What He Really Wants

Chapter Thirteen

I came back fully drained from the exercise I just had. I went straight to the refrigerator to get myself a bottle of water to drink when I saw Edna come in, fully dressed like she was going for a meeting. Even with her blazer, she still looked breathtaking. I needed to get rid of the awkwardness between us.
"Hey."
"Hey," she said without looking at me. I felt the anger in her voice, and I knew I needed to stop whatever had been going on for the past weeks.
"Edna, I'm sorry for my actions at the park that day. We've been going strong as friends, and I don't want to ruin that," I said, waiting for her reply.
"It's alright," she said.
"So... let's call it a truce?"
"Truce," she affirmed.

We were going to be more than friends, but I didn't tell her yet. I didn't want to ruin the moment. She left without saying anything else—it was obvious she was avoiding any form of conversation with me.

⸻

EDNA

I did not have time for Alex's truancy today. I had things I needed to sort out for myself, and he was the last thing on my mind—but actually, that was a lie. My mind kept replaying the mind-blowing kiss. Sometimes, I wished all of this hadn't happened and that Peter and I could go on with our lives as though Alex didn't exist. But he just had to destroy everything I had. Typical Alex. But this time, I'm bulletproof. He can't get to me again.

Enough of that—back to me. Today, I was going to check for good spaces to start a restaurant, which has been my lifelong dream. I needed to figure my life out so that I wouldn't have to depend on Alex when it was time to leave the house. I knew it wasn't going to be easy with Alex's domineering character, but I had to find a way. Even if it was just getting the space, with time, I would gradually get everything I needed to start up.

As I walked into one of the buildings I saw on the internet, a voice welcomed me in.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. How may I help you?"
"I'm here concerning the advert I saw on your website for the sale of this building."
"Okay, let me show you around," she said.

I followed her, and she showed me the ins and outs of the building. It was beautiful, and I loved it. The price was reasonable, and she said I could pay up all the money within two years. I was so happy. I couldn't wait to have my own restaurant—and to show Alex I could work for my money. I wasn't a gold digger like he thought I was.

"All in due time, Edna. All in due time," I said to myself.

⸻

On my way back home, I went to the grocery store to get some food items, and I needed to check up on Tilda, my friend. I felt like, with everything going on, I hadn't even cared to check in on her.

"Hey, stranger!" I heard a familiar voice say as I entered the store. It was Tilda.

I laughed because I knew she was mad at me—and once Tilda sees me smiling, her heart just melts. It was like I jazzed her with my smile. All she wanted was for me to be happy.

"I'm sorry I've been MIA lately," I told her as I found a place to sit.
"What happened to you? It's so unlike you to just disappear into the blue without informing me."
"Many things, Tilda. Can you believe I'm a married woman?" I replied.
"What?!" she exclaimed.

I told her everything—from when Alex came to the store and made his stupid offer, to how I was getting a space for my new restaurant. She was angry with Alex and threatened to deal with him, but mostly, she was happy that I was finally going after my dream.

"Have you told Alex about Peter?" she asked.
"No. And I'm never going to. After everything he did, I don't think I want Peter to go through what I went through," I said in defense.
"I feel you should tell him. Peter deserves to grow up with a father," she said.
"I am his father and his mother," I told her.
"If you say so, Edna," she said with a smile.

I knew all she wanted was the best for me and Peter—but I don't think Alex is the best.