Chapter 21
Steph's POV (October)
In a couple of weeks, Carlos and I will celebrate our three-month anniversary. I feel like I'm in high school saying that. At first, things were a little awkward. A few of the guys, especially Zero, were really pissed off at me, saying that I played John and was using him. I didn't get wind of it, at first, but one day, when I was working with Zero, he let me know his feelings. Let's say that when he was done, I went up to Carlos' office and quit. I refused to tell him why at first, but soon, he was able to coax it out of me, once I stopped crying. He called John in and gave him the synopsis of what happened. Both men were pissed, and Zero was taken to the mats by both of them. I later found out that when Zero was on his first deployment, he came home to find his fiance with another man. She only dated him to make the other guy jealous, then got together with him when Zero was overseas. Since he is John's partner, he took my relationship with Carlos as a personal affront against John. It took him a few weeks to get over it, but we are good now.
In the meantime, Carlos and I were trying to keep things low-key at work, but it was a challenge. Finally, after about two weeks, we decided not to hide what was clear to everyone else. Don't get me wrong, we don't make out at work or partake in other PDAs, but we are ourselves. We hold hands when we leave or enter the building together, we aren't afraid to disappear to seven together for lunch, and we say goodbye to each other when we leave the building.
About a year ago, the state changed requirements for PTs. All new PTs will be required to have gotten their doctorate in Physical Therapy, no more certificate programs. While my license is grandfathered in, it would only hold in Jersey. I know that Carlos would like to return to Florida in the future, and if we choose to go there, I'd like to continue to work as a PT. So, I approached Carlos with my desire to go back to school. Since it would be for something related to my job here, Rangeman will pay the tuition. When I argued, he informed me that Rangeman paid for Hector to get his Computer Science degree and Bobby and Manny to become Nurse Practitioners. Then he showed me my contract. I would have to stay on at Rangeman, at least part-time, for five years after completing the degree, or I would have to pay back a pro-rated portion of my tuition. The next day, I reviewed the requirements for a program and realized I need some pre-requisites first, so starting in January, I'm going back to school.
Outside of work, we've been taking things slow. We haven't had sex yet, which, trust me, is a challenge. I want Carlos badly, but we also want to ensure that what we have is genuine and not a fad or phase. I know that I long for him, and I have for the last ten years, and I think he feels the same way. Monday is my birthday, and Carlos has arranged for us to go to Shorty's for dinner Friday evening. On Sunday, we'll celebrate with my father and grandmother. Since we officially became a couple, Carlos eats dinner with me and the kids at least three to four nights a week. It has quickly become something the twins look forward to.
On nights when I need to work late, the kids come to Rangeman after school. They use one of the small conference rooms to do their homework on iPads that Hector set up. These devices can only visit pre-selected sites, and if they try to access something else, an alert gets sent to me, Ranger, and Hector. We then have the option to approve the request or deny it. They spend some time in the gym, practicing self-defense or soccer drills.
Bobby and Tank are moving back to Miami at the end of the month. Lester opted to stay in Trenton. Les developed a close relationship with the twins, and I know he doesn't want to leave them. Carlos assured me that the Core Team can run Rangeman effectively together or apart. He even went on to say that this was a better option. Now, he and Lester were reasonably close to Boston to give them assistance quickly should they need it. Considering they were thinking of opening a branch in Atlanta, Tank and Bobby being in Miami would also help.
I'm finishing up my paperwork, updating everyone's files when my phone rings. I pick it up without looking at the caller ID.
"Stephanie, it's your mother." Fuck. She's the last person I want to talk to.
"How can I help you?" I ask, trying to be polite and rude at the same time.
"Valerie, your nieces and I will be arriving in Trenton in approximately six weeks. We will require a place to stay and expect that to be at your house."
"I'm sorry, but there is not enough room for an additional four people in my home. I can help you secure a hotel room, but I cannot pay for your stay."
"Nonsense. You will put us up in your home. It is the proper thing to do."
"No, I will not. I will not disrupt my children's routines because you and Valerie feel the need to visit Trenton."
"We are not visiting; we are moving back. Now, you will put us up in your house like a proper Burg daughter. I will send you a list of supplies and items that we will need. Make sure they are in the house when we arrive. I'll call you with an exact date on November first. We are waiting on Valerie's divorce to be finalized."
"What type of items do you expect me to find?"
"Furniture, linens, and such. Do you expect us to sleep in your bed?"
"There is no room in my house for new furniture. We have no extra bedrooms."
"Silly girl. Your sister, your nieces, and I will occupy the bedrooms as your guests. You and your brats can use the basement. Now, I must go. Make sure to do what I instruct you to do."
I sit down. What the fuck does my mother want? Why does she think that I'll open my doors to them? Does she think I forgot what they are like? As I'm trying to figure out what is going on, my phone rings once more.
"Pumpkin, do not answer your phone. Your mother and sister…"
"Are moving back to Trenton. You're too late, Dad. I already got the call."
