An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Bedroom Talks

STEF POV

"So, we need to be in court at 9 AM, sharp. I expect you to iron your pants, jacket and shirt Mike so nicely helped you pick out today. I don't care if they're brand new. They need to be ironed, and be ready to tell the truth. This is serious, Corey. I hope you understand now." I say sternly as he, Lena and myself are sitting at the kitchen table after we had just had our pizza dinner with the kids.

"I do. I understand, ma'am." He says as I continue to stare hard at him as I see him glance at Lena, trying to see what she's thinking, and I notice how hard she is glaring at him which makes his face turn red.

"We love you, Corey. Mom and I both do and hopefully this teaches you a lesson because I just don't know what else to do here. I really don't, and if you didn't learn, then let the system teach you what I failed to teach," she barks as he looks at her, remorse spreading across his face.

"It has. I swear it, Mama. I won't ever do something like this again in life. I promise. May I be excused to iron my things? Just before I get really tired because well, ya know, um, it was a long day of renovating and stuff with Uncle Mike."

"You may, unless Mama has more to say?" I look at Lena who still hasn't lightened up in the least as she replies.

"No. Go on. And set your alarm please so that you have plenty of time to get ready in the morning. Mom and I expect you to take more responsibility now as part of what we discussed."

"Yes, Mama." Corey says looking back at me as he now stands seeming even taller than before, but his face was still young and he was still very much a young 14 year-old boy with so much innocence.

"Goodnight, Moms."

"Goodnight, baby." I say as he heads out of the kitchen, and I light a smoke just feeling the weight of the day on me like nobody's business as I rub my forehead feeling Lena grab my free hand.

"You want me to make you some tea? It's been a hell of a day." She offers as I rub her hand back and smile.

"No, love. I'm okay. You? I can get you something?"

"No. I'm okay. Tired. I just want to lay down honestly." She says getting up as I puff my smoke again watching her put the kettle on for some tea as she reaches for her mug which I never got rid of since she moved out.

Today really has been a mind fuck with not only those fucking ass letters that were locked in my safe now, but what Lena had said to me in her little art studio. She wanted me to feel her. Fuck. Jesus, I'd give anything to feel this woman, and I had no earthly clue how I was going to sleep next to her tonight. I really don't know how, but it wasn't about sex or making love right now. It just wasn't as she turns back around, and I stare at her my face softening.

"What's wrong, baby? Mm?"

"Just tired. I'm gonna go change and read. Is that okay?" She leans against the counter, and I can see the weariness on her face, and my heart breaks even more because I know she's not okay from that letter. I know it with everything in me, and my mind is struggling to truly understand how Tess could be so very cruel with her words. Nothing about it made sense to me at all, and I'd get to the bottom of it if it's the last thing I fucking do.

"Of course." I say watching her fix her mug of tea before walking off as I finish my smoke, and I head to check on the kids to see them listening to music and reading magazines. Kissing them all, including Jude who was happily reading his Nancy Drew book, I peek in on Corey who is passed out. I love this boy, I really do, and I am trying hard not to be upset with him but I am furious beyond words.

Heading into my bedroom, I see Lena is changing as I quickly look away. "I'm sorry, love. I should have knocked." I say seeing her bare back as she throws on a tank looking back at me.