Raging Blue (21 page)

Chapter 47

Blue

The day had finally come for Blue and Jay to sit before their lawyers. She'd tried to envision what this day would entail.
Her erratic thoughts had robbed her of much-needed sleep. She woke lacking the energy she needed to face the day.

Blue checked herself in the mirror for the last time. She finger-fluffed her hair and brushed imaginary lint off the shoulders of her suit jacket. Blue wanted to look professional but feminine. Wearing the caramel-colored
suit Jay had always favored was perfect. Blue wasn’t interested in enticing Jay, though. She simply wanted to remind him of what he’d lost.

Blue looked around for her phone, purse, keys, and overcoat. The display on her Blackberry shone. She picked up the phone, viewed the number, and answered it before it had a chance to ring.

“Good Morning, Victor,” Blue greeted, mustering up as much cheer as she possibly could.

“Good morning, Blue. Are you ready?” Victor’s voice was full and strong. Blue was thankful at least he was ready for battle.

“As ready as I’m ever going to be,” she said and sighed.

“Don’t be nervous. Everything will be fine. I’ll meet you in front of the courthouse. This one is in the bag!”

“Okay. See you soon. Bye.” Blue disconnected the call, grabbed her purse, and headed out.

The doorman hailed a taxi, and she was en route to yet another life-altering adventure. Despite her ample breakfast, anxiety nestled in her belly. She placed her hand on her stomach, trying to settle the frenzy.

Blue spotted Victor the moment she stepped out of the taxi. A few feet away, Jay stood beside another gentleman, who she assumed was his lawyer. There was something oddly familiar about the man, but she couldn’t place him. Victor escorted Blue past the metal detectors and into a receiving area where they would wait until called by the judge. Victor checked in and took a seat next to Blue. Shortly after, Jay entered with his attorney.

The way Jay stared at her made her wish she’d worn a different suit. She no longer wanted to be noticed. Jay donned the same scowl as the day she'd dropped the bomb on him about her sleeping with Gavin. Blue initiated small talk with Victor to keep from focusing on Jay’s steady gaze. She kept rubbing her moist palms on her skirt, trying to eliminate the wet, clammy feeling. She coached her anxiety away, recalling the anger of his betrayal.

“Mack/Holiday!” A slight woman with dusty brown hair and a frumpy floral dress commanded the room’s attention. Her arms were loaded down with endless manila files. “Mack/Holiday, please follow me!” she said with a voice that exposed a serious cigarette habit.

The four of them entered a small room with a conference table and a third party whom she presumed was an arbitrator. Blue had hoped for a woman who could understand her plight, but instead, it was a man who resembled the most recent bachelor from a reality show.

Their attorneys officially began with their petitions. Victor went first, explaining Blue’s petition to file for divorce based on physical and verbal abuse, infidelity, and a laundry list of other charges Blue hadn't realized she could put in her petition.

Blue was interested in selling the Atlanta home and splitting the proceeds, then walking away clean. She asked Jay for nothing more, even though she had proof of his infidelity. Most of all, she simply wanted out of the marriage.

When it was time for Jay’s attorney to speak, he advised the court that Jay’s petition was filed by reason of abandonment, infidelity, neglect, irreconcilable differences, and a barrage of other ridiculous and unfounded claims. Blue’s mouth dropped at the mention of the bogus charges. Scott Cooper went on to explain that Blue had left Jay simply because he lost his job, then turned around and had an affair with his best friend. Scott argued that Jay deserved spousal support to the tune of twenty-five thousand dollars a month. He wanted all property to be sold and the proceeds split in half, including the New York penthouse she had inherited from her grandfather.

Blue’s loud gasp garnered the attention of everyone in the room. Her jaw hit the floor, and she felt the air being squeezed from her lungs. When she realized all eyes were on her, she covered her mouth and tried to regain her composure as she willed her eyes not to water. Victor reached down and held her hand. His face showed no sign of defeat, but Blue wasn’t convinced. From that point forward, Blue heard nothing else that was said by either attorney. She returned to herself when she and Victor were back outside.

“Let’s grab a cup of coffee,” he suggested, walking her along.

