All Chapters of What’s Mine, Stays Mine: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

How far would you go to find happiness?  Would you lie, cheat, steal, seduce?  What?  Or, would you simply smile, nod your head and let all your dreams and hard work simply go?  But, that would be for the sake of someone else’s happiness, right?“I want to marry her.  I’m gonna marry her.”  I plopped down in the chair and frowned into the phone.  I had hoped he didn’t want me to say anything because I wasn’t sure I could.  “Resa?”“Wow.”  Damn, that was all I could say?“I want Tamara and Thomas in the wedding.”  My eyes flew to the twins who were currently occupied by some show on Disney.“No.  They are too young and wouldn’t understand.”“Resa…”  But Theresa, or Resa to her friends, quickly cut him off.“Nick, please.  Don’t subject your kids to that. 

I tapped my finger nails along the table, waiting for the buzzer on my place to chime.  I glanced down at my phone once more, checking the time.  I jumped, even though I was waiting for that sound.  I flung the door open, grinning as LeighAnne gave me a big hug.“Resa, I’ve missed you so much. We’re going to have a blast today.”  I turned, seeing Brian stepping in with Baylee beside him.“Brian!” I squealed, quickly hugging him tightly.“Hey Resa.”  I gave him another hug, then turned to Baylee and gave him a hug.“Hey auntie Resa.  Are they in their rooms?” Baylee asked, referring to the two holy terrors known as my kids.“Yup, and they’ve been waiting for you!”  Baylee flew down the hallway waving a bye in the ladies direction.  I shook my head and turned my attention to Brian.  “Are you sure about all of this?”

I walked into the dressing room and leaned against the door frame, smiling at all the commotion going on.  I shook my head as both Leigh and Kristen turned to look at me, annoyance flashing in their eyes. “I believe you’re in the wrong room, groupie.  Do I need to call…,” Leigh started but Kristen quickly cut her off. “Wait up Leigh.  Resa?”  I smiled and both girls shrieked and ran to give me a hug.  “Oh my goodness, you look so different!” Kristen exclaimed. “Good different, right Kristen?” Leigh asked. “Yeah, Leigh, good different.” “Yeah, shorter hair, dyed back to black, new clothes, and all thanks to LeighAnne.”  Both girls turned and gave LeighAnne a thumbs up.  “You two are way too much.  But, I had to come in and say hi before I go look around the arena.” “Sweet, you’re working!” Leigh exclaimed. “Well, with as much as you shop Leigh, someone has to protect you,” I rolled my eyes

All heads turned and glanced at Terri and her outburst.  Tamara glanced at her and burst into tears, making Terri sit up and roll her eyes in annoyance.  Tamara finally climbed on her dad’s lap, her head resting against his chest.  He glanced up and his eyes locked with mine.  I stood up, and he quickly followed, leaving Terri.“Hey, wait for me.”  Nick turned and glanced at her.“Family discussion.  I’ll be right back,” he told her.“I’m family too!”  I glanced at her and her outburst then I grabbed Tamara from Nick’s arms and walked to the bedroom, more than pissed off at Terri!  Who the hell did she think she was to yell at my child, and than for her to say she’s family?  Over my dead body!“Thomas Elijah, get your ass out here now!  And you can say goodnight, because you, mister, are not coming back!”“Mommy!&rdq

I walked into the room behind LeighAnne, leaning against the wall as I watched Terri make it a show of kissing Nick.  I heard the collective ‘eww’s’ from the twins and had to grin, for she pulled away and glared at them.  I shook my head, realizing that Terri might just be walking a rather thin line with those two. “Aight little ones, time to head out,” I told them as I clapped to get their attention. “Mom!  We’re winning!”  I glanced from them to the TV and realized there were playing some damn video game.  Nick’s kids indeed! “Come on, it’s time to eat.  Because, if I know your dad, he hasn’t fed you yet.”  I glanced over at Nick who ducked his head and heard Brian chuckle.  “Let’s go guys.  Maybe, if you’re good, I might let you all come back later.”  They jumped up, eager smiles on their faces at the thought of coming back to play with their dad. “That might not work.  I had plans for Nick and