What About Us

BOMBSHELL | EIGHTEEN

This is my first date in a while. Eric really never took me on dates because he claimed that he was too busy to give me the attention I was trying to find. Then, Tobias just slides on in and takes me out of Eric's loose arms and gives me everything I ever wanted; love, attention, dedication, and help. Somedays we have our arguments but it's nothing that would last weeks like Eric and I used to do. Eric and I. . . I hate comparing him to Eric because he's nothing like him, he's better and I regret saying yes to Eric when he placed that ring on my finger. But, then again, he wasn't like he was until I got pregnant with Camryn.

Christina was so kind as to go shopping with me at the North Bridge outlets. We had the kids with us and with them occupied in snacks, we got a lot done and found a beautiful outfit to go with the fall season and still look classy. It even shows off my small bump that's starting to flourish into something beautiful. When we got back home she helped me get ready by taking a shower, shaving, and doing everything that I needed to get done. When I got out of the shower she did my hair which didn't take long, she left my hair in it's curly faze and we let it dry and pulled it into a low ponytail.

Then, I got dressed in a cute black turtleneck dress with matching black lace up booties. She did my makeup like I would with eyeliner, mascara, and a nude tint of lipstick. I put in some black diamond earrings and got a matching handbag to pair with the outfit. I feel so confident in this night with Tobias. Soon, the kids are going home with Christina and I'm in the car with Tobias going towards downtown Chicago talking about everything under the sun. He takes me to a restaurant that looks like it thrives off of money and it's called Wildfire. I'm not one for a person trying to impress me with money, but I'm not going to turn this down if he gives it to me.

Soft jazz music plays throughout the restaurant as we look through the menu, and using Tobias' orders, I don't look at the price. We decided to get the spinach and artichoke fondue with bread points and the first bite was like heaven, "We have a lot coming up." I announce as we eat the appetizer, "Camryn's birthday is right around the corner in October, London is starting school next week, and I have my four month check up next month."

"Things are moving so quick," Tobias says as I take a sip of my sparkling cider. I nod my head in agreement, "One moment, I'm seeing your beautiful face and the next moment we're expecting a child and carrying on with life. Everything changed for the better."

I still can't seem to wrap the situation around my head that I'm in fact pregnant, and divorced within the time span of 6 months. Tobias still hasn't really opened up to me either, we got as far as his family life and that led up to the first time he and I were intimate. But, he's never really dawned on the girl that walked out of his life, someday I am terrified that he would just walk out on me and never return because she came back and I couldn't live with three kids on my own, "Are you alright?" Tobias asks once the house made Cesar salad is served to our table to nibble on while the main course is getting its final touches. I nod my head at him, still uneasy about the face of his ex coming to town, she would ruin my life.

We have small talk and soon the spirit starts to lighten up as dinner rolls around. I got the filet mignon wellington―well done, because I don't see how people can eat medium rare to raw food. That's disgusting. My sides were red-skinned mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli. Tobias got the lemon-pepper chicken breast with Au gratin notates and creamed spinach. It felt so nice to indulge in the delicious food and adult talk because I swear if I could drink a glass of wine, I would in a heart beat. But, I can't.

"We should come here more often." I tell Tobias as I take a sip of my cider, "The food is delicious, we could even bring the kids seeing as it's a family restaurant." I've seen many kids walk past with their parents with big grins on their faces or someone-please-kill-me-instantly look on their faces. They were well behaved and as long as Camryn and London had their nap I wouldn't mind bringing them here

"That sounds like a great idea." Tobias announces as he sips his beer and I envy him for a split second, "How are things going at work?"

I groan and a small smile forms on his lips, "Other than me smuggling all of the doughnuts in the break room, I've been pretty well. I get tired more easily while I'm there and I catch myself dozing off as I do reports. Now that some people know that I'm pregnant they make sure not do put as much on me and it pisses me the hell off," I release, wanting to kiss the heck out of Tobias for letting me vent. He knows what to do and what not to do―this is why I can't ever imagine him leaving me, because he helps me so much and I really do love him, "they obviously didn't mind giving me tons of reports and problems when I wasn't pregnant now all of a sudden I don't have anything to do but play solitaire on my computer. I'm pregnant not crippled." I roll my eyes.

"Well, I wouldn't want to put much strain on you either." He grabs my hand from across the table and rubs his fingertips over mine, "I love you."

I can't help the wide grin form on my face and I giggle, "I love you too."

+++

We decided to take a walk on one of the Promontory Point trails and it was absolutely perfect. After we dined on the delicious food and triple chocolate layered cake and chocolate pretzel ice cream we decided to take a walk on our full bellies and just relax before responsibilities hit us fully the next day. We both wanted it to last forever.

The water on the ocean-front railing hit the side of my jacket lightly as I got closer to the edge to peak down at the rapid waters and I continued to walk side by side with Tobias, "I'm going to have to go out of town soon with my boss for some work. We have to go to France and try and promote our business to some high guy over there to collab with us. We're trying to be 100% natural and we need the money. We're a big factor and handle more than just food." I nod my head, listening to each and every word like he did to me. But, I'm saddened at the face that he will leave me soon. 

"When will you go?" 

"Next week." 

"Oh." 

"Are you upset?" 

"A little." 

I tuck my hair out of my ponytail behind my ear and give Tobias a grin, "How long will you be there?" I question as we slowly walk past an old couple snuggled up on one of the benches, looking at the city across the water and I find it so romantic. Whether that's her husband or boyfriend. . . it doesn't matter. It's so nice to see love and I wish that could be me with Tobias or some lucky guy that steals the show. . .  I can't even imagine being with someone rather than Tobias. London will really hate me. 

"About a week, maybe less. We have a  lot to cover there." Tobias takes a deep breath and comes to a halt, "And I wanted to do this before I left." My eyes furrow deeply as he gets on one knee and the air is completely knocked right out of me. 

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Please don't shoot me! I know that I've been really busy lately and all of a sudden I leave you on a cliff-hanger! Forgive me, but I like to keep people on their toes!