Page 56 of Knocked Up by Mr. Grump Lawyer

It’s just too complicated. I’m better off bringing up this child by myself and pursuing my former dreams of being a great lawyer.

I began walking to the street in front, planning to go home and just rest. But then, I heard a commotion behind me. Turning around, I was aghast.

Robert was running down the school’s front steps, carrying an unconscious Riley in his arms. A teacher and some students were following behind with looks of concern and worry on their faces.

I saw Robert’s assistant Willard come forward and take Riley. They hurried to a luxurious SUV that was parked on the sidewalk.

“Robert!” I yelled, not helping myself. I was filled with distress. “What happened?”

Robert turned to me and didn’t look surprised to see me there. I think he must have seen me earlier. “Riley had an accident. He slipped and hit his head. We’re going to the hospital now.”

“Let me go with you,” I offered, my heart hammering with anxiety as I checked on Riley.

“We’ll be praying for him,” one classmate said.

“We’ll go and visit him later,” the other one said.

“Please give us an update,” the teacher added. “We’ll go to the hospital.”

Robert nodded at them and then ushered me in. We both got into the vehicle and zoomed off.

Chapter 24

ROBERT

“Robert!”Iheardafemale voice cry out over the ongoing noise and excited chatter inside the middle school gym.

For a short while, I felt hope surging within me. I thought it was Kayla calling me. I suddenly yearned to apologize to her for yesterday or even just to see her beaming at me again.

But then, I saw Jaynie looking immaculate in her expensive clothes. She had an aloof expression on her face, though she was waving me over. I just couldn’t believe this woman used to spend endless evenings with me, chatting about life and dreaming of a future together.

“Hi, Jaynie,” I greeted nonchalantly, careful to keep a blank expression on my face. In my head, several images of us from the past flashed like an old TV rerun. It didn’t make me regret how we’d grown so far apart, but her presence always reminded me of the pain and bad things to come. That’s probably why it was so hard for me to commit to anyone else.

“I bought all this stuff from Riley’s class,” she boasted, showing me the bags of goodies she was carrying. “But they’re so heavy! Gosh, where did my assistant go, anyway?”

“Aren’t you on a diet forever? And I think your husband isn’t fond of eating sweets either,” I pointed out.

“Oh, well, I just bought it all to support Riley,” she said in a bragging tone, as if that alone was enough to make her the best mom in the world. Quite far from it, actually.

“I’m sure he and his classmates appreciated it,” I said politely. “But have you spoken with him?”

“Of course,” she answered fast, narrowing her eyes at me. She looked insulted, but I didn’t care.

God, I hated this woman. Forgive me for feeling this way, but she’s such a goddamn bitch.

“Anyway, I need to go now,” she said, looking around, probably searching for her assistant.

“Already?” I asked. “I think Riley and his classmates are still performing a while later on stage. A couple of them will be doing a dance number.”

“Oh,” was all she said, looking surprised and caught off-guard. But then, she brushed it off and still continued her way. “It’s okay. Tell him good luck and to send me the video of it. Bye!”

With that, she disappeared into the crowd. A sense of anger, frustration, and anguish filled me. I was hurt for Riley. It probably stressed him out to have to deal with a mother like that. Good thing he grew up to be a very good boy!

As I made my way back to Riley’s booth, I thought of Kayla and how she’d been so different compared to Jaynie. During the time she was living with Riley and me, she’d spent so much more time with him than his own mother. She’d gone out of her way to play games with him and to help him with his school projects.

My mind began to wander toward thoughts of a potential future with her. But then, seeing Jaynie reminded me of my issues.

I must take care of my issues first,I thought. The very thought of committing to Kayla drove my insides into chaos. It was too early to jump into that just like that. With a baby on the way, it would be even more complicated and risky. I didn’t want to put them in that situation.

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