared about her, and I didn't want these issues with Corey to make her feel alone or to succumb to alcohol all over again.

Was it strange to hear that horrific message that FJ chick left on her machine? I mean, that, I didn't understand, or what Stef saw in her because to me she had not one bit of class and was as classless and tasteless as they come. Stef deserved better, she just did, and that was all I was getting at last night.

Course of conversation during and after the movie got to me a great deal because well, I did miss her. I missed her very much and when I climbed into bed next to her last night I saw her struggling in her sleep and calling out for Frank Jr. She was still asleep and had no idea but she was softly crying and all I could do was hold her. Hold her close until she once again fell asleep in my arms. It wasn't the first time this has happened and I knew all to well that the photos Sharon had showed her sparked these dreams again. But I couldn't be to sure especially and wondered if these nightmares still plagued her since I left and it's possible Frankie knew.

Exiting my car I head into the shop as I spot Denni standing outside as she turns to look at me, and I smile widely just at the site of her. She really, really was a beautiful woman, so elegant, so sophisticated and just everything I had always wanted in someone.

"Hi, sweetheart, my darling. So wonderful to lay eyes on you. I've missed you." She smiles as she pulls me in for a hug and kisses my lips. God, she smelled amazing as I smile back at her and kiss her once more.

"I've missed you too, Denni. So much." I says as she smiles softly once again and I take her hand in mind as we walk inside the little cafe.

"Come, lets grab this little booth by the window. It's a lovely afternoon. Did you sleep well, my darling?"

"I did. I have. Um, Denni, I want to thank you for being so patient with me in all this," I say as we both slide into the corner booth, and she reaches for my hand to hold as she looks in my eyes.

"Of course, sweetheart. I fully understand matters like this are very difficult to deal with. Forgive me Lena, but you are just so very beautiful and I'm so happy to be able to spend time with you while you're going through this." Her voice is so soft spoken as I nod and our waitress comes to take our drink order. But I do find my nerves continue to creep up as I glance out at the sunny street and try to prevent myself from fidgeting in my seat. I could do this. I could talk to her, and I was strong. I was.

She rubs my fingers as she looks at me, and I take a somewhat shaky and deep breath. "I couldn't get this out over the phone, Denni. It's even hard to share now because well, it's another thing now in the forefront of my life," I laugh softly as our drinks arrive and I pull back.

"Well, take your time, darling." She says with look of concern forming across her face as we place our brunch order and I find myself running my hands over my legs.

"I can't make this up even if I tried, Denni, but um, Corey has been sneaking out of my house when the kids stay with me. We aren't fully sure if he does at Stef's, but um, long story short, the vandalism's happening down at the yachts? Well, he's been with the boys doing it, serving as the look-out. I had to call Stef and had her and Mike come down and arrest him on Friday night."