Page 111 of Save Room for Us

“Okay. Thank you.” I nodded, exhaling heavily.

“Don’t worry about that nigga, and don’t worry about this.”

“I’m more so worried about Asif reacting to him being awake and calling me.” I tried to laugh.

“Sif is smart, so no need to worry about that shit either. Relax, go on about yo’ life, and let me handle this legal shit. Let my brother handle everything else.”

I nodded, praying that everything went as smoothly as Bashar was making it sound.

DAYS LATER…

Tightening my robe, I grabbed my toiletries as I walked out of the bathroom at my mother’s house. The door was barely closed before she tried to come in.

“Dang, Ma, you that tired of Sophie?” I giggled but let it dissipate when I saw her serious expression.

“She’s napping. This’ll only take a second. Can I sit down?” She pointed into my bedroom.

“Of course. It’s your house.” I stepped back, widening the door and allowing her in.

Coming inside, she exhaled heavily then said, “He wants to see Sophie.”

“Who?” I frowned, feeling my heart sink to the pit of my stomach since I already knew the answer.

“Cedric, Stazi. I wanted to say no, but the paperwork states that if I allow you to see her, I have to allow him as well. You both have to have equal visitation.”

“No, Ma. No.” I shook my head, nervous all of a sudden. I knew shit wouldn’t just be smooth. There was always fucking something.

“Anastazia, if I say no, his family can let the court know I have violated the temporary custody agreement, and I don’t know what will happen after that, but she could be given to his side of the family if that happens.”

“So I’m just supposed to let him see her as if he’s not a fucking monster?” I asked. “Sorry,” I said, referring to my yelling. My eyes watered and burned at the thought. My mother wasn’t weak by any means, but I wouldn’t put it past Cedric to do something to her and kidnap Sophie. I would legit have a fucking heart attack if that shit happened.

“It’s supervised, so I will be there.” She watched me pace back and forth.

I couldn’t go because the day after he woke up, his family filed a temporary restraining order against me on his behalf. Of course it was granted immediately due to the circumstances.

Go figure, as if I would be the one trying to see him. They were truly running with this ‘Anastazia is dangerous’ narrative for the public. They couldn’t wait to tell the news stations a restraining order had been filed.

“No, umm, you need to bring someone with you.”

“Who? Fiona?” she asked, referring to my aunt.

“No, Asif.” I eyed her. “He’s the only person I trust to go. Bashar is doing enough as it is and pro bono. Let Asif come with you. That will make me feel better.”

Sighing, my mother raised her brows, and I could read her mind. “You sure? If he comes, Cedric is gonna immediately know what’s up.”

“Him knowing what’s up is at the bottom of my list of cares, Ma. I want you and Sophie to be safe, and Cedric is not gonna bust a grape with Asif there.”

“He sure won’t. He looks mean, and the boy ain’t small.” She chortled, and I followed suit.

“He does look mean, but he’s sweet.” I half smiled as he crossed my mind.

“He’s sweetto you.” She laughed, stating facts. “Alright, baby. Well, let him know, and then we can coordinate the date and time.” She walked to the door. “I’ll let you get dressed.”

As soon as she was out, I took a deep breath, hoping Cedric didn’t act crazy and make Asif shoot him right there in the hospital or something. Because while Asif was smart and calculated, he had a temper, too, one I’d been privy to while working in the warehouse.

That evening…

After running errands all day and mentally preparing myself to allow my baby to go see her father, I was now in the comfort of Asif’s penthouse. The living room was warm with the fireplace blazing, and Sophie completely knocked out on the humongous and plush couch.

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