Page 123 of The Assignment: Room 3

“Yes. I hated myself for it, but I barely survived his ruination. I started picking up the pieces after I found out I was pregnant with Gracie, and it was one day at a time. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be whole again.”

“Our experiences shape us and break us, pet. It’s all about how we get back up and fight for what we love. I joined the Navy because I was broken, and I fought like hell to find the boy I once knew. I’m still fighting, but I want to do that with you. Maybe you can do it with me, and we’ll find a way to move on… together.”

“Are you sure about this?” I hold my mom at arm’s length, searching her face for any sign of doubt.

“Yes. You need time to settle in with your little family.”

“But you’re family. You gave up everything to come here to be with me.”

“I’m not going to the moon. I’ll be two blocks away. It’s the best of both worlds. We’ll be close but can also have our own space. I’m just happy that we can put that wretched neighborhood behind us. This is what’s best for Gracie. Flex will be a wonderful father.”

“Right now, he’s just Flex to Gracie. It’s still early, and I’ve been second-guessing myself every day if this is the sensible move for her.”

“She loves him, and he adores both of you. He’s a keeper. Enjoy this phase of life, darling. You missed out on so much because of…”

“Don’t say his name. I wouldn’t spit on him if he were on fire.”

“I love you, darling, but I’m going to enjoy having a place of my own. I can’t believe Flex has been so generous to me.”

“Because we’re family, Nora,” Flex chimes in as he stacks the last of my mom’s stuff into the moving truck. My mom goes to him, wrapping her arms around him.

“Thank you, Felix. I’m so happy for you and Celest.”

“Don’t forget me, Gan Gan!” Gracie runs over to Flex, her hands held high. He scoops her up in a heartbeat and hugs her tight.

“How could we forget you, little bear? Are you excited to have all your toys at our house?” Her face beams as he kisses her forehead.

“Yes! I wike my new room.”

“I’m so glad. Do you pinky swear to let me know if there’s anything you want for your new room?” He holds up his pinky finger, linking it with hers.

“Yup. I pwomise.”

As I look around my meager home, I can’t quite believe that today is the day we move into Flex’s penthouse in Manhattan. Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined this is the road my life would take.

I sashay over to Flex’s side, giving Gracie a peck on the cheek. “Are you excited, sweet pea?”

“Yes, Mommy.”

“Then, let’s go home.” I push up onto my tiptoes and capture Flex’s lips with mine. “Toourhome.”

“Fuckin’ A.”

“Funkin’ A. Funkin’ funkin’. A-B-C.”

“That’s not how we sing our A-B-Cs, Gracie.” I’m going to throttle Flex.

“Sorry, pet. This is going to take a little getting used to.”

Gracie keeps singing, and as hard as I try, I can’t contain the laughter that spills from my mouth on such an exciting and happy day. I don’t know if Flex is laughing because of Gracie or because I’m laughing so hard, but I love the sound of his deep, gruff chuckle. One thing is for sure when it comes to us—life will never be boring.

My mom wanted to go back to our old neighborhood to visit with her friend, Betsy, so I took a half day off work. She brought Gracie to my office at lunchtime, and we have had such a lovely afternoon. We went for tea at Tiffany’s. I’ve never been in the store before, but Flex booked it for us. He bought Gracie and me matching dresses and was trying to convince me to splurge on a little keepsake, but I drew the line there. I love that Flex wants to do such sweet things for us, but I can’t let him buy such lavish gifts.

Gracie and I spend the rest of the day in Central Park until we meet up with Flex for dinner before my shift at Viper. He’s been trying to get me to quit, but now that we’re living with him, I really want to at least buy my own car. I’m almost there, and then I’ll go back to a one-job woman. He won’t let me contribute to any of the bills, and I know he spent a fortune making Gracie’s room pretty, not to mention furnishing my mom’s apartment with anything and everything she could ever need.

We agreed to meet in the lobby at five o’clock, but we’re thirtyminutes early. Gracie was getting tired, and she missed having her nap today, so she’s a little grouchy. She’ll perk right up the moment she sees Flex. She adores him as much as he adores her, and it fills my heart with joy every time I watch them together.

As my heels click on the marble lobby floors of The Callaghan Group and Gracie skips at my side, a shiver runs down my spine. What is the old saying? Someone is walking over your future grave when that happens.

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