Broken Pieces

Chapter twenty-six

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Not really sexual content but something close coming ahead. ••€•••

“Andrea!”

I had no idea why I shouted her name that much. But I guess it took my brain more time to notice her presence before processing the fact that I had just been caught sneaking into the house early in the morning. Or her words because immediately I had walked in she had asked, “Erica Charlotte Smith! Where have you been all night?”

I knew something unexpected like this would happen because life never happened as planned even in something as small as the fates making today not be the day Andrea decides to renege on spending the night at Kevin's.

It just had to be my luck that the first time I tried to spend a night with a man in recent years. Andrea would be home to ask where I was.

“I was out.”

I decided to be stubborn and unresponsive. My face blank as I looked straight into Andrea’s eyes. She reacted as expected to my words. She first looked shocked then disgusted.

“I know you hate people talking about assaults but Erica, please tell me you were not out with that bitch, Tia.”

I refused to let her words affect me but I internally cringed at her words. Tia was someone we never talked about because she was someone that helped me during my rough times. And almost made me end up in a rehab with her.

Andrea waved her hands in a dismissive motion like it was unthinkable for me to do that though. “I know you aren't back with her. So, because of all the times I have done things that when you ask me about them, I don't tell you because I don't want to—and you leave it. Then, I would leave you just this once because I trust your judgement.”

I rolled my eyes while breathing out a sigh of relief. “Thanks mom!”

She laughed and rolled her eyes too. “Your dad didn't notice your absence. I got back before you which surprised him because he said you sent him a text. He went to sleep while I waited for you and tried to call you. But later I decided that you probably just needed time alone.”

I was surprised Andrea was letting this go but I didn't even want to imagine what she thinks in her mind but I knew it would be near to the truth.

I tilted my head in question. “Why are you here and not at Kevin's?”

A look of irritation flashed past Andrea’s features as she huffed. “We had a fight.”

“You don't want to talk about it right?”

She gave me a look and I laughed because she must have heard the teasing and mock hopeful tone in my voice. I continued chuckling as I walked towards my room to get ready for work.

After taking my bath and getting dressed. I headed to my store.

I had a meeting with Mia and another with Jericho at his workshop that I had to take care of. Caden and I had also agreed to see tonight, so there was that.

After submitting new designs to Jericho. I worked with my new assistant, Matilda.

Matilda was a twenty-five years old Caucasian woman. That helped me manage the online accounts, helped me remember to do things I forget to do—one of her best features as that was my worst character. She helped with the store too and spoke to customers.

Mia still helped me make decisions but I also had Jericho and Bianca—The blogger/fashion adviser that helped me with promotion and advices on what to do and not do. We had grown closer after that first incident.