Her Baby His Gift (The Slow Burn Duology Book 1) Read online

  “Technically, no, but your hand was on top of mine. Imagine if the situation was reversed.”

  Harlem had a point. Maybe instead of contemplating a break-up with Elaina, he should be apologizing. He pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant’s number. She answered right away. “Amy, can you do me a favor and send some flowers to Elaina?”

  “How bad did you mess up this time?” She asked.

  “I think this one might be a ten.”

  Chapter 9

  It was a little after nine, and Harlem was already in bed. Only she couldn’t fall asleep. Instead, she laid on her back, staring up at the ceiling and caressing her stomach. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Harlem spoke into the darkness. “I’m going to get it together.” She made a promise to her unborn child.

  Harlem was determined to follow through. It was long past time to put one foot in front of the other and join the land of the living. First things first, she needed to pack away Damian’s things. Their home still looked as if he were going to walk through the door at any moment. The hospital bed in the spare room still remained. Damian would always occupy a special place in her heart, but it was time to close that chapter.

  Her cell phone buzzed. She reached over and grabbed it from underneath her pillow. It was Carter. His name popping up on the screen didn’t evoke rage. That was progress.

  They had turned a corner.

  “Hey.”

  “I thought my call was going to go to voice-mail.” He chuckled but only half-joking.

  “It did cross my mind, but then I figured, what-the-hell. What’s up?”

  Carter was winding down for the night and wanted to check on her. “Just thought I’d call to see how you’re feeling?”

  “I’m . . .” Harlem hesitated. “For the first time in a while, I think I can breathe.”

  “You said that like you mean it.”

  “I do.” She could hear the exhaustion in his voice. Her best friend Mesha’s words came to mind. Have you ever considered that maybe you’re the only connection Carter has left to Damian, and he doesn’t want to lose it? “How are you? Like really?”

  He was lying in the dark on the sofa of his living room. It had taken every bit of his energy just to kick-off his shoes. The effort to walk into his bedroom was too daunting. He decided to stay put.

  He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m good.”

  “Hmm. . .I realized something today.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I owe you an apology. A real one.”

  Carter sat up slightly. He couldn’t have possibly heard her right. “What?”

  “You’re going to make me say it twice, huh?”

  “I’m not sure I heard you right the first time.”

  “I owe you an apology. I’ve been so caught up in my own grief that I haven’t once asked you about yours.” She paused. Her voice softened. She knew from Damian that Carter wasn’t close to his family. “I hope Elaina is helping you through it.”

  Elaina? Carter hadn’t shared his innermost thoughts with her. “Honestly, I’ve just been too busy making sure everything, and everyone else around me was okay that I haven’t taken time for myself.”

  More guilt hit her. “By everyone else, do you mean me?” She asked.

  He didn’t want Harlem to feel bad. “Let’s just say you are more than a little challenging.”

  “That is a very nice way of saying, you be doing the most!” She laughed, trying to inject a little humor into the heaviness of their conversation.

  Her voice softened again. “I know what Damian meant to you because that’s what you meant to him. He was family. He was your brother. You’ve had to carry so much on your shoulders over these past several months. None of this has been fair to you.”

  “It hasn’t, but it’s been the same for you.”

  “How about I make you a deal. I will do my best not to be so challenging if you promise to lean on me if you need to.”

  Carter’s throat felt a little thick. His chest was tight. “Who are you, and what did you do with Harlem?”

  “I’m serious. Deal or not? Or, will I have to pull the same stunts as you by showing up unannounced and harassing the shit out of you until I get results.”

  “I am not that bad.”

  “Yes, you are. I have no idea why Elaina would even want to put up with you.” Harlem laughed.

  “Elaina puts up with me because I’m the fuckin’ shit.”

  “Ah. There you are.” They both got a good laugh off of being on familiar territory.

  Carter grew serious. “I have no idea how to handle Elaina.”

  “Why do men always think you have to ‘handle’ us? Just talk to her like a human being.”

