The New Guy

Ch 12

   I finally wake up to my blaring alarm after pressing snooze for the third time. I knew now that I didn't have enough time to take my usual long shower, so I quickly did my hygiene routine before throwing my braids up in a high bun.

  Chicago's weather is slightly confusing today so I decided on cargo pants and a cropped Palm Angel tee Tommy got me. I slid on my panda dunks, jewelry, and purse before leaving. I decided to walk to work today since the weather wasn't as bad.

   After doing all my opening tasks I lingered around eating my breakfast waiting on my usual day drinkers to come in. Twenty minutes later in walks JP and his mom. They were smiling and laughing which confused me a little.

"Good morning Celeste," JP said before walking behind the bar to hug me.

"What's up JP," I say with a smile hugging him back.

"This is Kate, Kate this is-" JP started to say.

"We met yesterday." She says cutting him off.

  She walks up getting comfortable on a stool while eyeing me up and down. I look over at JP hoping he could make the situation a little less awkward.

"Have you talked to Tommy?" JP asks breaking the silence. I sigh shaking my head no.

"Trouble in paradise?" Kate asks with a smirk.

"What can I get you," I ask changing the subject

"Jameson." She says simply.

"So is my son planning on marrying you too?" She asks pointing at the shiny diamond ring on my right hand.

  I ignore her question as I pour her drink. JP clears his throat to release the tension.

"So Kate where you staying?" He asks.

"Tommy's until I get tired of hearing him and that girl." She says downing the drink in one gulp. 

  My heart stops beating and I start to feel faint. What exactly is she hearing? What girl is she talking about? All I know is it better not be Liliana. All the questions and scenarios made me feel nauseous.

"I'm gonna go sit down for a minute," I tell JP giving him a small smile.

"Don't take too long darling. I wanna show you the Spanish I've learned." She says with a small laugh.

I run downstairs to my office slamming the door. I lean against it as I start to hyperventilate. How dumb can I be? I mean all the late nights he spent with her and Claudia, she has a key to his place, she's always calling. I start feeling dizzy so I walk behind my desk sitting down. I stare at the picture of Tommy and I at the park. Tears start to fall and I angrily slide the frame off the desk breaking it.

I'm torn from my thoughts when I see Tommy busting through the door. He looked upset and out of breath from running. I wipe my eyes from all the tears.

"Celestial," Tommy says. I looked at the clock seeing it was 2:30 pm.

"Wow," I said to myself impressed.

"What?" I hear Tommy say snapping me from my thoughts.

"I've been down here for four hours crying," I say fixing my posture. I threw away all the wet tissues and paperwork I got wet with my tears.

"I'm sorry for what she said to you. But baby you gotta believe me." Tommy said walking over to me.

"I'll never ever cheat on you. I love you and only you Celestial." Tommy says holding my face so I'm looking at him.