Divided Heart

Chapter 6

Teddy was up early cooking. It was his remedy for a restless night. He had blown up on Amara and was feeling like shit. Once he was done cleaning up his tornado, he collapsed in bed falling asleep instantly.

Amara stirred in her sleep, the harmonious smells emanating in the air brought her to the kitchen. Her stomach knotted looking at all the endless food. As a frequent traveler, Amara had a habit of light eating, so the abundant breakfast was more than she could consume alone once Teddy left. To avoid waste, she packed up the remaining food, hoping her mother would take it. Amara coordinated with the building concierge for pickup.

Teddy wasn't waking up anytime soon, but she couldn't stand to be near his sleeping body either. Amara decided to head to her parents early and help with the cookout if they needed it. A quick change later, she was on the road to her parents' house. She texted her mother to announce her arrival and request assistance with the food.

Teddy's culinary efforts had been impressive, and she intended to share the bounty. A sense of unease lingered. Teddy's behavior hinted at underlying concerns, and she just wanted there to be open communication between them. If they couldn't do that then she would have to let him go. She wasn't in the habit of begging men to stay in her life.

As Amara popped the trunk, her phone in hand, a familiar figure emerged from the house. Cameron was walking towards her car, a wide grin on his face.

"Cam!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. "What are you doing here?"

He returned the hug, kissing her neck playfully. "Your mom invited Grams and me, but she couldn't make it. Missed you though."

Amara playfully punched his arm. "I've been trying to reach you for weeks! You're lucky I even know you're alive."

Cameron chuckled, "Sorry, babe. Been in the zone. I promise I saw your texts."

Amara knew firsthand how easily Cameron could get lost in his coding projects. She usually tried to check on him, but with a busy schedule, she hadn't been able to this time. Thankfully, his grandmother had assured her he was okay.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she teased, a playful pout on her face.

Cameron's eyes lit up. "Come here," he said, pulling her in for another hug. "I missed you more than words can say."

Amara and Cameron had been together for years, their relationship built on trust and mutual respect. While their dynamic differed from traditional monogamy, their arrangement worked for them. Cameron was content with their relationship, his focus primarily on Amara and occasional, protected encounters with others.

"Since you're not mad anymore, can I kiss those lips?" Cameron leaned in, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Amara hesitated, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Teddy's in town, you know that," she reminded him gently.

While she enjoyed the flirtation with Cameron, she was mindful of Teddy's comfort level with their open relationship.

Cameron's grin faded slightly. "Right, my bad," he replied, his gaze drifting to her outfit - high-waisted shorts, a revealing crop top, and killer wedges.

"You looking too good babe." Cameron's mouth watered staring at her breasts, the soft honey mounds peaked over her shirt glistening in the afternoon sun. He wanted to place sensual kisses all over them leaving no piece of skin untouched.

"Hey, Earth to Cameron," Amara joked, snapping her fingers in front of his face. "Can you take this inside?" She handed him two of the food containers.

Cameron grinned, pecking her cheek before taking the containers. "You know, you might want to cover up before I have to fight someone," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Amara chuckled, noticing a certain...emphasis in his stance. "Oh, really? I think you might be the one in trouble here," she retorted playfully glancing at the bulge protruding out.

Cameron's cheeks flushed when he felt Amara's brother, Wyatt join them. Cameron retreated to the house before Wyatt could notice. Although Wyatt noticed anyway.

"Y'all nasty," Wyatt shook his head before grabbing his little sister into a bear hug. He was a foot taller than her and had to bend slightly.

"Hey, Wild," Amara embraced her brother. The nickname was ironic, given his laid-back nature.

Together, they carried the remaining food containers into the house. The kitchen was filled with the sound of laughter as Amara and Wyatt entered. Their mother and aunt, Veronica and Deneen, were deep in conversation over drinks.

Rahn's parents, Marcus and Deneen Alexander, were like extended family to the Justlys. Neighbors since before Amara was born, their bond was as strong as brothers. Together, Marcus Alexander and Gregory Justly had built a successful business, their partnership a testament to their enduring friendship. Deneen, originally from Haiti, adjusted well to living in the states and still celebrated her culture through her family and friends. Rahn was their eldest, followed by twin daughters, Zara and Zola, born when he was fifteen.

"My baby," Veronica exclaimed, pulling Amara into a warm hug. "You look beautiful! Did you see your beau?" she teased.

"Yes, Ma, I did," Amara replied with a laugh. "And Teddy is here too. You think that was wise?"

Veronica nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Of course, sweetie. The more the merrier." She paused, then added, "Cameron and Ross are always around each other, why is Teddy any different?"

"Because mama, Teddy is different. But I think it'll be okay." Amara shrugged slightly doubtful.

"Well okay baby, next time I'll double check. This is a drama free household. We support you. You know that.

Cameron and Ross were frequent companions at family gatherings and outings. Their easy camaraderie had made their inclusion into Amara's life seamless. Teddy, however, presented a different dynamic. His reluctance to engage with her other partners was evident. They didn't talk about them much. Amara was hesitant to broach the subject, unsure how he would react. Today's gathering offered an opportunity to gauge his comfort level with the situation.

"Why don't you come and gossip with us," Deneen joked but honestly was always in the mood for the latest tea.

Veronica giggled while she stirred her homemade sangria. Wyatt took that as his cue to leave the women to their drinking and gossip. He made a hearty plate of the breakfast Amara brung over, then joined his other siblings down in the basement. Amara stayed and joined them at the kitchen island waiting to hear the latest neighborhood gossip.

"Cheri?" Deneen asked, looking at Amara.

"Yes, tatis," Amara replied.

"What do you think about Nikki?" Deneen inquired.

Amara's mind raced. She didn't want to think about Nikki or Rahn, especially not now. "I'm not sure what you mean, tatis," she responded cautiously.

Deneen, with a nod from Veronica, decided to be direct. "Rahn and Nikki are separated."

Amara feigned surprise. "Oh no, what happened?" she asked, taking a sip of her mother's potent jungle juice.

Deneen explained that Rahn had been in love with another woman before marrying Nikki but stayed with her out of a sense of duty. The marriage had been fraught with issues, including infidelity.

Amara was shocked. "Why'd he tell them all that?" she thought, wondering if Nikki knew about the affair.

"Do you know her, Cheri? Rahn said her name was May." Deneen asked, referring to the other woman.

Amara's heart pounded as she heard her pet name, "May," mentioned. What if someone connected the dots? She managed a shake of her head. Deneen and Veronica exchanged skeptical glances. Before they could inquire further, Rahn's son, Noah, burst into the kitchen. Saved by the child.