Bruce sat, holding Amy against him. Her support made his heart less heavy.
He couldn't think of a solution, but he felt less vulnerable sitting with
Amy in his arms. Memories of Mia flooded his brain: good and bad. The bad
outweighed the good.
He remembered being completely in love with Mia. He thought she was so beautiful, sexy and alive. He loved her free spirit and pride. He was proud to have her. But Mia never returned his affections. She loved herself more than she loved anyone. Bruce thought it was her confidence; how free and independent she was. Mia had him under a spell. He continued to love her when she disappeared for days at a time. He thought he loved her enough for both of them.
Things changed drastically for Bruce when Rebecca was born. Sure, Mia never seemed excited about the pregnancy, but Bruce dismissed it as the difficulty of carrying a baby. It was the day of delivery that he knew something wasn't right. Mia was distant from her baby. Bruce initially tried to believe that she was just exhausted from the labor, but days, weeks, and months went by with no change in her disposition. It hurt him deeply. He felt his baby was perfect and beautiful. He couldn't comprehend how her own mother didn't love her as he did.
Mia only doted on her daughter in the presence of others. While at home alone, Mia wouldn't have anything to do with Rebecca. She constantly left her with Bruce's mother or sister. So much so, Bruce stopped his pre-law education and began working night court full-time. He cared for his daughter during the day, sleeping only during her naps and visits from family members. Mia began to disappear again. Even at age 3 when Rebecca began to have epileptic seizures, Mia would only be around after emergencies. She made it clear that she didn't want a family. It broke Bruce's heart.
It never made any sense why they were ever together. What did Mia get out of their relationship? Maybe she hoped to ride on Bruce's aspirations. He was going to be a lawyer. He had the drive and determination. Or maybe Mia did love him in her own way. Bruce never felt it. All he ever felt was neglected and used. Just like he did now. He thought he had finally turned the tables on Mia, against his better judgment. But it was she who was getting the last laugh.
Amy shifted quietly in front of him, snapping him out of his daze. She put her feet up on the couch and snuggled her head into his shoulder as if she was going to sleep. Bruce breathed in her hair. He loved how she smelled. How she felt against him. She was happily sitting there for his comfort. Not saying a word, just letting him think things out. Or she could be falling asleep. Either way, she wasn't there only worried about herself. Amy didn't seem to ever have it in her to be selfish.
Bruce's stomach grumbled and startled Amy.
"Sorry. That was loud wasn't it?" chuckled Bruce.
"That's ok. It must be about that time. I bought some frozen pizzas."
Amy slid her feet off the couch in attempt to make dinner. Bruce embraced her, preventing her from getting up.
"Are you hungry?" Bruce asked softly while holding Amy tight.
"A little," Amy responded with a big smile on her face. She enjoyed being in his arms, even if she faced away from him. Bruce's voice sounded as if he was in a lighter mood.
"Do you want to talk?" Amy rubbed his arms wrapped around her as she asked.
"About?"
"Anything... Anything on your mind?"
"You."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"What about me?" Amy asked as she turned to face him.
Feeling that the situation was becoming intense, she quickly laid her head on his chest to keep their bargain. Bruce lifted her chin up to make eye contact.
"How special you are. How selfless and giving. How you fulfill all that I've been missing in life."
He gently pushed her hair away from her face with his other hand. His eyes glowed with happiness. Amy beamed to see him lighten up. Flattery wasn't bad either.
"You're not so bad yourself," she said with a smirk.
Their eyes wandered down to each other's mouths. Amy kept her mouth slightly opened, ready for Bruce to meet her lips. Bruce felt tensions rise so he kissed Amy quickly on the forehead instead and pulled her toward his chest for a hug. Slightly disappointed, she returned the hug half effort, but then rubbed her hands up and down his back in acceptance.
"Glad you think so. Let's get them pizzas in the oven."
They both stood up and head toward the kitchen. Bruce's cell phone rang.