  “So, if I came to you and said, a friend of mine is having a baby. I’m biologically the father, so I have to be there for her and the baby. I can only give you my attention in-between office calls; how would you react?”

  Carter couldn’t see her, but she made the gagging motion. “You didn’t actually say that did you?”

  “A variation of something like it.”

  “It’s no wonder that she doesn’t like me. I think I might have thrown you out of a window. What did Elaina say?”

  “She really wants our relationship to work.”

  “Carter, I don’t want to be the reason you let love slip through your fingers. Finding the right partner is just too hard. If Elaina is it, you’ve got to make her a priority.”

  Carter hated to admit it, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to. His lack of seriousness in relationships left him behind the eight ball in this situation. He honestly didn’t know if he was self-sabotaging or if Elaina just wasn’t the right woman for him. Aside from sex, he truly didn’t enjoy her company all that much.

  “Carter?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Did you hear me?”

  “I heard you. Elaina and I will figure it out.” He released a heavy sigh. “I want to ask you something.” Carter was hesitant.

  “Okay.”

  “Damian’s birthday is next week. I was thinking of visiting the gravesite.” The drive was at least an hour away. Harlem requested that he be buried in her family’s plot in some small town called Zion, Illinois. “Do you want to go?”

  “Actually . . .” Harlem needed closure. It was time. She for damn sure didn’t want to be riding shotgun with Elaina, but she had been selfish enough. It was time to return some of Carter’s goodwill. Her voice was elevated in a false sense of subdued excitement. “That would be great if I could tag along.”

  “It would just be you and me.”

  “Oh.” Relief washed all over her. Visiting Damian’s grave was going to be hard enough. Harlem didn’t want to do it in front of Elaina.

  “Elaina will be out of town on business. I may not know much about relationships, but I know how to keep women who shouldn’t be in the same room together apart.” Carter laughed.

  “You’re a mess, Carter Owens. It’s getting late. I have a lot to do tomorrow. I better go.”

  Carter had been tired when he first started talking to Harlem but surprisingly, their conversation relaxed him. “What do you have planned?”

  Harlem was slow to respond. “I’m packing away and clearing out Damian’s things.” Carter didn’t say anything. It was quiet on his end of the phone. Harlem felt the need to explain. “It’s time.”

  Who was he to tell Harlem when her grieving period should end? “You need some assistance?”

  “Not really.” What she said next was more for Carter than her. “But, I don’t mind if you’d like to come over and help.”

  “Thanks, I’d like that. Is noon okay?” He knew that she had been sleeping later hours because of her pregnancy.

  “Noon is perfect.”

  “See you tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” Harlem confirmed. “See you tomorrow.” They disconnected their phones. Harlem rolled over onto her side and spoke to her baby
. “I’m learning that just because people don’t behave the way you think they should, doesn’t make them bad people. In Carter’s case, deep down, he’s a good guy.” She rubbed her belly. “I have a feeling that you’re going to figure that out a lot sooner than I did.”

  Chapter 10

  “C’mon, Harlem. Move your ass!” Carter barked from her living room. “Let’s go.”

  “Okay. I’m coming.” Harlem checked her list for the millionth time. She was all set. She zipped up her overnight bag, grabbed it from off the bed, and walked out of her bedroom. “Sheesh. You’re so bossy!”

  “We were supposed to leave at ten. It’s almost noon.” Irritated, he grabbed her overnight bag from off her shoulder. It was much too heavy. “What do you have in this thing? We’re only going to be gone a couple of days. Damn.”

  “Stop complaining. You sound like an old man.”

  “I sound like I’m ready to go.”

  “Okay. Okay. You’re moody this morning.”

  “It’s afternoon.” He said dryly.

  She silently mimicked him. “You’re moody this afternoon, then.” They walked out of the door of her condo to the parking garage.

  “I just want to get there and get settled. I’ve only been to Zion once for the funeral, and I wasn’t paying attention to where anything was located.”

