Her One Night Consequence, page 9
“Which is?”
“Remember when I told you about the woman I took to my aunt’s birthday party?”
Jeffrey sipped his beer. “Yeah, you said it was one hot night. I can only infer you got to know each other better?”
“Yes, we did.” Blake sighed. “But there are consequences for that kind of passion. Consequences I never imagined, not when I thought we were careful...” His words trailed off and, suddenly, Jeffrey’s eyes grew large with concern.
“Blake...is she...”
Jeffrey was so stunned, he couldn’t even say the words, so Blake finished the sentence. “Yes, she’s pregnant. But the worst part about all of this is that we got together again and she didn’t tell me.”
“She kept the news to herself?”
Blake nodded. “Yes, she did. And I think she would have remained silent if I hadn’t had a change of heart and wanted to see her again.”
Jeffrey leaned back and regarded him. “You don’t usually see a hookup more than once.”
Blake shrugged. “Asia was different. I knew it that night, which is why I went back to her store to ask her out again. She played hard to get, but I wore her down. Last night we had dinner, and well...one thing led to another.”
“So how did you find out?”
Blake put down his beer on a nearby side table and leaned his forearms on his thighs. “I found out when she bolted out of bed this morning with a case of morning sickness.”
“Wow!” Jeffrey’s hand flew to his mouth.
“So, you can only imagine how thrown I was, but I thought maybe something she ate at dinner didn’t agree with her. But then I found the book. You know the one. What to Expect...”
“When You’re Expecting,” Jeffrey finished. “I remember when Mara got the book. She read it from cover to cover.”
“That’s how I found out she was pregnant, followed by the one-two punch that I’m the father.”
“Dude, I’m sorry how this went down, but why are you here and not with her? How did you leave things?”
Blake rose to his feet. “I told her I wanted to be a father to the baby. You know, play my part. And do you know what she did?”
“What?”
“She kicked me out. Told me I was coming on too strong and that she didn’t need me and could take care of the baby all by herself.”
“That may be true, because single black mothers do it every day, but she shouldn’t have to, not if you’re willing and able to step up. You do want to do the right thing, right? You’re not just giving this lip service?”
Blake frowned. He didn’t like where Jeffrey was going with this. “Of course I meant it. Was I looking to have a baby? Absolutely not. I mean, being a father was far off in the future. I’ve seen you, my friend. I know how hard it is.”
“But Mara and I are together. We’re married,” Jeffrey said. “You and Asia aren’t a family. You’ve only been together a couple of times.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Blake said. “The situation isn’t ideal, but this baby is my family, which I have in short supply these days.”
“Ah man, I’m sorry,” Jeffrey replied, rubbing his goatee. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I just want you to have a realistic picture of the situation you’re in.”
“Yeah, why do you think I’m here?” Blake asked. “I’m scared at the prospect of being a father, but I’m also not one to shy away from my responsibilities. You remember how adamant I was about taking over the helm at Coleman & Sons Construction.”
“That’s good. That’s what you need to keep reiterating to Asia,” Jeffrey replied. “She may not be in the headspace to hear you. There’s a lot going on with women at this stage. Her hormones. Her body is changing. Give her some time. Don’t come on so strong.”
“I’m intense?” Blake responded. “Hell, I don’t know any other way to be. This is my kid, too.”
“It is, but she’s doing all the heavy lifting right now,” Jeffrey replied.
“True, but I can help her. If she lets me.”
“She’s running scared, same as you,” Jeffrey replied, “but if I know you, Blake, you’ll figure this out, like you always do.”
Blake thought about their conversation all evening, during Mara’s delicious dinner of pot roast, potatoes and baby carrots, and afterward, when he sat with their beautiful children, Zora and Zion, who looked and acted like both their parents. Zora was lively and had to be the center of attention, with her big brown eyes and cocoa-butter skin. As the eldest, Zion was serene like his father and was his spitting image in a matching tracksuit, except for his short, curly Afro.
Would his child look like him? Or like Asia? Who would they take after? Even though Blake lost his parents at twelve, he still had memories of his father. Gil Coleman had been tall and lean, much like Blake, but he had worn wire-rimmed glasses, while Blake had twenty-twenty vision. Personality wise, Blake took after his mother, Daphne, who had never met a stranger. She could converse with anyone and make everyone feel at home, and Blake was the same way. There wasn’t anyone he couldn’t charm when he put his mind to it.
His charm had failed him today with Asia. She could only hear her own voice, which said that she, and she alone, would raise this baby. But next time, Blake wasn’t going quietly into the night. He would be there for his child and see them grow up. It was a gift and something that was denied him and his parents.
In fact, the more he thought about it, the more Blake’s mind went to Jeffrey’s earlier comment about being a family. Jeffrey was right in that he and Asia weren’t a family like the Thomases. Maybe that was the answer. Sure, he’d never thought about committing his life to another person, but he also had believed fatherhood was in the future. It wasn’t. He had a ready-made family with Asia and the baby.
