A/N: Merry Xmas and happy holidays.

Chapter SEVEN

The Mercer house was unusually quiet that following morning. Breakfast was served, they both worked together to fix it, but as soon as they sat down at the table, there was hardly any conversation besides Marley's random blabber. Kimberly tried her best to act as if nothing was wrong but her smile wasn't as bright nor was she paying attention as she normally would.

It was the loud sound of silverware hitting a plate that had her looking up at Bobby. He wiped his mouth his napkin and tossed it down beside his plate before he shoved back from the table.

"Daddy done?"

"Yeah baby." He slid his items into the sink and turned back to kiss the top of her head. "Daddy is done."

"Daddy leave?"

He stroked the top of her head. "Daddy needs to talk to you about something Marley." He sat back down in his seat, facing her. "Daddy needs to go visit Uncle Jack and Aunt Natalie for a while. Would you like to come too? You can see your cousins Robert and Junior. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Marley nodded, her tiny spoon clutched in her right hand. "Kimmy too?"

"Kimmy has to stay here baby; she has obligations that she can't tear herself away from." He glanced over as Kimberly was the one to shove her chair back this time. She marched over to the sink and lowered her dishes in before switching the water on, scrubbing at them and listening as he continued. "We're going to pack our bags and leave tomorrow. How does that sound?"

Kimberly flipped off the water, her eyes fixed on the scenery outside the kitchen sink window. "You really have to leave that soon?"

"Yes, we do. They were all booked up for today."

The urge to toss the plate in her hand at his face was tempting for only a split second. "I can probably get you cheaper tickets if you want." She scrubbed at the plate as hard as she could with the sponge. "I have to handle some things for the charity ball but I can probably get to it by lunch."

"What ball?"

"The one I mentioned last night." She rinsed the plate and slid it into the rack beside her on the counter before grabbing the next one. "The one I need a date too since you'll probably still be in Los Angeles."

The sound of his chair sliding back alerted her that Bobby was on his feet. "Go play in the living room Marley."

"Okay Daddy."

Kimberly listened to the tiny patter of Marley's feet racing from the kitchen. She kept her eyes down on what she was doing even as Bobby appeared in the corner of her eye. "When is this charity ball thing?"

"It's in three weeks."

"How long do you think I'm going to be out there Kimberly?"

"You don't seem to know so how would I?" She rinsed off the plate and slid it into the rack. "I don't know why I even brought it up, it's not like you would want to go anyway."

Bobby sighed and reached out to turn off the water. He grabbed her wrist when she went to pick up a cup lying in the sink. "Kimmy, look at me…" Slowly she shifted her gaze to his. "I promise you that I will be back." He pulled her towards him. "And if you want me to go to some ball with you, I will."

"It's not just some ball." She forced herself to focus on his hand and not his eyes. "Every year the city throws an event called the Detroit United Black and White Ball in order to raise money for children as well as areas of the city that need contributions. It's full of stuffy, artificially obsessed people that could care less about what the event truly stands for and more about having their picture taken and enjoying free food and drinks."

"You trying to tell me I wouldn't enjoy free food and drinks?"

"Bobby …"

He lifted her arm and pressed his lips against the inside of her wrist. "You're right when you say it's not something I'd normally go to but if it's important to you that makes it important to me."

His use of the same words the night before had the words having the wrong effect on her. She pulled her wrist free. "The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable. It's a ball, you'd have to wear a tux and the last time you had to wear a tie you bitched for an entire hour."

"So instead you're going to get another fucking date?"

"I… I don't know why I said that."

"Bullshit you know exactly why you said it." He leaned against the sink, his eyes locked on her face. "If you want me to be jealous of the idea of you with someone else, you win. The mere idea of it makes me want to kill someone with my bare hands but it doesn't change the fact that I'm still leaving."

Kimberly grabbed the cup in the sink and turned the water back on. "I'm not going to find another date Bobby. I'll go by myself. This time won't be any different from the numerous other times I've had to attend it alone. I'll be fine." She finished cleaning the cup and lowered it into the rack. "I have to go work."

"We're not finished talking."

