When Hate Turns to Love- Part 2

Ch. 9

Nini burst into tears as she hugged her husband goodbye. One month pregnant and she was already a hormonal mess. She was beginning to realize what an easy pregnancy she had with the twins.

"I'll miss you." she said.

"I'll miss you too." he said, breathing in her beautiful scent, "I'll be able to fly home in two weeks and stay a few days."

Nini nodded. Ricky turned to his kids.

"I love you daddy." Charlotte said.

Ricky lifted her into his arms and kissed all over her face. She giggled.

"I love you too, Princess." he said.

"Bye daddy." Connor said.

Ricky set Charlotte down and knelt in front of Connor.

"Bye Little Man." he said, then whispered, "Watch out for your mommy and sister ok? You're the man around the house while I'm gone."

Connor nodded, his little chest puffed up at the request.

"Okay."

Nini and the kids all have Red a hug goodbye too, since he was going with Ricky.

"Make sure he behaves." Nini told Red, pointedly, chuckling while Ricky rolled his eyes humorously.

"We'll be on our best behavior. We promise." Austin said, sharing a grin with his best friend, "Come on man, we gotta go."

Nini teared up again as Ricky and Red walked away.

LINE BREAK

Ricky had been gone a week and a half and Nini missed him like crazy. They FaceTimed every night, and she struggled not to beg him to come home. She knew he would return in a heartbeat. She busied herself with school and the twins, who decided to take up extracurricular activites. Charlotte was a huge hit in art club and Connor joined the mini baseball team. She was on her way to his practice when her phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered, hopping on to the freeway.

"Hello Miss Salazar-Roberts." a familiar voice responded.

"Oh, Mr. Mazzara, how are you?" she asked with a smile, "And it's actually Mrs. Bowen now."

"Oh, my apologies. I am well. And you?" the lawyer returned politely.

"Just fine thanks." she said.

"Listen Miss, er, Mrs. Bowen," Mr. Mazzara said, "Could you possibly meet me tomorrow, at four?"

"Well sure," Nini said, "but why?"

"It is something best discussed in person. Miss Heethuis will also be attending this meeting."

Nini's blood went cold. If this also involved Brookelynn, this had to be about-

"EJ." Nini said simply.

"That is the matter, yes." Mr. Mazzara said.

"I'll be there." Nini stated.

"Then I will see you tomorrow." Mr. Mazzara said.

LINE BREAK

Nini pulled into the parking lot of Mr. Mazzara's offices, Brookelynn in the passenger seat.

They were quickly ushered into Mr. Mazzara's office.

"Hello ladies." he said, standing behind his heavy mahogany desk.

They returned the greeting and sat down.

"Is this about EJ?" Nini asked bluntly.

Mr. Mazzara nodded.