They
walked the short distance to the local coffeehouse where Blue ordered a latte just before plopping into her seat. For the past hour, she had shaken her head every time she thought about Jay’s petition.

“Why is he doing this, Victor?” Blue asked.

“Relax, Blue. There’s nothing to worry about. I see this kind of stuff all of the time,” Victor said, unfazed.

“My grandfather’s penthouse! Twenty-five thousand a month! Where am I supposed to get that kind of money? Why should I support him? It’s his
fault he lost his job. And he slept with my best friend. How dare he tell those lies?”

Victor waved her off. “He was reaching.”

“But what if the judge grants him what he wants?” Blue felt her heart plummet. Her grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew about this.

“Believe me when I say that’s not going to happen.” Victor never lost his cool.

“How can you be so sure?” Blue wasn’t convinced. She stared at her latte, unable to bring it to her mouth again. The previous sips threatened to churn her stomach like a whirlpool.

“Blue, this is new for you, not me. Just trust me.” Victor calmly sipped his black coffee.

“He’s trying to get his hands on my trust fund. He wants to wipe me out!” Blue rested her head in her hands.

“Don’t worry. He can’t. There are legal stipulations on it that will not allow him access no matter what he tries.”

“He told that lawyer a bunch of lies. I didn’t leave him because he lost his job! I can’t believe he told them I slept with his best friend. That wasn’t until after we separated.”

Victor raised his brow, and then held his hand up as if to say,
That’s none of my business.

Blue was embarrassed. “They’re not friends anymore. I mean, they were friends when it happened…forget it.”

Victor laughed. “You don’t have to explain anything to me.” He cupped her hand in his. “Say that you will trust me. Have I ever let your family down?” he asked, lifting his brow.

“No,” Blue responded and relaxed her shoulders.

“Why don’t you take the rest of the day off and get a massage or something? Treat yourself and relax. I’ll be in touch soon so we can meet and talk about our next steps. Be ready for a fight, but don’t worry. We’re going to win.”

“Thanks, Victor,” Blue said, slouching back in her chair. Finally, she smiled. She had Victor on her side, so she was going to win this fight.

“One last thing,” Victor said just as Blue was about to get up. “I’ve got some information about your home in Atlanta. You’re going to have to take another trip very soon.”

Blue sighed. “Is it what I suspected?”

“That’s what it looks like,” he replied with a frown.

Blue left Victor at Starbucks and took a taxi back home. When she entered her penthouse, she felt like she was having a panic attack. She wanted to call Gavin, but he hadn’t answered her calls in weeks. No matter how hard she tried to relax, she couldn’t
. She was ready for the fight, but like any other struggle, there was a chance she’d have to take a hit. With round one behind her, she was willing to face round two head on, but she felt like she didn’t have anyone in her corner. There was only one person whose presence could help her maintain. Somehow she had to get him back into her life.

Chapter
48

Mia

Mia waited anxiously for Princeton’s arrival. She was ready to get this night behind her so she could close this chapter of her life for good. Her pink strapless dress hugged her curves like race car tires on asphalt.
Now that she was close to her third trimester, she wore studded designer flats instead of stilettos.

Princeton pulled up in front of the townhouse in the Jag. Not wanting him to come inside, Mia met him on the walkway.

“Just look at you, baby girl. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.” Princeton adored her with his eyes.

“Thanks.”

On the way to the restaurant, Princeton did all the talking while Mia half listened and fingered her Blackberry.

When Princeton pulled in front
of a renowned grill and lounge, the valet immediately walked over and got into the driver's seat. Princeton trotted to the passenger side and carefully helped Mia out. As she emerged, his smile spread from one ear to the next. All eyes were on them. R&B music blared from hidden speakers throughout the bustling restaurant. He made it a point to smile, nod, and wave hello to every familiar face in the place. She knew just as many people as he did, but didn’t make a big deal about it. Mia rolled her eyes at his ostentatious behavior.

Princeton pulled out her chair before
taking his seat. Once again, he was the perfect gentleman, but Mia knew better.

“Have you been here before?” Princeton yelled, trying to
be heard above the music.

“What?” Mia yelled back as she leaned into the table, trying to hear.

