Chapter 25
Mae
Over the last three hours, I have watched the ladies in my life act as they have never been out in public before. We went out to eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant because that is what I have been craving for days. I have to feed this child what he wants. Even though we are having a non-acholic party, these girls are acting crazy.
Everyone seems to get along well and really click. Chelsea has become a great friend, and she was having the time of her life telling crazy stories about Alex from high school. At this point, I am in tears laughing at all the stories that she is telling. People are staring in our direction, and it makes it all that much funnier.
"Katie, did you hear about what Mae walked into the other day in Alex's office?" Chelsea says while trying to hold back her giggles.
"No, what happened?" Katie is eating this up.
Chelsea begins telling the story of Stephanie. Rosetta is sitting there with her head in her hands remembering every horrible moment. I can't even look around the table as I hear all the laughing going on. Katie is having the time of her life, all at her brother's expense. We wind the dinner up and head to Erica's for the rest of the evening.
"Alright, ladies, so for the rest of the night, we are having a spa night and playing Ballbuster Pineta," Erica says, followed by squeals of excitement.
After a few more goofy hours of girl time, I am starting to feel it. Although it is getting easier, pregnancy is wiping me out. I look around and see that the girls are still going strong except for Rosetta me. I catch her eye, and she nods in understanding.
"Ladies, I'm taking little mommy home to get her beauty sleep," Rosetta announces.
With groans of disapproval and lots of hugs, Rosetta and I leave, heading for the house. We reach the house at eleven-thirty, and I head straight in. With the house to myself, I want to take a long soak in the tub and crash. I walk into my bedroom and immediately feel that I am not alone. The lamp by the side of the bed cuts on, and there sits a woman.
"I was wondering how long it was going to take you to get here." She says, and I recognize the voice.
"You're the woman from the shop. You came by to see what all the fuss was about." I say shocked.
"Good girl. But, you're forgetting that I am also the one that you saw Alex within his office." As soon as the words left her mouth, I felt my heart sink.
"So, are you here for Alex then?" I'm at a loss trying to figure out what is going on.
"Oh, no honey. I don't give two shits about Alex. I'm here for you and you alone." She smiles a sickening smile.
"Okay. So what can I do for you?" I'm trying to stay calm on the outside, but inside I am a wreck.
"I want to tell you a little story, so take a seat on that sofa." I do as she asks. "Good girl. So, where should I start? Oh, I know, I'll start from the beginning. I came by your bakery one Saturday and wanted to get a little treat for myself. It was almost closing time, and as I tried to open the door, this gorgeous man was locking the door. He took pity on me and let me come inside." Stephanie has a dreamy look on her face as she tells this. It seems that Max made an impression on her.
"He helped me get my treat, and we talked. He asked me out, and of course, I said yes. I mean, who could say no to that face. We went on several dates, and things were going great. The only issue was that he talked about his friend Mae all the time. Then came the moment when everything changed. I ask him to meet my parents."
As soon as the words left her mouth, I realized who and what I was dealing with. This was Max's crazy ex, who wouldn't leave him alone. I was so worried about what she would do to him, I never thought that she would go after anyone else. What troubles me the most is why is she after me?
"He sent me breakup flowers saying it's not you, it's me." She chuckles darkly. "I think that the real reason is you, Mae."
"What? Why?" I couldn't help it, but my voice was angry.
"It was always Mae Mae Mae. He talked about you all the time. You walked home together all the time. You would hug and kiss him! He is in love with you. That's why." She screams.
"I only ever kissed his cheeks. We have been friends since we were children. I don't see Max that way. He is like a brother to me!" I yell back.
I know that I should be agitating her, but her insinuations piss me off. I have never been a cheater,r and I'll be damned if I'm seen as one. This girl has more than one screw loose.
"Lies! You want to have Max and Alex. I went to try and work for Alex in hopes that I could get him to leave you so that you would know what it feels like to lose the man you love. You're just stringing Max along!"
Suddenly she hoops up from the bed and makes her way to me. I continue to back up with every step she takes, but she still quickly catches up with me. I hit a wall with my back, and she walks up to me and pulls out some zip ties from her pocket. My heart slams in my chest as I think of what she could be doing.
"Mae, I think that you missing your wedding will be for the best. Poor Alex deserves better than someone who is cheating on him with her "best friend". Plus, if I can get you out of the way for a while, then Max will come back to me." She smiles sweetly.
"What are you planning on doing to me?" I tried to hide the fear in my voice but there was no chance that I could.
"I'm just going to keep you hidden for a while. I'm not that cruel to kill you or that son of yours! What do you think I am, crazy?"
"Well, no shit!" I yell back.
Before I can realize what is going on, she slaps me across the face. My mouth gets me in more trouble than I can ever imagine. My face swings to the side, and there is an immediate throbbing in my cheek. I turn back around, and all I see is red.
I'm not usually a violent person, but I lost it. I pulled back my fist and punched her right in the throat. I was in protective mother mode. I would never let her get away with endangering my child. She stumbles back, trying to catch her breath.
As she stumbles, she raises her hands to hold her throat. I quickly grab the zip ties and push her to the bed so that she falls over. I zip up her hands and feet as fast as I can. I lay her on her side to try and help with her breathing.
"Try to calm your breathing. I'm calling 911." I tell her as she still gasps for air.
As soon as I end the call with 911 the police are already there with an ambulance on its way. I'm answering every question the best that I can, but I am starting to feel the shock set in.
"Could I call my fiance? He has no idea what is happening, and I feel like this is too overwhelming." I ask one of the police officers.
"Of course, I'll call him, you drink this water and have a seat. You're in no position to be up and stressing this much."
The officer walks into the other room and makes the call. I lay on the sofa and try to calm myself. Around fifteen minutes later, the front door bursts open with all the guys running inside. Alex makes a beeline to the sofa, pulling me into his arms.
"Are you okay? Where are you hurt?" His voice is shaking, and he has tears in his eyes.
"I'm fine, just shook up. She slapped me once, and then I throat punched her." I tell him.
"That's my girl!" Todd yells, causing Alex to roll his eyes.
"Who attacked you?" Alex asks.
"Stephanie. Who is apparently Max's stalker ex." I say, looking at Max.
"Wait, wait. Stephanie is the guy from the other day at the office?" Max asks Alex and me.
The officer comes over, and I give my statement again, telling everything that happened. Alex and Max also give statements about everything that has happened with them as well. Looking at it all together now, it seems surreal that it was all happening, and none of us put two and two together.
"Mae, I can't tell you how sorry I am. I had no idea she was after you. She suddenly stopped bothering me, and I thought that she had finally understood that I wasn't interested." Max says, pulling me into a hug.
"It's okay, Max. She thought I was sleeping with you and Alex. She is clearly insane." I chuckle. "Alex, can we go stay at a hotel? I'm not feeling comfortable here."
"Of course, Baby."
So much for a relaxing night at home.