"I'll get the pizzas, you answer your phone," Amy suggested softly. Bruce bowed his head in appreciation.
He looked at the cell. It was Mia again.
"Hello" Bruce said impatiently.
"I'm so sorry Bruce. I'm so sorry..." Mia voice broke as she began to cry.
"You should be Mia. Never in a million years would I have figured you'd stoop–"
"I lied Bruce... I'm not pregnant. I should've never told you that. I was devastated that night. –You called out another woman's name. I was your one and only. Me. I'm in trouble Bruce and I know you won't help me now that you're in love with someone else. I'm in trouble Bruce. I'm in really big trouble," Mia sobbed.
A river of emotions ran through Bruce. He couldn't speak. Mia had put him through emotional agony in the last 24 hours. There was a feeling of relief knowing that he wouldn't father another child with this horrible excuse for a woman. He also felt an unspeakable rage. Bruce contemplated hanging up on Mia, but he thought about Rebecca. He owed it to her to hear Mia out.
"What trouble are you in?" he asked through clenched teeth.
Mia regained her composure and began to explain.
"Remember the spa I had opened up in New York? Well I got in over my head. My girls tried to tell me, but you know me Bruce –I didn't listen. I was spending more than the money coming in. I tried to get loans to save it, but I wouldn't qualify. Well I met someone who said they knew someone who could help me out. He'd front the money, if he could do a little business at the spa. I didn't think anything of it. Not until, I was approached by the feds. They had been tipped that this guy was frequenting my spa. He's a kingpin drug dealer. The feds couldn't make the connection between him and me, he owned all his establishments and the spa was in my name. I was too scared to tell them what I had done. So that's the real reason I had closed shop and went to Europe. But I still had that man's money; that's why I came back. I thought that a little time cooled things off and I could give him his money back. I thought he would appreciate that I avoided the authorities, but he wants interest on his money Bruce! I've collected it all except two thousand dollars and I'm supposed to have it to him by next Friday. Can you help me?"
Amy had walked back in the living room and looked at Bruce with great concern. He was furious. Once again, Mia had made decisions solely to serve her. He wanted to tell her that she had made her bed and now she'd have to sleep in it. Maybe this would teach her a lesson. Bruce stayed focused on Amy to keep him calm.
"You need to contact the feds Mia. How do you know that once you give this guy the money, he'll just call it even? That's not how it works sometimes. If he's some high ranking drug dealer, he may just take his money and kill you to make a point. Even rape you before hand, just for kicks. Money doesn't solve this one Mia. And I can't protect you. If you don't know who to trust, let me make some calls. I'll have a contact for you by Monday. Listen to me Mia: You're Rebecca's mother, no matter what –she needs her mother. Don't do anything stupid. Don't talk to this guy until you've talked to the feds. Stay where you're at and wait for my phone call Monday. Once this is done Mia, we're through. I don't want you in my life anymore. We only see and talk to each other when it concerns Becca. I have no feelings for you outside of the role you play in my daughter's life. I've stayed out of your life and now I ask that you stay out of mine."
"You've made yourself clear... You were clear our last night together. If you help me with this, I will grant your wishes. But Bruce, you have to help me. I mean –I won't consider any kind of plea. I want complete immunity and protection. And if anything happens to me, you'll have to be the one to answer to Rebecca. So, as long as we keep that in perspective –I'll respect your wishes and I'll wait for your call. But I'm no fool Bruce, just because you love someone new, and have that judge in your pocket –I won't have you setting me up. That wouldn't be any 'help'," responded Mia in an icy tone.
The nerve of this woman. Here he offers to help and she still wants things her way. Still making demands on him. Still trying to manipulate him. But it didn't daunt Bruce. He knew she had no recourse. She couldn't guilt him this time; he wasn't the one who made poor choices. But for Rebecca's sake, he would notify his contacts, and they would work things out with Mia. It would be out of his hands.
"We'll talk Monday."
"Monday it is."