  “Then, you’re lucky you have me as your tour guide.”

  “My assistant, Amy, told me it’s like a small town in a Hallmark movie. Given that I’ve never seen one, I’m anxious to get there and take in the lay of the land.”

  “Amy is half right. It’s where I grew up. And, just so you know, in a Hallmark movie, there aren’t any franchises. We have a Dunkin Donuts and a McDonald’s. Although, I’m dying to check out this new restaurant called Dada’s Soul! I heard they make the best catfish you’ve ever had.”

  “I’ve never had catfish.”

  Harlem rolled her eyes. “You are such a spoiled rich boy. We’ll have to change that when we get there. My mom will try to stuff you with all kinds of comfort foods, so we’ll have to sneak off.”

  He opened her car door, and Harlem slid inside. Carter walked around to his side and got in. “Your mom cooks?”

  “Are you serious?” She asked.

  He pressed the ignition button. “Yeah.”

  “Carter, can you not see that I’m black?”

  “Of course, I can see that. What does your race have to do with anything?” He pulled out of the garage.

  “It means I come from a family with southern roots that can throw down in the kitchen. My mom is going to treat you like you’re one of the family. Now, my dad on the other hand, he’s going to act like he wants to kill you. Just ignore that part.” Harlem giggled mostly to herself. “His bark is much bigger than his bite.”

  Carter frowned as he pulled out into traffic. “Why would he do that?”

  “For one, he’s my dad. I’m not sure if they like any guy their daughters bring home regardless of the fact we’re only friends. And secondly, my parents know the truth.”

  He raised a brow in surprise. “You told them?”

  “Of course. They’re my parents. I don’t keep much of anything from them.”

  “Hmm.”

  “What?”

  “I don’t know many folks who are that close to their parents. Damian may have grown up in foster and group homes, but I may as well have too. The main difference between us as it relates to family was that mine has money. They were never around for anything. I haven’t talked to my mom or dad in over a year.” Carter couldn’t imagine his mother in a kitchen. “I’m not sure if my mom even knew where the kitchen was.”

  It all clicked in Harlem’s mind. She totally understood why Carter had such a hard time forming intimate relationships. Harlem covered his hand with hers. “I’m sorry.”

  Bewildered, Carter turned to her with a blank look and slack expression. “For what?”

  “You really don’t understand how important family plays into forming who you are?”

  His lips tightened. “I turned out okay.”

  Harlem could see that she unintentionally hit a nerve. She didn’t mean to offend him and tried to soften her words. “True. Other than your big head, I guess one could say that you turned out alright.” She paused. “Seriously. Would you consider that there is another side to family and let me show it to you?” If Carter wanted to be a part of this baby’s life, he had a lot to learn in a short amount of time.

  He doubted that there was more to learn, but if so, he wanted to find out. “Not sure what that could be, but I’m open.” He responded.

  For now, that was enough. Harlem yawned, then settled into her seat, not realizing that she had never removed her hand from his.

  Carter mulled over Harlem’s words. She managed to get him to discuss things he’d didn’t want to talk about, and it was unsettling.

  Carter changed his mind. He was just about to tell her that discussing his family was off-limits. Only Harlem had fallen asleep.

  Carter sighed. He was not looking forward to this trip for many reasons, but the primary being how the warmth of her hand covering his made him feel. It was unsettling yet weirdly comforting.

  Chapter 11

  Two year’s prior

  It had been some time since Harlem had been home long enough to catch up with her girlfriends. This weekend was a special occasion. Her childhood bestie was getting married in a few weeks, and Harlem was one of her bridesmaids. Mesha was the first in their group to take the plunge into matrimony.

  They sat in her living room with another friend, drinking wine and reminiscing about the past. Mesha pointed her wineglass at Harlem. “I always thought between the three of us that you would be the first to get married.”

  “Why me?” Harlem pointed at herself.

  Both Mesha and their other friend Charisma Jones stared at her as if she had two heads. It was a ridiculous question which was why the room erupted with hysterical laughter.

