CHAPTER 139

Geneveive Tessa Robert

The Christmas celebration was beautiful. It wasn’t the first with my family, but the first with Kyle since we divorced. The kids had strangely gotten acquainted with him, and as much as I didn’t want that to happen, it did.

I hadn’t seen them so happy in years, and somehow, I felt they knew that Kyle was their father. Mom believes it’s because they have another male figure in their lives other than James and my dad. I was glad they were happy with him, though, because revealing he was their dad later would be an easy process. Hopefully.

He had suggested I inform them next year, but I was still unsure about his stance in my life. I have forgiven him, but did I want him back in my life as a husband or just a friend?

I sighed, sipping my orange juice. The matter of the heart was complicated. No matter how many times I thought about my relationship with Kyle, I always ended up not deciding on anything because I was still unsure of my feelings. Some days, I thought about him affectionately; other days, when I remembered what I faced while married to him, I hated him. 

‘What are you watching?’ Mom asked, joining me on the couch.

I was at their house with the kids, enjoying the rest of the holiday. They were currently at the movie theatre watching a popular children’s cartoon. James and his latest girlfriend had taken them there, and I was pleased with the quietness. I loved Nicholas and Hope so much, but sometimes they drain me. They would be back by noon, and by that time, I would have completed my movie marathon, slept, and spoiled myself with a bubble bath.

I smiled, staring at her. ‘I am watching Peaky Blinders. You wanna join me?’

She shook her head. ‘I don’t really like the series. I prefer rom-com series or just action thrillers. They keep me on the edge. I wanted to talk to you about something though.’

I sat upright and said, ‘Oh, I hope it’s not something serious? Is it about your health?’

‘No, it’s not about my health. It’s about you and Kyle. I don’t understand what’s going on between you guys anymore. Is he back for good as the kid's father and your boyfriend, or are you keeping him as a friend?’

I drew in my breath, let it out, and sighed. ‘Mom, honestly, I don’t know. Kyle wants me back, but I don’t know if I want him back.’

‘You should know what you want, and I suspect you are still hiding your feelings for him. Do you love him?’

I shook my head. ‘No, mom. When he returned and we started going on dates, I thought I was falling for him, but now I don’t think so.’

‘What made you change your mind?’

I sighed. ‘The vacation and a statement he made at the house. I think he’s not ready for me yet. I mean, I don't think he sees me as a priority yet, just the kids. He needs them for his status, not me. The only reason he hasn’t filed for joint custody is because James and Dad threatened him. He wouldn’t dare to do anything against them.’

She nodded. ‘Like I always tell you, take your time, okay? I won’t force you to do anything that you don’t like. I know I am kind of contradicting myself because of the dates, but you know I set those dates up so that you can check out other men. Kyle isn’t the only one for you, okay? There are other options.’

I smiled. There were other options, but... I didn’t know what I wanted at this point. 

‘I will take my time, mom. Kyle wants me to go on a date with him. He just wants to talk.’

She nodded. ‘I think you should go. You’re holding a lot in your heart. You need to let him know how you feel finally.’

I agreed. I had promised myself that I would let him know my feelings, but the events of late had made me suppress them. Maybe it was time to let him know.

‘Thank you, mom. I will let you know how it goes. By the way, aren’t you supposed to be on bedrest?’ 

She scoffed. ‘Don’t be like your dad, Tessa. I am tired of staying in bed and reading the Harry Potter series. Besides, there was just one scare yesterday. I will be fine, like always.’

‘You say this every time and end up proving us wrong. The doctor said you overworked during the Christmas period and you need the rest for today. Bedrest!’

‘Fine, I will return to bed, but you must follow me. It’s long we gisted as mother and daughter. What’s going on in the single space? Any hot bachelor celebrity out there looking for a sugar mama?’

I chuckled, getting up, ‘Mom, your husband is a hot celebrity, please. Have some shame.’

She laughed, getting up too. ‘They didn’t name me the ‘ever-young model’ for nothing, dear. So, who’s on the list?’

I giggled. Knowing Mom and her flirty skills, she was definitely going to get the names and ogle at them until she lost interest. Then, she was going to look up those profiles, and if they were married, she would be filled with joy, and if they weren’t, she would start her long talks on why men should get married as soon as they had the right man.

I followed her upstairs and laughed as she commented on her hourglass shape. Mom was the definition of a model who didn’t lose their sass even after they hit forty. 

She was the family's Halle Berry.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from James.

They were on their way home. The kids were missing me.

I sighed. Just when I thought I was going to enjoy the rest of the morning listening to mom’s rants and painting our nails, The kids had to miss me!

I replied. ‘Pick up chicken pepperoni pizza on your way home. Thanks.’ 

I checked my calendar as I stepped into mom’s room. I also needed to prepare for a date with my ex-husband.