Shambles

Chapter 17: Ember

We've been in the house now for about two weeks and I've been loving every minute of it. Sidney has got every room decorated but the den and basement. I haven't made my mind what to do with it yet - even after some ideas from Sidney. The kids are loving the new house too, they can be as loud as they want and can roam the house without having to be careful of Grady getting upset.

When I talked to Shay two days ago she told me Grady has already moved on with this new chic that comes to the club with him most nights. I asked her if she knew her, but she said; she had never seen her before. Which is a good thing. Hopefully, he will leave me alone.

"Where is your baby daddy at?" Kita asks, standing in the kitchen making her a margarita so she can go back and sit on the new pool furniture Sidney put back there. I have no clue what's her obsession with that pool.

"Probably at home with his wife," I reply, opening up the refrigerator.

"Do I hear a bit of jealousy in your tone?"

Looking around the fridge I stare at her. "No..I don't care what that man does."

Kita chuckles as she sips her drink. "This is good. You should make you one."

Scrunching up my face I shake my head. "No. I'm about to run to the store. I think I'm going to make tacos tonight."

"What time is Bash getting back?"

"I'm not sure. Mr. Stephens took him to the batting cage."

"You should get Papa into some sports too," Kita says grinning.

Rolling my eyes I grab my keys. "I asked him. He told me he didn't want to play any, but I'm sure he will change his mind." Walking toward the door I turn. "I need you to watch Sweet Pea and Papa. They are both sitting in the den watching Moana."

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Walking in Walmart I go straight to the food section. I only need a few things, so if I go where I'm supposed to - I won't buy shit I don't need.

"Em," I freeze at the voice. Turning I see Pedey walking up to me and I'm instantly weighed down with dread. Twisting my head I search around for Grady knowing he's most likely close.

"Relax baby girl. It's just me." He smiles.

Breathing out the breath I've been holding I focus my attention on Pedey. "Hey Pedey, what are you doing on this side of town?"

His eyes search my face. "I like coming to this Walmart."

"Oh, Yeah. It is nice."

He rubs his hand over his bald head. "You know Grady hasn't been himself since you left."

"That's not what I heard."

"What'd you hear?" He asks, smiling.

"That he's already got him some chic - which to be honest is not surprising. Hell, he had women when I was there."

Pedey chuckles a little. "Well, he's still looking for you. So be careful." He looks off before sighing. "You know I knew that you had been dropping your kids off with their dad. I kept it to myself because I knew he was breaking you. And I had a feeling your kid's dad would be your way out." His eyes roam over my face. "You are different from all those other bitches who just want him for what he can do for them, but he's not ready for what you can offer." He smiles a crooked smile.

"Thanks for not telling him."

"No problem."

"Patrick." I turn at the voice behind me. It's a short pregnant light-skinned girl holding a little girl's hand. "They don't have the kind of ice cream I want. Let's go to Whole Foods," She says.