Happier // Sequel to After Thoughts

8

February 19th

"I'm sorry, baby,"

Wesley just stares at us with a frown on his face. "So mommy leaving?"

I nod.

"Why? I thought you loved!"

"Daddy did something bad," Joey says. "Really, really bad. And your mommy is tired of daddy being stupid. You and London will be with mommy for one week, me one week, her one week, me one week..."

"Oh. But what if daddy gets hurt again?"

"Well," I scratch my head. "Aunt Jackie and Uncle Grayson are right next doors, buddy."

"Okay." Wesley stands up and hugs Joey, then me, then sits in between us on the couch.

"I'm sorry," Joey gets up from the couch, shaking as he starts to cry again. He leaves the room and I feel Wesley snuggle up to me tighter.

"Wanna see the house mommy is looking at?"

Wesley nods and I grab my laptop from the coffee table. I pull up the house and show it to him.

"It's only ten minutes from here. There's not a pool or a big tv, but there's a nice room for you and London. My room is downstairs next to the kitchen, and the living room is a bit smaller, but it's still good. And the garage is much smaller, but there's a nice driveway. And it's not too much money."

"I like it," Wesley says.

"I'm talking to the house seller tomorrow. I'll most likely get it, and start moving in soon. And since we can't move all of your stuff each time, you'll get a new bed and room stuff for mommy's house."

"Okay." Wes whispers and I close my laptop. I grab a blanket from the end of the couch and drape it over us.

"I'm sorry, Wes, but it's what's best. We love you so much, but we need to be apart now."

I hear his light snoring and smile. I kiss his cheek, then turn my head to the kitchen.

Joey stands there, staring at me. He quickly turns away and walks to the guest room.

•••

"I should get the kids for the first week. I'm the mother, and you are unstable."

"Okay," Joey mutters. I just set the last box in my new house.

"And you'll need Jackie to help you out the first few weeks you have them. She will remember to give London formula and their bedtimes and stuff. Wesley could help with London too, though he doesn't do much."

"Okay." He mutters again.

"Drive safely, Joe." I give him a small, quick hug, then he walks out the door.

I do wish he could've stayed to help me with other things, but he at least helped with my furniture.

I decide to work on the kitchen first, but then groan, realizing I need to get groceries. I leave it for tomorrow, then work on my bedroom.

In the morning, before Joey comes to drop Wesley and London, I change out of my pajamas to skinny jeans and a Duke shirt. I look for a jacket and realize I packed a lot of Joey's hoodies. I dig through and finally find one of my own sweatshirts, advertising a recital I did in junior year.

I step outside to see Joey's car in the driveway. He carries London in one arm and Wesley stands at his feet. Joey is still wearing the same outfit from yesterday when he was helping me out.

"You're already here?" I ask him, walking down the steps and kissing London's cheek, making her grin.

Joey nods, and I can't help how adorable his messy hair looks. I just want to run my hands through it once more, kiss him once more...

"Well," I take London from his arms and hold Wesley's hand. "I'll see you next week. I'll get Jackie to check on you tonight, okay?"

"Okay." He kisses London. "Bye, princess." He leans down and kisses Wesley. "Bye bud."

"Bye daddy," Wesley responds.

"Who wants to go to the grocery store?" I rhetorically ask them, but it makes London giggle and claps her hands. I laugh, and Joey cracks a smile. "I'll take that as a yes. Bye, Joey,"

"Goodbye, Blair," Joey hesitates for a second, but then kisses my cheek, making me slightly wince. He waves at the kids, then goes to his Jeep.

I don't watch as he drives away, but instead, put London in her car seat and Wesley in his.

•••

"Grayson could totally hook you up with someone, B."

I shrug and set down my wine glass. "I don't know. Joey and I just canceled the wedding a month ago. I just got moved in."

"But you'll be lonely when the kids are at his," Jackie argues.

"I'll be fine,"

"Luke Kennard." She suggests.

"Playboy."

"Alex O'Connell."

"Oh, not a chance."

"Brandon Ingram."

"He looks high 24/7."

"Brennan Besser."

"Not happening."

"Antonio?"

"Nope."

Jackie groans. "You're impossible!"

"I know." I give her a cheeky smile. "Plus, I don't need a man. I'm a fucking Queen, and no-" She silences me by holding up a picture of a guy.

"He looks nice," I say, making her laugh. "I love the black curls. Nice hazel eyes. Is he tall?"

"6'2"."

"I can do that. How do you know him?"

"Grayson's friend from Duke. He played golf but gave it up to be a physical therapist like his dad once he graduated. The name is Evan Morris."

"Take a picture of me and send it to him!" I beg her.

"I don't have his number, but I'll send it to G to send it to him. Now pose,"

I think for a second, then hold up my glass of wine. I raise one eyebrow and give a small smile. Jackie laughs a bit as she takes the picture.

"Sent."

"Damn, I move on quick... thank you, next, bitch!"