And with that, the call ended. Amy began to approach Bruce. She stopped just a foot in front of him.
"What happened?" she asked him gently, looking at him with great concern.
Bruce put the phone on the table and embraced Amy. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight with her head nestled on his chest. She was worried about what burden he had to carry now. Amy knew something seemed different.
"You want the long version or short version?"
"I'll take what you give me," she softly replied.
"To sum things up: Mia should no longer have any part in my life other than being Rebecca's mother. She lied about the pregnancy. She needed money for some trouble she got herself in. I may spend Monday trying to help her, but after that –we won't be exchanging any words that are not directly related to Rebecca." He let out a sigh.
"So I guess its good news?" Amy asked cautiously.
"Not for Mia. I don't think she realizes fully what she's gotten herself into. But I'm not getting too involved in this. Her selfish choices are catching up with her. After Monday, I only have one woman to focus my attention on. You'll have my complete and undivided attention. I guess you could say its good news for us."
A strong aroma filled the room. Amy jumped.
"The pizzas are burning!" she exclaimed as she ran to the kitchen.
Bruce watched her take off and laughed. Crazy woman. How he loved that crazy woman. He quickly followed her in and helped fan out the burnt smell. There was a more distinguishing smell than burnt pizza.
"It was supposed to be 30 minutes on 400 degrees. What did I do wrong?"
Bruce took out the pizzas with an oven mitt and looked at them.
"Are you supposed to put them in there with the cardboard underneath?"
"Cardboard? I didn't see cardboard."
Amy had a disappointed look. Bruce looked at her pitiful expression.
"This just means I'll have to take you out somewhere." He smiled, embracing her again.
"Yeah?" Amy smiled back.
"Yep. Guess I'm going on that run with jeans on after all."
They scurried in different directions; Amy shut off the oven, got her purse and cell phone. Bruce grabbed his wallet, cell and keys. He put his arm around Amy and they walked out of the cabin together.
"Where to my lady?" he asked while opening Amy's door and helping her in.
"Oh, just up the road used to be a little diner. Let see if it still there."
Bruce got in and started the Navigator. And off they went.
He remembered being completely in love with Mia. He thought she was so beautiful, sexy and alive. He loved her free spirit and pride. He was proud to have her. But Mia never returned his affections. She loved herself more than she loved anyone. Bruce thought it was her confidence; how free and independent she was. Mia had him under a spell. He continued to love her when she disappeared for days at a time. He thought he loved her enough for both of them.
Things changed drastically for Bruce when Rebecca was born. Sure, Mia never seemed excited about the pregnancy, but Bruce dismissed it as the difficulty of carrying a baby. It was the day of delivery that he knew something wasn't right. Mia was distant from her baby. Bruce initially tried to believe that she was just exhausted from the labor, but days, weeks, and months went by with no change in her disposition. It hurt him deeply. He felt his baby was perfect and beautiful. He couldn't comprehend how her own mother didn't love her as he did.
Mia only doted on her daughter in the presence of others. While at home alone, Mia wouldn't have anything to do with Rebecca. She constantly left her with Bruce's mother or sister. So much so, Bruce stopped his pre-law education and began working night court full-time. He cared for his daughter during the day, sleeping only during her naps and visits from family members. Mia began to disappear again. Even at age 3 when Rebecca began to have epileptic seizures, Mia would only be around after emergencies. She made it clear that she didn't want a family. It broke Bruce's heart.
It never made any sense why they were ever together. What did Mia get out of their relationship? Maybe she hoped to ride on Bruce's aspirations. He was going to be a lawyer. He had the drive and determination. Or maybe Mia did love him in her own way. Bruce never felt it. All he ever felt was neglected and used. Just like he did now. He thought he had finally turned the tables on Mia, against his better judgment. But it was she who was getting the last laugh.
