Breakthrough

Same Old Mama

She looked confused, excited, yet relieved all at the same time.
"Wh--what are you doing here?" She asked.
"I was here for a cupcake but it looks like I got something better," I said as I felt tears well up in my eyes. I saw her look over at Blake who was fairly close to me.
"Sir did you need something else?" Claire asked him.
"No, just waiting for my lady," he said politely as he nodded at me. "I see you two have some catching up to do so I'll be outside with everybody else," he said as he gave my side a slight squeeze and headed outside.
"Yes, yes we do have a lot to catch up on. Is that your honey bunny?" Claire asked with wide eyes.
"Mhmm, and my baby daddy," I said. I could feel myself blushing.
"Baby daddy? Soph, you're having a baby?!?" She gasped.
"Mhmmmm! I just found out I'm pregnant haha, listen I have lots to tell you. What time do you get off?"
"I'm usually out of here my nine or so," she said leaning on the counter.
"Do you wanna come over and talk?"
"Yeah, yeah. That would be nice. Really nice."
"Ok, gimme your number and I'll text you the address," I said pulling out my phone as she gave me her phone number.
"I'll just text you when I'm on the way," she said wiping her hands on her apron.
"Yeah, that's fine. I just can't believe this is happening."
"I can't believe it either. I also can't believe all of this is happening to you." I hear her voice crack a little bit a she came around from the counter and hugged me. Both of our faces fit perfectly in the creases of or necks. She smelled like cinnamon just how I remembered.
"I can't tell you how much I missed you," I said.
"I know. I always hoped this would happen. Or something like this," she said as I felt her hands press into my back one last time before we let go. "Is that his family outside?"
"Yeah, his parents are here from Oklahoma. it's their last night here," I said looking out the window where I saw them laughing at something Blake was saying.
"You know I feel like I know him from somewhere. He looks so damn familiar. I mean maybe he's just come into the bakery before."
"No, this is his first time coming here. You've probably seen him before. On TV, on that giant ass billboard not too far from here, he's always got a ball in his hand," I hinted.
"No, that can't be him. Lakers or Clippers? I can't keep up with either of them but you know John is always talking about basketball."
"Haha, Clippers. Oh my goodness how is John?" I asked.
"He's good and he's engaged!"
"He is not! To Kayla?"
"Mhmm, they're getting married right after Christmas," Claire said smiling.
"Oh my gosh. I wanna see them soon. Do you have the same phone number?"
"Yeah, same as always," Claire said.
"Ok, well please come over tonight? I'm serious. I have so much to tell you."
"I will. I promise. I just need to close up here and I'll be right over. Your same place?"
"Same neighborhood different place."
"Ok, I'll be over soon," she said giving me a hug again. I'd missed her. I didn't know how much we'd missed in each other's lives until I stood here in her cupcake shop.
"I'll be waiting," I said feeling myself grin as we let go of each other and Claire went back into the kitchen and I joined Blake outside.
"There you are," he said smiling.
"Sorry, I didn't realize how long I was in there," I said to him.
"Is that her?" Blake asked.
"Mhmm, it's just been so long and so much has happened."
"Yeah, a lot has," he agreed.
"She's gonna come over later. Do you mind?"
"Not at all. Maybe she can bring some more cupcakes I can eat about four more," Blake said holding up the empty box.
After we finished our cupcakes, all of us headed to Blake's house to pick up his parents things. They were staying the night at Taylor and Marieka's so they could take them to airport in the morning.
"We're so, so happy for you sweetie," Gail said giving me a warm hug. "Both of you. We're so happy to finally get a grand baby!" She said giving her son a small smile and a hug. Tiny gave Blake a pat on the back and a firm handshake before looking to me. He came over and wrapped his arms around me. He smelled like Blake.
"You give him hell," he whispered. "Send him to the store at night all the time. Make him wait on you hand and foot," Tommy whispered into my ear as I began to laugh.
"I will drive him crazy," I said to him as he let go of me and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before getting into the car.
Blake and I waved as Taylor pulled out of the driveway.
"I'm glad your family took it well," I said sighing.
"They're your family too you know," Blake said walking back inside the house. I didn't say anything. I just nodded my head as we both headed up the stairs.
"I'm going to take a shower and go to bed here pretty soon," Blake said yawning.
"I keep forgetting you guys leave for Phoenix tomorrow," I said sitting in the recliner that sat in the corner of the room.
"Yeah, we will be back Wednesday morning. Then you leave what? That night or Thursday?"
"Actually I think it's Wednesday early afternoon. And then I'll be back the next Monday."
"Man, we've got some busy weeks coming up,"
Blake said crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"It's the grind."
"And you love it," Blake said smiling.
"I live and thrive off of it."
"I know. It's crazy. Is your friend coming over still?"
"Yeah, she just texted me saying she was leaving the bakery."
"Ok, well I'm sure y'all will be up for awhile catching up and talkin' smack so let me go ahead and tell you goodnight," Blake said walking over to the recliner.
"You must be real sleepy. It's not even ten yet," I said as he put his hands down on the arms on the chair and leaned down.
"You know between you, and work, and this week I'm whipped like a damn frat pledge."
"I don't think I've ever heard that one before," I said laughing as I leaned into give him a kiss.
"I'm always trying to keep it fresh for you baby," Blake said.
"Always, huh?"
"Always," he said giving me another kiss.
"I think I'm just gonna leave me car at the airport since you'll be leaving to go to the airport and everything. That way I can just drive myself home."
"Are you sure?" I'm sure Taylor could pick you up. And if he couldn't my dad could," I offered.
"Nah, I'll be alright. It's not that far of a drive."
"Ok, if you insist," I said.
"The only thing I insist on is you taking care of yourself while I'm gone. Take care of both of you," Blake said nodding at my stomach.
"I will. You know I will."
"I'll even have Marieka come over here and make sure you're doing everything right."
"Blake I'm not even 12 weeks yet."
"I just don't want to take any chances Soph. I just don't."
"And neither do I but, I think you can lay off a little. At least for now," I said as I heard a light knock on the door.
"You know it's all because I love you right?" Blake asked.
"Yes, I know," I said giving him a small smile. "Now come on, I want you to meet her before you go to bed," I said getting up out of the recliner as we both headed downstairs.
After pushing Chaney out of the way and opening the door, I felt my smile fade into a frown of disgust. She was the last person I'd expect to show up at the door especially at this hour. Where was Claire? I didn't want to invite her in or even look at her. I know longer felt the need to try and respect her. Or even love her. Even if she was my mother.