"I thought you said we were going to sight see when we get here. It's weekend" My little princess skipped down the stairs, following me about.
"I'm sorry, Tonia. You know we can't do that without Daddy Gerald. He'd feel sad" I pouted at her.
"That's true. I wouldn't want that." She huffed. "Can I ask something?"
"Oh my goodness Tonia. I really need to get to the grocery shop so I could return early and also so we could start our girls day" I groaned, standing akimbo as I faced her.
"I'll shoot anyway" She shrugged, grinning at my frustration. I swear she loved seeing me worked up.
"Can't it wait?" Picking up my card and keys, I began to walk out of the house.
"When do I get a baby brother? Is it when daddy comes?" She asked, making me stop on track. I knew the Daddy she was talking about.
When I had her, Gerald and I promised to be honest with her about most thing, especially that Gerald wasn't her father. Gerald said it was for the best but he didn't treat her less. In fact, he helped me so much with training her even though I know I did my own part.
When I lost her sister or brother, I was mad at myself. I promised to be good mother to whatever next kid I had.
Tonia was my miracle child and I held her so dear to my heart. She stayed for me and that meant a lot to me.
"Don't turn the house upside down" I winked at her, hurrying out of the house before she bombarded me with another question.
I don't even blame her for asking such question. It must suck to be an only child. I mean, after I went against my parents wish and married into Antonio's family, I did feel like an only child when my siblings were restricted from mingling with me, so I kind of get her.
"You'll drop me at the grocery store then take the car to a carwash and make sure you change the oil okay? I'll call you to pick me up when I'm done" Tossing the key to my chauffeur, I helped myself into the car
"Mummy!"
"Not now Tonia, I'll be back for you I promise" She was mouthing something but I didn't bother to listen, instead I rolled up the glass. "Drive"
I really love my child but she can be a handful and she sure as hell knew how to delay someone. I had today planned out for both of us and I wanted to surprise her with her favorite meal.
"Don't forget okay?" Sighing, I stepped out of the car. I looked around the car skeptically.
"Are you forgetting something ma'am?"
"I think so but I can't place my hand on what I'm forgetting. I'll just call you if I remember okay?" I slammed the door and walked into the grocery store
After one hour of shuffling and selecting what and what not to buy, I finally dragged my full cart to the reception desk for processing.
"That's a lot" The lady scanning my goods for payment said.
"Tell me about it" I chuckled.
I wish I could say my account was going to feel the impact but that was not true. Not to brag but my account would barely shake at the cost of these things.
"Card or cash?"
Who carries cash? Was I begging to be robbed?
"Hold on, I have it somewhere inside this bag"
"I'll cover it" a masculine voice said, giving his card to the lady. I was startled at the kind insane gesture until I turned, my amusement turning into a frown.
"Antonio" What was he doing here? Oh sorry, it's a public center. "I got this" I said, handing my card to the lady.
"Uhhh which do I choose?" The lady chuckled nervously.
"Melissa, let me do this" He pulled back my hand gently, taking my card from me. "Go ahead" He nodded at the receptionist. "Add this too" He dropped a small basket filled with his own goods.
After standing for few minutes without mouthing anything to each other, the silence was finally broken by the receptionist. "All done. Make sure you drop the cart at the park please. The security will pick it up"
"I'll take this from here" He gently pushed me aside and took the cart by its handle and began to roll it out of the building. "Are you hosting a party?"
"Thank you for paying for me" Remembering I never appreciated him, I said.
"It's nothing. So, are you throwing a party?" He asked again, stopping at the pack
He badly wanted to hold a conversation.
"Not at all. Meanwhile, I got this. I'll just call my driver" I smiled, stopping him
"You didn't come with a car? I can drop you off" He offered.
So you could drop me off halfway, like I did to you? Gee, thanks
"I'll call my driver" Opening my bag, I searched for my phone. Where could it be?
My hand went to my trouser pocket but the phone was nowhere to be found. Oh shit, I left it on the counter. Maybe that was why Tonia was calling me. Stupid. Stupid me.
"Can't find your phone?" He smirked, driving the cart down to his car. At this point, I couldn't argue much with him. Grimacing at my forgetfulness, I dragged my feet to his car.
"I will pay you back for this, I promise." I said, folding my arms.
"By increasing my payment right, boss?" He joked, unknown to him that he just gave me an idea.
"Thank you for that" I smiled, strolling to the door. Hurriedly, Antonio opens the door for me. Ignoring the proximity between us, I climbed into the car.
He leaned into the car, his breath fanning my cheek and then he looked at me making me freeze. He still scented the same - minty with a mix of cedar. He trailed his finger from my waist to my stomach. My breath hitched at this action. What was he doing?
"Safety first" He smirked at me, buckling the seatbelt.
"I.. I didn't forget" Letting out a deep breath, I said.
"Fill in your location in the map, Buttercup" Ignoring the nickname, I did as I was told. I just wanted to get away from him so fast. "Your ring is absent today."
Of course he had to notice.
"Yours too" Glaring at his empty finger, I said
"Okay, you got me there" He chuckled, driving off. "You know you could..."
"I wonder what the news is saying today" I turned up the radio, cutting him off. He just chuckled at my action but didn't say anything. At least he got the message
"I guess we're here" Antonio said, snapping me out of my little slumber. I opened my eyes, jerking at the closeness of his face to mine
"You need to stop doing that" I hissed, tucking my hair at the back of my ear
"You look beautiful when you sleep" He complimented, unbuckling my seatbelt. Not without his knuckle grazing my waist once more. My body shivered slightly from his touch.
"Thank you for your help" I hurriedly jumped down from the car. "Take everything inside" I nodded at the maids who were standing outside.
"Don't I get invited?" Antonio said, walking up to me. Panicking, I looked at the door. I just hope Tonia is occupied.
I didn't want her mingling with people from my past.
"No. You should be on your way now. I'm sure you have other things to do." I held his arm pushing him to his car
"Why do you suddenly look ...." He held my arm pulling me into his body. His other hand flew to my chin, raising them up as he looked into my eyes. "... disheveled"
"I.. I... I don't. Antonio please just leave." I tried wriggling my hands out of his but I guess I wasn't strong enough. "You don't want my..."
"Don't say it" He dared. "He's not your husband"
"Can you ..."
"There you are!" I heard Tonia say, making me panic. No!
"Get inside" I ordered, holding Antonio's face away from her view.
My whole body went froze when she asked the one question I wished she wouldn't. At this point at least?
"You found Daddy?"