"She informed me that you are ordered to allow her and Val to basically take over your home. She told me she doesn't care if you move out. That poor Valerie needed a stable home more than you did."
This can't be happening. My life is finally heading on a course that I'm happy with and the wicked witch of the west has to return, along with her troops of flying monkeys. "Look, Dad, let me talk to Carlos. I'm sure he knows a lawyer who can help us. I also know that none of my colleagues will allow Mom to enter my house without my consent."
"Okay, Pumpkin. I'm sorry."
"Don't be, Dad. There was no way for us to anticipate this."
"At least we have some time to figure things out. I love you, Stephanie."
"Love you too, Daddy."
I put my phone down and I rest my head in my hands. I must have sat there longer than I thought because soon Carlos was opening my office door. My office is located at the corner of the gym, next to the massage room and Manny's office. You can enter my office from the hallway or the gym. Louis moved it for me some time ago. Originally, I was going to be completely out of the gym, but since I use the gym for my work, I said I still wanted access, so I have a two-door office with massage room and bathroom attached. I used to give massages in the gym, but some guys had difficulty relaxing with all the gym chaos around them. So, I asked Carlos to build me a small room that is sound-proofed. Let me tell you, I have fantasies about Carlos and me in that room. However, he is the only man who hasn't taken me up on my skills. I'm not sure why. My office has half windows on two walls with a glass door. I have automatic shades to close off any or all the windows if I need to. Usually, I keep them open because I feel claustrophobic otherwise.
"Babe, what's wrong?" Carlos asks as he enters my office. He takes a moment to close the shades, giving us privacy. I stay where I am until I feel him next to me. I finally put my hands down and look up at him.
"It's my mother and sister. Apparently, they are moving back to Trenton and are under the impression that I will put them up in my home, purchasing furniture for them, and moving myself and the twins to the basement. She basically wants to take over my home."
Carlos pulls me to my feet before he sits back down in my chair, with me on his lap. "Don't worry, Babe, I won't let anyone take your home from you. I have a team of lawyers we can talk to that will keep your mother out. Do you want me to call them?"
"Yes, I do, but how much will they cost?"
"Don't worry about the cost, Babe. They are retained by Rangeman. I'll pay them whatever their fee is. Besides, they give me a discount because of the amount of work I send their way. I can put your mother and sister up in a safe house."
"Thank you, Carlos, but that won't work. I know my mother and sister. They will take that to be an insult. They expect to come here, stay in my home, and have me cook them food and treat them as guests for as long as they choose to stay, which is what is proper in the Burg. She informed me that they will be at my house in six weeks."
At this point, I start to cry. I can't deal with my mother and sister. I thought I was done with them, and now, she wants to destroy everything I've built through blood, sweat, and tears.
"I will be with you whenever they arrive. We'll have the twins stay here; Ella will watch them and give them dinner. The simplest thing to do now is to make sure they can't gain entry, and I, along with everyone here at Rangeman, will stop them."
"What if they refuse to leave?"
"We'll get the cops involved."
I sigh. "What if I sell the house?"
"Why would you do that?"
"Well, it's something I've been considering doing for about a year now. The house is a little too small for us. I hate that if my grandmother stays over, I'm relegated to the couch, or my dad sleeps there if he stays. I would like to have a home with at least four bedrooms, maybe five to have some guest rooms. Now that I'm working for Rangeman, my income is considerably higher, so I can afford a larger mortgage. Plus, I have a much better credit rating now than I did before. I wouldn't need to have my dad as a co-signer on the loan."
"Do you want to stay in the same area, or are you willing to live outside of Trenton?"
"I'd be fine outside of Trenton. The twins are in a private school, so where I live isn't an issue. I just don't want their trip to school to be too long."
"After I found out about the twins, I decided that I wanted to have a home here, one where I could spend time with them. You were still dating Woody during that time, so I wasn't sure if we would be an item. I looked at several properties and found one that I like in Hamilton Township. The house was old, in need of significant repairs. I managed to buy the property for a song and a dance. Since July, I've been renovating it. In fact, it's almost complete. It was an old Victorian, with a solid shell, but the interior was neglected. I completely gutted the house, replacing everything. It has six bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a large eat-in kitchen, a den/rec room, offices for you and me, and a small gym. Over the detached garage is a small apartment, suitable for a single person and/or couple. I figured if I ever made it my full-time residence, I could have a housekeeper live there. I need to pick out appliances, paint, rugs, and furniture. I was hoping that we could do that together. I was going to surprise you and take you to the house this weekend, but it seems my plans are being pushed up."
I'm in shock. Carlos has a house! As much as I'm thrilled, I'm also upset. I worked so hard to be independent, and now I'm going to move into another home owned by a man. If we break up, I'll be homeless again. As much as it's the perfect solution, I can't take it.
"Carlos, while the house sounds fabulous, I need to do this on my own. I don't want to find myself homeless."