Amy shifted quietly in front of him, snapping him out of his daze. She put her feet up on the couch and snuggled her head into his shoulder as if she was going to sleep. Bruce breathed in her hair. He loved how she smelled. How she felt against him. She was happily sitting there for his comfort. Not saying a word, just letting him think things out. Or she could be falling asleep. Either way, she wasn't there only worried about herself. Amy didn't seem to ever have it in her to be selfish.
Bruce's stomach grumbled and startled Amy.
"Sorry. That was loud wasn't it?" chuckled Bruce.
"That's ok. It must be about that time. I bought some frozen pizzas."
Amy slid her feet off the couch in attempt to make dinner. Bruce embraced her, preventing her from getting up.
"Are you hungry?" Bruce asked softly while holding Amy tight.
"A little," Amy responded with a big smile on her face. She enjoyed being in his arms, even if she faced away from him. Bruce's voice sounded as if he was in a lighter mood.
"Do you want to talk?" Amy rubbed his arms wrapped around her as she asked.
"About?"
"Anything... Anything on your mind?"
"You."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"What about me?" Amy asked as she turned to face him.
Feeling that the situation was becoming intense, she quickly laid her head on his chest to keep their bargain. Bruce lifted her chin up to make eye contact.
"How special you are. How selfless and giving. How you fulfill all that I've been missing in life."
He gently pushed her hair away from her face with his other hand. His eyes glowed with happiness. Amy beamed to see him lighten up. Flattery wasn't bad either.
"You're not so bad yourself," she said with a smirk.
Their eyes wandered down to each other's mouths. Amy kept her mouth slightly opened, ready for Bruce to meet her lips. Bruce felt tensions rise so he kissed Amy quickly on the forehead instead and pulled her toward his chest for a hug. Slightly disappointed, she returned the hug half effort, but then rubbed her hands up and down his back in acceptance.
"Glad you think so. Let's get them pizzas in the oven."
They both stood up and head toward the kitchen. Bruce's cell phone rang.
"I'll get the pizzas, you answer your phone," Amy suggested softly. Bruce bowed his head in appreciation.
He looked at the cell. It was Mia again.
"Hello" Bruce said impatiently.
"I'm so sorry Bruce. I'm so sorry..." Mia voice broke as she began to cry.
"You should be Mia. Never in a million years would I have figured you'd stoop–"
"I lied Bruce... I'm not pregnant. I should've never told you that. I was devastated that night. –You called out another woman's name. I was your one and only. Me. I'm in trouble Bruce and I know you won't help me now that you're in love with someone else. I'm in trouble Bruce. I'm in really big trouble," Mia sobbed.
A river of emotions ran through Bruce. He couldn't speak. Mia had put him through emotional agony in the last 24 hours. There was a feeling of relief knowing that he wouldn't father another child with this horrible excuse for a woman. He also felt an unspeakable rage. Bruce contemplated hanging up on Mia, but he thought about Rebecca. He owed it to her to hear Mia out.
"What trouble are you in?" he asked through clenched teeth.
Mia regained her composure and began to explain.
"Remember the spa I had opened up in New York? Well I got in over my head. My girls tried to tell me, but you know me Bruce –I didn't listen. I was spending more than the money coming in. I tried to get loans to save it, but I wouldn't qualify. Well I met someone who said they knew someone who could help me out. He'd front the money, if he could do a little business at the spa. I didn't think anything of it. Not until, I was approached by the feds. They had been tipped that this guy was frequenting my spa. He's a kingpin drug dealer. The feds couldn't make the connection between him and me, he owned all his establishments and the spa was in my name. I was too scared to tell them what I had done. So that's the real reason I had closed shop and went to Europe. But I still had that man's money; that's why I came back. I thought that a little time cooled things off and I could give him his money back. I thought he would appreciate that I avoided the authorities, but he wants interest on his money Bruce! I've collected it all except two thousand dollars and I'm supposed to have it to him by next Friday. Can you help me?"
