Life With The Men I Love: Lies, Love and Pain

Chapter 26

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[Knock, Knock]

"Who is it?"

"It's Gloria."

"Come in." I tried to sound steady, even though my voice wavered. It had been a week since that "incident." Gloria was there for me, like always. I'd apologized for the way I'd lashed out, and things between us were back on track. The kids were staying elsewhere for now—especially Dri, since she was old enough to pick up on things I didn't want her to see.

Gloria walked in, her warm smile a welcome sight. "You're looking a bit better this morning."

"Yeah, the bruises are fading," I said softly, touching my cheek. Grey and I had been... separate, though he still came home to sleep in the guest room. "Haven't seen him in days," I murmured, more to myself than to her.

"I brought the baby with me today," Gloria said, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

"Oh! How's my little girl?" I asked, my spirits lifting at the thought of seeing Ivy.

"She's just fine. Want to see her?"

I hesitated, looking down at myself. "Do I look okay?"

Gloria nodded reassuringly. "You look great."

"All right, then. Bring her in." I adjusted myself in bed, pulling the sheets around my waist as Gloria stepped out to get Ivy.

A moment later, I heard her voice from the hallway. "You want to see Mommy, Ivy?"

"Mama!" Ivy shrieked as Gloria walked back in, her tiny eyes lighting up as she spotted me.

"Hey, baby girl! Mommy missed you." I held out my arms, and Gloria placed her in them. "Look at you, so pretty." I kissed her cheeks, running my fingers through her soft curls.

Gloria gave me a tender smile, watching us. "Thank you, Gloria... for everything. For keeping her, for... just, thank you."

"You're welcome, honey," she said, her voice full of warmth.

"Mama!" came another little voice from the hallway.

I glanced up, startled. "Is that Dri?"

Gloria nodded. "Sounds like it."

"She's back from London?"

"Looks like it." She turned toward the door and called out, "Come on in, Adrianna!"

Within seconds, Dri burst through the doorway, a whirlwind of excitement. "Hi, Gloria!" She hugged her quickly before turning to me. "Mommy!" She ran to the bed and threw herself into my arms.

Gloria smiled and excused herself. "I'll leave you three alone."

I hugged Dri tightly, burying my face in her hair. "Baby, I missed you," I said, my heart full. She pulled away, planting a kiss on Ivy's cheek.

"London was so cold," she pouted.

"Did you have fun, though?"

"Yeah! Daddy was super busy, but he still took me sightseeing and shopping," she beamed.

"That's wonderful, sweetheart."

"He's the best," she declared, pride shining in her eyes.

"He is," I said, unable to keep from smiling at how much she adored him.

Dri's face fell as she looked at me with concern. "Are you feeling better, Mommy? Is the food poisoning all gone?"

"It is, baby. I'm feeling much better," I assured her.