Marriage was the perfect solution. He could give his child the family life he had never had. A mother and a father. And the icing on the cake was that he and Asia were compatible in the bedroom. No, correction, they were combustible, if the two nights they had spent together thus far were any indication. All he had to do now was convince Asia that marriage was the best solution for everyone.
His baby’s mother better buckle up, because if she didn’t give in, they were in for a bumpy road.
* * *
“Shay, what are you doing here?” Asia asked, when Shay showed up at her doorstep on Sunday afternoon with a suitcase in tow. When she’d sent an SOS text to her friends yesterday, each of the Gems had called her except Shay. They each listened as she told them the story of how she’d agreed to go out on another date with Blake only to have it blow up in her face because he found out she was pregnant.
“I figured you might need a friend,” Shay replied, pulling Asia into a hug. Her dark locs were in a haphazard updo and she had on her usual attire of yoga pants and sneakers, but this time, she had on a zip-up sweater.
“Girlfriend—” Asia hugged her back tightly “—you have no idea.” When they finally released each other, Asia pulled Shay inside the apartment.
Shay left her suitcase in the foyer and walked over to the sofa and took a seat. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you back yesterday. Had a little issue with my mom that took my entire day.”
“Is everything okay?” Asia inquired. She knew Shay’s mom, Eliza Davis, suffered from depressive episodes.
“Yeah, she broke up with the man she’d been seeing and it sent her on a downward spiral.”
“Shay, what are you doing here? You should be with your mom.”
Shay shook her head. “No, I shouldn’t. I have a brother who’s finally home, so I don’t have to carry the load all by myself anymore. We can share it, so Riley and Wynter are there with Mom. You need me. You’re here all alone.”
“I have Ava.”
Shay put her hand on her hip. “And? Have you told Ava you’re pregnant?”
“Of course not,” Asia said. “I don’t need to hear her mouth off that I’m making a mistake and I’ll ruin my figure. You know all she cares about is appearances and how she looks. I don’t need her negativity right now.”
“Which is why I’m here,” Shay replied, patting the seat beside her. “Come, tell me everything.”
Asia plopped down on the sofa. “Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. So have you heard from Blake today?”
“I have,” Asia responded. “He called and texted me last night, but I didn’t answer. Then, this morning, he sent me a cryptic text that we need to talk.”
“So you haven’t spoken to him since he found out you were pregnant?”
Asia shook her head. “No, but he’s blowing this up out proportion. I don’t need anything from him.”
“Of course you do. He’s the baby’s father. And if he wants to step up, let him.”
“I don’t know,” Asia said, “I’m used to doing things for myself. Being dependent solely on me.” It was easier that way, because Asia knew she would never be let down.
“I know. You had to be an adult way too early because Ava couldn’t get her act together, but you don’t have to be alone, Asia. The Gems are here for you in any capacity you need, and apparently so is Blake.”
“That’s surprising,” Asia responded, “after his behavior that first night...leaving me that note. I never expected he’d actually want to be a father to this baby.”
“Becoming a parent changes you,” Shay said. “I remember when I was...” and then she stopped speaking.
Asia stared into her best friend’s brown eyes. “Shay? What are you saying? Were you pregnant? When?” Asia knew she was throwing a bunch of questions at her, but this was a shock.
Shay bowed her head, letting her long locs cover her face. When she finally glanced up, tears were in her eyes. “I was pregnant once, briefly,” Shay replied, “when Kevin and I were married.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because the doctor told us to wait to share the news until after the first trimester.”
Asia rolled her eyes upward. “I guess I didn’t do that. I was so stunned, I had to tell you guys. So, what happened?”
“I miscarried after eight weeks. It was heart-wrenching because I’d always wanted to be a mom. It hurt so much I couldn’t share the loss with you or the Gems. Kevin and I tried again for another year after that, but each month I wasn’t pregnant I felt like a failure. Felt like less than a woman. My lack of fertility sealed the deal on our marriage. We were already so young, and with my mom’s depression, we didn’t have the skills to cope with the loss, so we went our separate ways.”
Asia reached across the couch and grabbed Shay’s hand. “I’m so incredibly sorry, my friend. If I had known...”
“You wouldn’t have told me you’re pregnant?” Shay asked. “Don’t do that. Don’t feel sorry for me. I have a full life. After all these years, I have my yoga business, thanks to Aunt Helaine, and I have you and the Gems. And now a beautiful baby to look forward to.” She touched Asia’s flat stomach. “I’m so happy for you and I’m going to be the best auntie this baby has ever seen.”
Asia couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you for telling me about the miscarriage. I know that couldn’t have been easy. It makes me feel silly about fighting with Blake about helping.”
“I get it!” Shay said. “I’m here to get you through this and to give you a little perspective. I haven’t met Blake yet, but he can’t be half bad if he’s willing to take responsibility.”
Asia nodded. “You think I should hear him out?”
“I do, but ultimately, it’s your decision, Asia, and I will support you in whatever you decide.”
“How did I ever get so lucky to find you?”
“You sat down at the right table in the high school cafeteria,” Shay replied with a wide grin.