“Have. You. Ever. Been. Here. Before?” he pronounced louder.

Mia shook her head no.
Let him feel like he’s showing me something I’ve never seen,
she thought. Princeton moved to the music. Soon after, their waitress approached the table.

“Hey, Mia!” a short, curvaceous waitress greeted. She looked down at her stomach and then met her eyes with a wink. “How are
you
doing these days?”

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

The girl raised a brow at Mia’s dry response, but appeared to have gotten the picture.

“What did she say?” Princeton shouted at Mia.

“She asked me what I would like to have today!”

“Oh!” Princeton shouted back.

Mia and the waitress quickly glanced at one another and smiled.

They placed their orders and then waited patiently for their food. Mia looked around the place and played with her Blackberry while enjoying the music.

Princeton was on the other side of the table, lip-syncing into his spoon.

Her phone vibrated; she had finally received what she was waiting for. Immediately, her mood brightened. The food arrived, and they ate until all that was left to savor were the remnants of sauce on their fingers.

Mia invited Princeton out onto the dance floor to kill a little time. He danced with a simple smoothness, his languid movements were almost mesmerizing. Mia enjoyed dancing, but after a few songs, she was ready to go home.

“I’ve had a good time, but I’m getting tired,” Mia said, leading Princeton back to the table.

“Ah, baby, so soon!” He frowned.

“Yes! I’m really tired,” she said, placing her hand on her stomach.

“Well, if I take you home now, will you invite me in?” he asked.

“Maybe,” Mia replied with a smirk before walking away.

Princeton paid the bill and practically dragged Mia outside to the valet.

“That was a nice place, right?” he asked once they were inside the car.

“Yes. The music was a little loud, but the food was tasty.”

“Glad you enjoyed it. I just wanted to show you a nice time. Make up for that last time we were together. Maybe I can convince you to stick around for a little while,” he said.

Mia turned slightly to cut her eyes. “Oh, how sweet.” She pretended to allow his comments to melt her resolve.

“You’re finally coming around. I’m sorry about the other week, baby. I just didn’t understand why you didn’t want to be with me anymore. I wasn’t ready to let you go.”

Mia turned her head and looked out the window.

“Plus, now I know I can’t get you pregnant.” Princeton laughed.

Mia mocked his laugh, cut her eyes, and looked back out the window.

“Here we are,” he said when
they pulled up in front of the townhouse. “Now…” He adjusted himself toward her, gently ran his finger along her jaw, and then caressed her chin. “Are you going to invite me in?”

“Should I?” she asked, wearing a no-nonsense expression.

“Baby, you can trust me. I won’t harm you.” Princeton crossed his heart and held his right hand in the hair. “I promise,” he said.

Mia pretended to think about it for a while, her eyes cast toward the sky.

Princeton held his hand up like a Boy Scout. "I promise!" he said again.

“Okay,
” She responded as if he were pulling her arm.

Princeton hopped out of the car and followed Mia up the walkway like a jovial puppy.

“No furniture? I can take you shopping, if you want,” he said as he stepped inside the townhouse.

“I won’t be here long. Besides, I have all the furniture I need.”

“Where?” he asked, looking around again.

“In the bedroom.”

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Princeton said, rubbing his hands together.

Mia took to the steps and curled her finger, summoning Princeton to follow her. He trailed behind her gleefully. She laughed at his silly eagerness and wondered what she had done to this man to make him act the way he did. When they hit the bedroom, Princeton’s hands groped all over her body, even caressing her belly.

“Wait! Let me get comfortable,” she said.

Mia put her keys down and fiddled with a few things on the dresser. After a short trip to the adjoining bathroom, she stood before him and removed her pink dress, exposing her matching lace undergarments.

Princeton sucked his bottom lip as he watched her undress. He took her into his arms and laid her down on the bed.

She scooted back to the center of the king-sized bed and lay sideways. He climbed on top of her and kissed her body from head to toe. Then he quickly removed his clothes and resumed his position, placing moist peck prints from her neck to her center. He kissed around her stomach.

“You look beautiful pregnant,” he whispered.

Princeton’s tongue found her center again, tasting her longer and slower, darting his tongue in and out of her opening. Mia squirmed. He strummed and she squealed. The smile plastered on his face was like a pat on his own back.