  “C’mon, Harlem. You’ve been planning your wedding since you were fourteen.” Mesha said through her fit of laughter.

  Charisma corrected her. “Thirteen.” The chorus of laughter grew even louder.

  “That’s not exactly true.” Harlem hedged as she held back her own giggle. “I just like being prepared, so I might have jotted down a few notes.”

  “Notes?!” Mesha howled in laughter. “More like lists, and those damn things were long.”

  Charisma nodded in agreement. “Don’t forget the vision boards. Harlem, you had one for every damn thing.”

  She knew her friends were teasing, but it kind of hit a nerve. “Not everything.”

  “No. Just the important stuff.” Mesha began to tick them off her fingers. “You had a board for college.”

  Charisma co-signed. “You followed big head Michael Matthews to U of I.”

  “She graduated. He didn’t and got involved with illegal shit.” Mesha said. “He was a loser. I think that’s when Harlem came up with her boyfriend vision board.”

  “I thought the Architect vision board was first.”

  “Wait…it was. We were sophomores in high school when Harlem did that one.”

  “Now, my girl is one of the baddest in the Chicagoland area.” Charisma said proudly.

  Mesha continued to go down the list. “Let’s get back to the boyfriend . . . what was on that thing again?”

  “Everything opposite of Michael’s ass. Let’s see, the dude had to be taller than Harlem. He had to be Morris Chestnut chocolate. Why Morris Chestnut chocolate?”

  “You know Harlem. She wanted the fairytale. She wanted her strong black king.”

  Harlem nodded and smiled cheekily. “Yep. Just like my daddy.”

  They couldn’t lie. Harlem’s dad was well into his early seventies and was still a dark chocolate snack. All the girls had crushes on him when they were young. Charisma shook her head slightly, thinking about how attractive Mr. Thomas was. “Where were
we? Oh. Her guy had to be ambitious. He had to have clear goals. He couldn’t do drugs or have any bad habits. He had to be wealthy and funny. Is Damian funny?” Charisma turned to Mesha.

  “I think he’s more relaxed and laid back. Harlem’s hyper-ass needed that. It wasn’t on the list, but glad she figured it out.” Mesha added.

  “Are y’all done?” Harlem said after her friends read her like a book.

  “I do have one more question. Mesha is getting married. You have Damian. Why haven’t you hooked me up with Damian’s friend, Carter?” Charisma asked.

  Harlem accidentally snorted. “Because we’re friends. If I set you up with him, we wouldn’t be. Carter is a H-O-E.”

  “That might be but lordy, he’s fine! He own’s that Sports Agency right? The one that signs all the top athletes.” Charisma asked.

  Harlem nodded. “Yep. His family comes from money. I think Carter runs that business just for the groupies.”

  “I can certainly understand why women would throw themselves at him. I’m mean, Carter is taller than Damian, isn’t he? He’s like at least six-foot-three and built like an Adonis. He looks like one too with that sun-kissed blonde hair and blue eyes.” Charisma’s eyes rolled into the back of her head.

  Mesha laughed, “Don’t have an orgasm on my couch.”

  “Girl, I know. I certainly could. Carter could get it. A man in a suit, and he does that George Michael thing with his beard. And Carter’s lips . . . gaaawd they look like they can–“

  “Okay. Okay!” Harlem put up her hands. Charisma was giving her a visual that might burn her retinas. “Please. I get it. You’re going to make me vomit over here.”

  “I’m just saying. You should hook a sista up!” Charisma was only half-joking.

  “You know Harlem. She ain’t going to introduce you to Carter because he’s white.” Mesha took a sip of her drink.

  Harlem couldn’t believe that. “What? Are you serious? Y’all know Carter has the worst reputation. If he were black I still wouldn’t try to set you up.”

  “I don’t know, Harlem. You’re not the most flexible person. I’ve never known you to entertain the idea of dating outside of your race.” Charisma also took a sip of her drink.