They both laughed and continued talking and reminiscing well into the night. When she finally slid into bed, Asia thought she could still smell Blake even though she’d changed the sheets. His scent seemingly permeated her room.
She fell backward against the pillows. What was she going to do? Blake wasn’t just a one-night stand who’d stood her up anymore. He was her baby’s father and the man she couldn’t stop thinking about. Last night, she had erotic dreams about how good it was between them. Surely there would come a point she didn’t want him this desperately? It was just a phase. Or that’s what she told herself, but Asia wasn’t so sure. She was carrying a constant reminder of how good it had been between them. Still was.
And that was the most frightening realization of all.
Eleven
Asia woke up Monday not feeling any better about her and Blake’s situation, but she also couldn’t continue to dwell on it. She had to work on securing the money she needed to buy Yvette’s Jewels. Last night, she confided in Shay about Yvette’s request to buy her out.
“I know it didn’t work out with the bank, but have you thought about asking Wynter for a loan?” Shay had asked. “You know she’d give you the money in a heartbeat.”
“Of course she would,” Asia had responded, “but I would never ask her.” She had too much pride. “Her aunt Helaine already gave us such a generous inheritance. I couldn’t possibly ask for more money. It would be selfish and greedy.”
“But Helaine wanted you to pursue your dreams,” Shay had said.
“And I will,” Asia had stated. And she would, once she secured the rest of the finances on her own. She had a meeting with another bank this morning and she was hoping they would see her vision and support her in this endeavor.
Unfortunately, an hour later, Asia was given the same response as from the previous institution. They weren’t interested. A high-end jewelry store was a niche market and they didn’t consider the venture marketable.
Asia was discouraged. She knew her work was fire because people who bought her jewelry often returned for a second and third time. These banks were being shortsighted because she wasn’t a household name. She would keep her head up until she found another way.
She arrived at Yvette’s Jewels with minutes to spare for her shift. She hadn’t had time to change from her high-waisted black trousers, silk button-down top, black blazer and skinny heels.
“Wow! You look very businesslike, Asia,” Yvette said when she walked in.
Asia couldn’t help but return the older woman’s affectionate smile. “Thank you. I’ve been working on raising funds to buy you out.”
She headed to the back office to put down her briefcase.
“I was going to ask you about that,” Yvette said. “Any luck?”
“Well...” Asia didn’t want to let Yvette down, but she also didn’t have the heart to say she was failing miserably at coming up with the money she needed to take over the store. She’d never been the best student and hadn’t gone to college like Wynter and Teagan had, but what she did have was talent, and she just had to convince someone she was worth the investment.
* * *
It was late morning when Blake arrived at Yvette’s Jewels. He knew it was early for this conversation with Asia, but once his mind was made up about something, there was no talking him down. He’d called and texted her over the weekend, but Asia had given him the cold shoulder. This conversation was too important. His child’s future depended on him changing Asia’s mind to his way of thinking.
He walked inside and the chime didn’t go off indicating a new customer, but he entered anyway. The front of the store was empty, which wasn’t the norm. Usually, Asia or Yvette, the owner, was there to greet customers. Blake was rethinking whether he should have come so early when he heard voices. One of them was Asia’s.
He couldn’t back down from his purpose.
He had to secure Asia’s agreement to his marriage proposal.
Blake started toward the back of the store, but something held him back because he caught a portion of their conversation.
“To be honest with you, Yvette, I’ve be having a little trouble raising all the money I need to buy you out of the store,” Asia was saying. “As you know, I received an inheritance which would definitely cover half of what you’re looking for, but it’s not enough.”
“I wish I could take less, Asia,” Yvette responded, “but this store is all I have and the extra income will help offset my Social Security and the small pension I receive from my husband’s estate.”
“I know,” Asia said. “All I’m asking is if you could give me a little bit more time to figure this out before you sell the store to someone else? Having my own jewelry shop is a dream come true and I’m ready to work my butt off to make that happen.”
“I know you will, dear,” Yvette said. “And I can give you another couple of weeks. Melvin wants to head out for the spring on the trip around the world, and I don’t want to miss this. When you’re my age and you meet someone, well, let’s just say I never thought I’d find love again after my Edgar passed. Meeting Melvin is truly special.”
“I understand, Yvette, and I appreciate you giving me the extra time,” Blake heard Asia reply.
Slowly, Blake backed away and returned to the lobby.
So, Asia needed money to buy out Yvette and take over the store?
That was an interesting wrinkle and could provide Blake with the leverage he needed to get Asia to agree to the marriage. He was wealthy, not just from being majority shareholder in Coleman & Sons Construction, but also because Blake had made some wise investments with Jeffrey, who was a stockbroker. He could easily afford to give Asia the money she needed to buy out Yvette, allowing her the opportunity to be her own boss. But there would be one caveat.
She would have to agree to marry him. As his wife, she would have access to everything she needed to ensure the store and her jewelry line were a success. Blake just had to convince Asia that getting married was best, not only for the baby, but for her as well.
