Chapter 12: Chapter 12

ODETTE

Theo and Wren were waiting outside the room we were in. Judging by the looks on their faces, they had overheard our conversation.

“Is this what you’ve been doing behind my back?” Wren asked Reece.

“It’s none of your business. This is between Reece and me,” I stated.

“You said nothing was going on,” Wren yelled at us.

“Nothing is going on,” I tried to reassure Wren.

“Didn’t sound like it,” Theo added.

Wren was mad at Reece, but Theo seemed angry at both Reece and me.

“We originally came down here to find you. Sterling wants us upstairs.” Theo’s tone was tight, and he was glaring at us.

Sometimes I wished I had a sister to take some of the heat off of me when it came to my brothers.

Ignoring them, I pushed through to head upstairs. I wasn’t going to stand around and get lectured about what I should or shouldn’t do.

Wren, Theo, and Reece quickly followed behind me. I could hear Wren berating Reece, accusing him of betrayal and lying.

“Now that everyone is here,” Sterling announced, “Julie and I would like to thank you all for your support and for taking the time out to join us for the rehearsal. Unfortunately, we have decided not to go through with the wedding. The food is already paid for, so help yourself to the reception.”

While I was sad for Sterling, I was happy he stood up for himself. He didn’t need to be with someone who didn’t appreciate him or love him enough to be faithful.

As Sterling walked off, I followed him. I watched him walk into an office and take a seat on the couch. He slumped over and placed his head in his hands.

“Sterling?”

“Not now, Odette,” he snapped.

I walked over to him and took a seat next to him.

I placed my hand on his back, hoping it would provide some comfort.

“I heard you and Julie arguing. I was looking for you so we could get this started. I’m sorry, Sterling.”

“I should have seen it coming. I’m sorry I chose her over you. I thought we were building a life together,” he said as he put his face in his hands.

“Well, to be honest, we did put you in a tough spot. You spent most of your life taking care of me, so you deserve to choose what you think will make you happy.”

“I never regretted raising you and Wren. As hectic as it was, I enjoyed it. But I’m ready to have my own kids, and I thought Julie was the one I was going to have that with.”

“The perfect girl is still out there; you’ll find her,” I tried to reassure him.

“Thanks, Etta.”

Sterling pulled me in for a hug and kissed me on my head.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Better than I did earlier today. My head doesn’t hurt, and my stomach isn’t upset.”

“Good, I was worried, but Winston said you were okay.”

“Does he make you happy?” Sterling asked.

“Who?”

“Reece, does he make you happy?”

“I’m not sure. I get butterflies in my stomach, and he makes me feel good. We aren’t dating, but I feel like in another life he could make me happy. Even if he does, my life is too complicated. I can’t get involved with him,” I admitted.

“I can tell by the way he looks at you that he adores you, and he’s up for the challenges you may throw at him.”

“I’m pregnant,” I blurted out. It felt good to tell someone, and I know I can trust Sterling.

Stupid word vomit. I got nervous and just let it rush out. Sterling stared at me for a few seconds.

“Ok…I wasn’t expecting that. How far along? I would ask if Reece were the father, but I have a feeling he is not.”

“Ten weeks, I found out today.”

Sterling let out a sigh. “Is this what you don’t want to drag Reece into? Does Tyler know?”

“Yes, about Reece; no about Tyler. I’m afraid to tell him.” I took a deep breath before telling Sterling the reason I broke up with Tyler.

“I not only broke up with Tyler, but I also took a job transfer here to get away from him. He…he was abusive, and I couldn’t stay, and I don’t want him near my child.” I couldn’t look at Sterling. I was embarrassed, and I was afraid of what he would say.

“Then I see no way out of not telling Reece. He can help you with custody and a restraining order. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I was embarrassed, and you guys liked him. Back in Maine, the only one who believed me was my boss.”

“I’m so sorry, Etta,” Sterling said, pulling me in for another hug.

“Don’t be sorry. I’m starting to move forward, and I think we can move forward together and offer each other support. Julie wasn’t right for you; she never appreciated you. You’ll find someone who does.”

“Thank you,” Sterling said.

“Do you have a place to stay?” she asked.

“Shit, I didn’t think about that. I can’t kick her out of the house because her name is on the lease.”

“If you need to, you can crash at Wren’s, and I can stay at a hotel. I need to find an apartment anyway,” I stated.

“I couldn’t let you do that.”

“It’ll be fine. I need to be proactive, and it’s time to retire our father-daughter relationship. You don’t have to protect me like that anymore.”

I wasn’t lying. I needed to get my shit together, and this was the first step.