Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 19: Daniel's Dead Pt. 1

Detroit, MI:

Isabella woke up with those tattooed arms around her, he always held onto her tightly like he never wanted to let go. She kissed him on his face multiple times, she kept her kisses soft, she didn't want to wake him. Last night replayed in her mind over and over, Monica and Tory made valid points and she knew it would only be so long before Ben and Ambrose wanted an answer. She was getting comfortable here with Ambrose, she knew she needed to get her own place, she knew she needed to be alone, but Ambrose was drawing her in the same way he drew her in back in high school. She slowly removed his arms from around her and slipped out of bed. She'd brushed her teeth, and showered before pulling on Ambrose's robe.

She was the first and only person up, it was Sunday the kids always slept in on a Sunday. She made her way down to the kitchen, she played music lowly and started a fresh pot of coffee. The familiar sound of the coffee maker filled the silence, hoping its rich aroma would help ground her racing thoughts. Leaning against the counter, she reflected on the recent events that had unfolded in her life. Tanner's news about her job security had been a relief, but having to choose between Ben and Ambrose was becoming a slight headache for her. She knew who she wanted, but she was conflicted on staying with Ben for the kids. Her parents did it for her, but Monica and Tory were right she was not her parents.  Her phone buzzed catching her attention, she pulled it from the robe pocket.

Tory: I have a few building's lined up, Monica said she's free all day today, you up for looking at buildings for y'all law firm? (7:22PM)

Ambrose's voice broke through her reverie as he appeared in the kitchen, his hair tousled and a sleepy smile gracing his features. "Good morning, beautiful," he greeted her, pulling her in for a soft kiss. "I woke up and you was no where to be found. What you doin?" He asked watching her pour herself a cup of coffee, she mixed the sugar and French vanilla creamer in.

"Just thinking about everything," she admitted, taking a sip of her coffee. "There's a lot at stake, but I could be overthinking it too, ya know?"

Ambrose wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "You know I'm here for you, right? Whatever you need, I'm by your side."

"I know," she said, gazing into his eyes. "It's just difficult to balance everything. I still have to figure out what I want regarding my job, my kids, and... us." She admitted looking up at him. She couldn't help but to get lost in his eyes, her heart beat picked up when his hands cupped her face. Everything he did made her breathless, it could just be a simple smile. She knew why this decision was so hard, she wanted to go back to Ben to make it work for the kids, but things with Ambrose had already started, and she couldn't stop if she wanted. If she went back to Ben it would only end with her cheating on him, and that was the last thing she wanted.

Ambrose nodded, his expression serious and understanding. "So start with the job, you wanna work in the DAs office until you and Monica get the office open? Or not?" He asked.

"I think I should work, I do plan on getting my own place soon. Tory is working on finding me a place close to here, I don't wanna be too far away from the kids, or you."

"See how simple that was, you just be overthinking."

"I don't try to, I just really hate hurting people."

"I know, but sometimes it's inevitable."

"Thank you for being understanding."

"Baby you keep putting that pussy on me like that I might be able to understand Calculus." He joked making her chuckle.

"I gotta go get ready, I gotta meet with Monica and Tory. We gone look at these buildings and start this process."