Amy had walked back in the living room and looked at Bruce with great concern. He was furious. Once again, Mia had made decisions solely to serve her. He wanted to tell her that she had made her bed and now she'd have to sleep in it. Maybe this would teach her a lesson. Bruce stayed focused on Amy to keep him calm.
"You need to contact the feds Mia. How do you know that once you give this guy the money, he'll just call it even? That's not how it works sometimes. If he's some high ranking drug dealer, he may just take his money and kill you to make a point. Even rape you before hand, just for kicks. Money doesn't solve this one Mia. And I can't protect you. If you don't know who to trust, let me make some calls. I'll have a contact for you by Monday. Listen to me Mia: You're Rebecca's mother, no matter what –she needs her mother. Don't do anything stupid. Don't talk to this guy until you've talked to the feds. Stay where you're at and wait for my phone call Monday. Once this is done Mia, we're through. I don't want you in my life anymore. We only see and talk to each other when it concerns Becca. I have no feelings for you outside of the role you play in my daughter's life. I've stayed out of your life and now I ask that you stay out of mine."
"You've made yourself clear... You were clear our last night together. If you help me with this, I will grant your wishes. But Bruce, you have to help me. I mean –I won't consider any kind of plea. I want complete immunity and protection. And if anything happens to me, you'll have to be the one to answer to Rebecca. So, as long as we keep that in perspective –I'll respect your wishes and I'll wait for your call. But I'm no fool Bruce, just because you love someone new, and have that judge in your pocket –I won't have you setting me up. That wouldn't be any 'help'," responded Mia in an icy tone.
The nerve of this woman. Here he offers to help and she still wants things her way. Still making demands on him. Still trying to manipulate him. But it didn't daunt Bruce. He knew she had no recourse. She couldn't guilt him this time; he wasn't the one who made poor choices. But for Rebecca's sake, he would notify his contacts, and they would work things out with Mia. It would be out of his hands.
"We'll talk Monday."
"Monday it is."
And with that, the call ended. Amy began to approach Bruce. She stopped just a foot in front of him.
"What happened?" she asked him gently, looking at him with great concern.
Bruce put the phone on the table and embraced Amy. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight with her head nestled on his chest. She was worried about what burden he had to carry now. Amy knew something seemed different.
"You want the long version or short version?"
"I'll take what you give me," she softly replied.
"To sum things up: Mia should no longer have any part in my life other than being Rebecca's mother. She lied about the pregnancy. She needed money for some trouble she got herself in. I may spend Monday trying to help her, but after that –we won't be exchanging any words that are not directly related to Rebecca." He let out a sigh.
"So I guess its good news?" Amy asked cautiously.
"Not for Mia. I don't think she realizes fully what she's gotten herself into. But I'm not getting too involved in this. Her selfish choices are catching up with her. After Monday, I only have one woman to focus my attention on. You'll have my complete and undivided attention. I guess you could say its good news for us."
A strong aroma filled the room. Amy jumped.
"The pizzas are burning!" she exclaimed as she ran to the kitchen.
Bruce watched her take off and laughed. Crazy woman. How he loved that crazy woman. He quickly followed her in and helped fan out the burnt smell. There was a more distinguishing smell than burnt pizza.
"It was supposed to be 30 minutes on 400 degrees. What did I do wrong?"
Bruce took out the pizzas with an oven mitt and looked at them.
"Are you supposed to put them in there with the cardboard underneath?"
"Cardboard? I didn't see cardboard."
Amy had a disappointed look. Bruce looked at her pitiful expression.
"This just means I'll have to take you out somewhere." He smiled, embracing her again.
"Yeah?" Amy smiled back.
"Yep. Guess I'm going on that run with jeans on after all."
They scurried in different directions; Amy shut off the oven, got her purse and cell phone. Bruce grabbed his wallet, cell and keys. He put his arm around Amy and they walked out of the cabin together.
"Where to my lady?" he asked while opening Amy's door and helping her in.
"Oh, just up the road used to be a little diner. Let see if it still there."
Bruce got in and started the Navigator. And off they went.