Page 41 of Exposed

“We just got back, and I had them drop me off here first before we head to Virginia.”

“How long are you here for?”

“Just a day, but I wanted to stop by and see how you guys are doing. Where’s Kenny Jr. and Daddy?”

“They went to pick up some groceries for me. You don’t look like yourself.”

“It’s called being exhausted from working nonstop and traveling, old lady.”

She popped me on the back of the head, and I laughed.

“I’m not an old lady, little girl. Get your mind right. Tell Momma how you're really feeling.”

“Okay, really. Novah is good, business is good, and I actually started back up doing more of my videos. We sold the line to some distributors in Paris.”

“Nice, but how are you feeling here?” She pointed to my chest.

“When are you guys going to upgrade this house? I have the money and maybe your wardrobe?” I glanced at her, up and down. She popped me in the shoulder this time and I cackled at her harsh frown.

“The minute you admit you want your little boyfriend back.”

“I don’t know what you're talking about.”

“Admit you miss him and go see him. Nothing wrong with being the person that gives in first. Doesn't mean you're weak or wrong. Only shows that you care and want the happiness that you had in the first place.”

“What if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if he’s moved on to someone less crazy?”

“That’s true.”

“Ma!”

She laughed, reaching over and giving me a hug.

“I'm kidding, baby. You're grown now, I can’t fight your battles for you. Would I prefer you with some church going boy and living a simple life with a 9-5 job? Yes, but you’ve never been a simple child. So, do what you do best and go get your man,” she told me.

“When did Vivien Armstrong become so out there?” I questioned, furrowing my eyebrows.

“I was young once and your father wasn’t the man that he is now. We only want to protect you from the bad, baby, and unfortunately that’s not possible so I can only give you the tools and let you make the decisions on your own. Be happy and we’ll love you no matter what.”

I kissed her cheek and jumped up grabbing my purse to head back out to the car to get to Virginia. Life was at a standstill until I made the decision to push forward. The first order of business was confronting Dominic Combs.

* * *

The next day, I decided to drop in and find out where we stood. Banging on his door, I waited for someone to come and answer. I got the address from Mark after begging and pleading that I wasn’t going to do anything irrational. Shooter was the one that broke my heart. I know one thing about navy men, they protect each other through thick and thin.

“Coming!” I heard someone yell.

I checked my makeup and hair one more time. I wore a simple t-shirt and jeans today with my hair pulled up in a messy bun. Seeing me in regular clothes was a shock to myself, because I’d normally want to be seen at all times in full makeup and glamour. Today, something else was more important.

“What are you doing here, princess?” he asked, standing at the door blocking me from seeing inside. He had someone here. I shouldn’t be pissed, but I was, and I was ready to kick his ass and hers. I pushed him back walking inside, not waiting to get an invitation. Removing my shades, I looked around, admiring his home. More a bachelor pad like I thought, black and silver, living connected open space, wide archway leading to the back, possibly his office and stairs across the way and kitchen.

“What are you doing, Lauren?”

“What happened to princess?” I spat, shoving him back, with his presence so close I didn’t know if I would fall for his charm all over again and forget why I was here.

He sighed, running a hand down his face.

“I-” I cut him off before he gave me some fucked up excuse.

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