“I got more for you, baby,” he said.

Princeton entered her carefully, then gradually increased his vigor.

Mia clamped her walls to clutch his manhood. "Turn over!" she ordered, and he submissively obeyed.

Mia lowered herself on to him and rode him with zeal, pressing herself against him vigorously. Over and over, she rose and fell against his pelvis, switching her pace without warning. She guided him in deeper and then pulled him all the way out. When Princeton’s eyes rolled into the back of his head, she got up.

“What…where…come back…baby, don’t stop,” he stammered.

Mia straddled him and rode until he groaned and his entire body convulsed. She clasped her walls around his manhood as he eased her off of him.

His body tensed like one large muscle. After gently pushing her off, he leaned over the side of the bed to catch his breath. "You see...woman...you make me crazy. That's why I can't get enough of you," he said as he lay back with a smile plastered across his face.

“Yeah, blame it on me,” she said and laughed.

Mia rested back against a stack of large fluffy pillows. Princeton joined her at the head of the bed, took a deep breath, and smiled again. She traced his taut chest and abs with her finger.

“What’s your wife like?” she asked.

After a long silence, he answered. “She’s a nice woman.”

“She looks sweet.”

Princeton sat up.

“And those two boys are just adorable. Tell me, do they really like living out there in the midst of that expansive forest you have them tucked away in?”

“Don’t try to play games with me, Mia.” Princeton waved his finger in her face.

Mia took hold of his finger and kissed it with her eyes trained on him.

“No,” she said casually, “don’t play games with me.”

She winked at him. Princeton narrowed his eyes.

“And before you jump on me, smile because you’re on streaming video. If you so much as touch a hair on my body, this place will be crawling with huge men ready to beat your ass to a bloody pulp. You will never run a single yard again.” Mia paused to let Princeton absorb what she had just said.

“What?” he said, his face scrunched in disbelief.

“Listen to me closely,” she said seductively. “As we speak, this nice little video that we just made is being downloaded by my famed attorney, Scott Cooper. You may know him. And if you don’t want to upset your happy little home, you’ll behave for me.”

“You bitch!” Princeton sat straight up in the bed.

“That I am! Now hush because I’m not done. If you cooperate, this will never get to your wife or the commissioner, who happens to be your father-in-law, right? That way, your happy home, your career, and your prized legs will stay intact.”

Princeton raised his hand like he wanted to hit Mia.

“Uh, uh, uh. You’re being watched, remember?” she sang. “We don’t want to add assault to this little party of treachery, now do we? Think, sweetie. Your job…your wife…your children…they’re all on the line here.” Mia pursed her lips.

Princeton tightened his lips as his hands balled into fists.

“Now, all you have to do is leave me alone. Don’t call me, don’t visit me, and if you see me on the street, don’t even bother saying hello. Now, if you doubt me, feel free to go over to that little laptop on the dresser, hit any key, and click on play. Or you can take a look out the window and you’ll see this place is surrounded.”

Princeton hit the enter key, and the screen displayed live video of Mia lying across the bed. She walked over to the computer, hit a few keys, and started the video from the beginning. Then she fast-forwarded to scenes of him kissing all over her naked body, burying his face between her legs, and grunting through his pinnacle moment.

Princeton looked at her with disbelief. Mia held up the tiny remote in her hand.

“If you close that window on the screen, you’ll see a lovely picture of your wife and the boys in your beautiful home.”

Princeton did as she said. When the picture appeared, he stumbled away from the computer.

“Shit!” Princeton stomped his feet, snatched his clothes, threw them on, and dashed down the steps, cursing Mia the entire way.

After minimizing the screen, she followed him down the steps.

“I could beat the shit out of you, but you’re not worth it,” he said
when he reached the bottom.

“I know. I’m trifling, right?” She laughed as she followed him down at a slow, distant pace.

Princeton snarled at her, yanked open the front door, and halted. Two men, who appeared to weigh an excess of three hundred pounds each, and were dressed all in black, were positioned on each end of his Jag. He looked back at Mia.

“Bye! Have a nice life, and tell your wife I said hello.” She waved and slammed the door.