Page 41 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

A small, involuntary smile crosses my lips again at my mom’s ability to effortlessly lift my spirits.

“You’re my favorite mom too.” I smile. “How’s Daddy?”

“He’s perfect as always. Missing you though. You know he doesn’t like it when you go too long without calling him.”

“I know, I’m sorry. Tell him I’ll make it up to him soon. I’m about to go see Sue,” I say. “Can I call you later?”

“Please do and tell Sue to call me! It’s been forever,” Mom pouts. “You two really shouldn’t work so hard. It’s okay to take breaks, you know. Plus, as you get older, you realize the importance of spending more time with family.”

“We’re working on it, Mom,” I chuckle. “I’ve gotta go now. I love you. Tell Dad I love him,” I say, blowing a kiss into the phone.

“Tell him yourself,” she quips.

“I will, Momma. I’ll call him tonight.”

“Good. Have a good day, baby.”

“You too, Mom.”

I still haven’t been able to bring myself to tell Mom about what happened, but these little moments between us are exactly what I need to lift my spirits. She may never know just how much she’s done for me just by being there and reminding me of how precious family is. Maybe I won’t get to raise my own children, but I have family and friends who love me. A beautiful niece and nephews that I can pour all the love in my soul into.

The stifling pain in my chest that felt like it was crippling me is starting to feel more like a dull ache now. It may never completely go away, but at least it’s becoming bearable.

A quick glance at the clock on my nightstand tells me that I have less than thirty minutes to meet up with Sue.

I haven’t told her either. Saying the words out loud would feel too final. Too definite.

So instead, I’ve been hiding from her, making it sound like I’ve been sick and buried in work. But no more.

Sue and I started a tradition five years ago. Every year, we throw this huge gala on Valentine’s Day.

It was my job to do the planning and make sure the night was perfect, and Sue, ever the life of the party, would make sure everyone had the time of their lives.

It’s now the talk of the town, and everyone who’s anyone wants to be there.

It’s always a night to remember, for several reasons.

For one, it’s the one time each year that I get to see Cole Matthews. As much as I hate to admit it, he somehow manages to get better looking with each passing year. I’d find myself stealing glances at him from afar, wondering what a sick jokethe universe was playing, giving a foul-mouthed, condescending asshole like him the face and body of a Greek god.

A warm tingle works its way down my body at the thought. There’s no denying he is a beautiful work of art, and even my hatred for him can’t erase that fact. Every year, I wondered if it would be the year he finally came up to me and apologized, and every year, I found myself disappointed. I know I shouldn’t care, but somehow it still stings.

I’d find myself getting irritated watching him flirt with every woman there. I’m sure that’s the only reason most of them came. Hoping to get a chance to tie down the ultimate bachelor.

Sue would eventually pull me out onto the dancefloor for a twirl—a gesture I was always grateful for, and an escape from my own mind.

How could one man be so obnoxiously arrogant and full of himself and still be so attractive?

I can’t explain it, but something about him draws me in. Maybe it’s because I’m still waiting for that apology.

A part of me still wants to back out of planning the ball with Sue this year. It’s still two months away, but the last thing I feel like doing is celebrating, and somehow, I don’t think I’ll be feeling any different two months from now. Yet, another part of me says planning this event is exactly what I need to occupy my thoughts. I’ve always cleared my calendar to make sure I have time for this event, so now I have all this free time on my hands, time that will wreck me if I don’t figure out a way to keep myself busy.

This is exactly what I need.

I take in a deep breath, willing the feelings of self-pity away. I’m not going to hide away any longer. I’m stronger than this. I’m going to plan and throw the best Valentine’s ball that we’ve ever thrown. It’s going to be the biggest event of the season, and with Sue’s help, a night no one will ever forget.

With renewed hope, I crack a lopsided smile at myself.

Checking my reflection in the mirror one more time, I tuck the stray strands of my hair in place, grab my bag, and head out to meet her.

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