"You don't understand, Babe. The house isn't just mine; it's ours. Your name is on the deed, along with mine. If you want to contribute, you can pay the utilities. There is no mortgage. You are the mother of my children, and I will never leave you without a place to live, regardless of our relationship status."
"Wow," was all I could muster. Yes, I'm a master of the English language. "Why?"
"Because I love you and the twins. You are my family, and you have worked so hard for the last nine years that I wanted to give you something to thank you. If I had known about the twins, I would have been by your side. Everything would have so much different, and most likely, easier for you. In the beginning, you would have had housing on the base. Eventually, we would have picked a place to settle and purchase a house together. Listen, Steph, no matter what happens with you and me, we will always be family, and I will always take care of you. Nothing can take away the gift you gave me."
"You mean the gift you gave me."
"Either way, Babe." I turn my head towards Carlos' where our lips meet in a gentle but passionate kiss. I feel heat flow through my body, igniting a flame that will only be doused by Carlos. When we feel the need to breathe, we break apart, but I rest my head on his shoulder.
"I just hate disrupting the twins' life and my life. My mother and sister will find a way to invade my home. I can't be there with them, but I have no place to go."
"Babe, the house should be ready by the time your mother and sister arrive. You and the twins could be moved in already. If for some reason, there are delays, you and the twins will stay here with me. There's an available two-bedroom apartment on four since Sal and Eric moved out. I can make sure it stays vacant. Right now, there is no one looking for an apartment, so it's not a problem. You and the twins can have that apartment. I know it will be small, but it will work. If necessary, Alex can stay with me. That way, you and Lucia will each have a room."
"How much longer until the house is ready?"
"About a month. As I said, everything is done except for the decorating. The contractor was planning on painting everything white so that when I eventually decide what I want, it will be easy to change."
"Can I see the house tonight?"
"Of course. Are you going to have dinner here with me?"
"No, I actually have ropa vieja in my slow cooker. Would you like to join us? I'm sure I can get my grandmother or father to stay with the kids."
"Don't bother them. I'll get Lester to stay with them. I'm sure your father is stressed knowing that he'll need to deal with your mother."
"Are you sure Lester won't mind?"
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"Okay then, invite him for dinner as well; there's more than enough to go around. I'll be ready to go in about five minutes."
Carlos and I kiss once more before he stands me up. I watch him leave my office and then the gym. I finish putting away my files and make sure my desk is set for tomorrow. I take my purse out of my bottom drawer, lock the desk, and then my office. I head up to the fifth floor, where I find Carlos and the twins in their conference room, gathering their books to head home.
"Are we ready to go?" I ask the twins.
"Yes, Mom. Let's get this show on the road." Alex responds.
"Dad, are you coming home with us tonight?" Lucia asks.
"Yes, I'm joining you guys, and so is Tio Lester. Your mother and I need to go somewhere after dinner, so he will stay with you while we're gone."
"Great! Let's get out of here." We all walk to the stairs, where we quickly descend to the garage. I get into my car with the twins, and I am surprised when Carlos joins me.
"Lester can drive me back tonight. No need to take three cars." I nod my head in agreement. When we get home, Carlos supervises the kids washing their hands and stowing their school supplies while I set the table and check on the meal. Thankfully, there is nothing I need to do except make the salad. Since I cut all the vegetables this morning, I simply toss everything together and add the raspberry dressing.
We sit down together to eat, and as usual, laugh throughout dinner. The twins tell us about their Halloween costumes, which they have been making with Ella. They have decided to go as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. I'm thrilled they both still want to go as coordinating characters. They want me to go a Queen Amidala and Ranger as Darth Vader. At least he already has the black clothes.
"I am not dressing up at Darth Vader for Halloween. I'm sorry kids."
"Come on, Carlos, have a little fun."
"I refuse to dress like a person who is not even a whole man. Besides, I prefer to be Batman."
"Oh. Then, mommy, you can be Catwoman or Wonder Woman." Lucia says.
"I think your mom should be Wonder Woman," Lester stated.
"Tio Lester, you can be Robin then," Alex said. With that, Carlos and I burst out laughing. Lester, on the other hand, didn't seem quite as amused.
"Thanks, Steph, I had your back and made you Wonder Woman, and you relegate me to Robin…sidekick status. Just wait. I'll get you back."
"Nice try, Les, but Batman won't let you," I responded.
"That won't happen. I don't dress up for Halloween. That's what kids do and I'm not a kid anymore."
"Dad, you must dress up! How else are you supposed to hand out candy to the trick or treaters and host our party?" Lucia exclaimed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Carlos, every year we have a Halloween Party here for some of the twin's friends. I always dress up, and we would like you to be here with us. For that to happen, you must also be in costume."
"Babe."
"Don't Babe me, Carlos. This isn't a request. Lucia and Alex look forward to this every year and I don't want to disappoint them. They really want you to participate." I tell Carlos.
"Fine. I'll be Batman."
"Thank you, Dad!" The twins responded in unison, much to my delight.