The Strongest Hit.

Chapter 36: Heartless

Hailey's POV:

Ms.Opal was a sight for sore eyes.
I was hoping she could help me pull Justin out of his self deprecating ways.
Maybe get him to confide in me about whatever Asher was up to.
But I was sorely mistaken.
It appeared that Ms.Opal was in some sort of cahoots with my pain in the ass husband.
Even George and Gypsy were snubbing my presence.
It started the minute we got out of the car.
George made a beeline for Justin's ankles, wrapping himself around him...like Justin was his own personal brand of catnip.
I watched with an open mouth as Justin picked up George, like a father would with a human toddler.

"I missed you Georgie Porgie!" my husband cooed into the cat's fur.
Not to be forgotten, Gypsy came prancing up  and purring as she circled Justin's ankles.

"Did you put cat treats in your pocket or something? I don't get it."

Justin rolled his eyes playfully as his tongue darted out at me.

"They love you too, baby.
They just love me more."

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes as I took off for Ms.Opal.
I'd be the first to get one of her bear hugs.
Knowing just how jealous Justin would be.
I wrapped myself softly around her 5'3 frame, taking in her comforting scent.
She always smelled like baked goods.
Today was banana bread.
I was secretly praying there'd be some waiting for me in the kitchen.

"There,there...I'm right here Angel!
Your hugging me like your afraid I'm gonna disappear on ya!"

I giggled as I eased up some, but I still wasn't letting go.

"Sorry Ms.Opal, it's just I feel like your our second home."

After my words came spilling out, I took a step back. I felt kinda embarrassed by my admission.
She could easily sense my mood and softly placed her hand under my chin.

"This is your second home, child.
No need to act all bashful with me."

I was about to hug her again when Justin barged right into the middle of us.

"How's my favorite girl over 25 doing?"
He leaned in and kissed her weathered cheek and then gently picked her up and spun her around.

"Boy! You better come to your senses and put me down right this instant!"

Her words didn't match her wide smile and quiet giggles as she patted Justin softly on the back.
He spun her around one more time before carrying her in through the front door.
"It smells amazing in here, Ms.Opal!"
I watched as she returned a kiss to his cheek.
"That's because I knew you'd be starving,  and a young man needs nutrition."
He smiled at her and then glanced back towards me .
"You made me banana bread?"
When Justin wanted to play innocent Angel, he damn well mastered it.
His eyes would go all wide and soft.
And right now, Ms.Opal was falling for it easily.
"I even put in extra walnuts for you, because I know you like em.
I'll warm you a piece and put some butter on it."
I watched as he carried her into the kitchen with George and Gypsy on the tail of his heels.
I was still standing on the front porch, totally forgott about.

"Don't worry about me! I'll just bring the bags in!   I sarcastically yelled out loud.

"Thanks babe! Your the best!"  he yelled back.

I stormed back to the car and grabbed my bags, not his.
If precious wanted his bags, he could walk his ass out here and get them.
I took my bags straight to the 3rd floor loft and plopped down on my favorite bed.
This bed felt like it was ours.
The first thing to belong to us...together.
I could feel my frustration towards him slipping away, as I remembered our first night we spent together here.
So I decided to let bygones be bygones and made my way to the kitchen.
As I came to the bottom of the stairs, I could hear them both whispering.