"Yes, we are." She wiped her hands and tossed the rag onto the counter before she faced him, her hands on her hips. "You're leaving tomorrow for Los Angeles, you're taking Marley with you, and you don't know when you'll be back. Have I left anything out? No? Good." She turned away but he grabbed her arm.

"Do not fucking walk away from me."

"If you're going to talk to me like that, I'm not interested in what you have to say."

"I don't fucking care if you are or not, you don't just say shit like that and then walk away from me like the argument is over." He jerked her towards him, his other hand grabbing her other arm. "You've been pissed at me for the past nine fucking hours and I want to know the real reason why. You owe me that much."

"I don't owe you anything."

"Do not fucking do this Kimberly, not now." She forced herself to remain pliant as he shook her. "I am asking you, no; I am fucking begging you, tell me what is wrong."

Kimberly flinched as for the first time since she had known him she heard his voice crack. "Let go." She whispered. "Please let go." He released her and she stumbled back to grab the counter. Leaning against it, she stared at him, and he stared back, neither of them saying a word. Finally she cleared her throat and straightened. "Nothing is wrong Bobby." She ran her hands down her blouse. "Marley is going to be late for daycare if you don't leave soon. I have to go to work."

"You have to be the fucking most stubborn woman I have ever met! Tell me what the hell is wrong with you." Bobby moved when she did to block her from leaving. "Tell me."

"Bobby…"

"Damn it, just tell me Kimberly!"

"I think you still fucking love Anita Bobby!" She shouted. "After all this time, a huge part of you still loves your ex and I can't compete with that! I can't always be the other woman!"

He stared at her in shock, his mouth moving but no sound coming out. "I…"

"I have to go. I just have to go." She pushed past him and as she expected he followed.

"Kimberly!"

"Daddy? Leave?"

"It's okay baby, we'll leave in a minute." He rushed after Kimberly. "Kimberly, stop!"

She grabbed the banister and turned on the step, stopping him short. "Don't try to tell me I'm wrong Bobby. I heard you on the phone with Natalie last night. Deep down I knew you still cared for her, despite everything you've said and despite how much time has passed, but what you felt is still there. It's like, it's like this torch you can't stop carrying."

"That's not true!"

"I get it you know; I get that you met this incredible woman and you fell in love with her like in some stupid romantic movie. I get that you loved her, you wanted a family with her, and if she had taken you back after finding out about Marley, we wouldn't be having this discussion." She inhaled sharply through her nose. "You wouldn't be aware that I even existed."

"Baby, no."

"I want what is best for you Bobby. Go to Los Angeles. Go and see Anita. Who knows, maybe things will click again. Maybe she'll realize what a mistake she made by letting you go."

"Do not be fucking ridiculous Kimberly."

She blinked back tears. "What's ridiculous is for me to even question whether or not if she wanted you that you'd say no. That is what would be ridiculous." She took a step away from him, moving herself slowly up the stairs. "I hope that you find whatever it is you're looking for Bobby. If it's Anita…" She cleared her throat. "If it's not then I hope when you come back that I'm still here."

"Don't…." Bobby swore under his breath as she turned around and started up the stairs. "Kimberly, I… Fuck." He hit the banister, watching her disappear into the room, their door shutting softly behind her. With a sigh of frustration, he ran his hands through his hair and pushed away from the stairs.

A small hand tugged on his pants and he looked down at Marley's serious face. "No cry Daddy."

"Daddy's not crying baby." He bent to scoop her up into his arms.

"Kimmy cry?"

"No baby, Kimmy's not crying; she's just upset with Daddy but it's going to be okay, you'll see." He kissed her cheek, nuzzling her softly with his nose. "We should get you to daycare before they make Daddy sit on the time out stool for being late shouldn't we?" She giggled and he looked one final time up the stairs.

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"Here are some more papers for you to sign."

Kimberly continued typing on her laptop, not looking up once as Melody approached her desk. "Put them on my desk please. I'll get to them as soon as I can."

"Are you aware it's four in the afternoon?"

She cocked an eyebrow but continued working. "And? Last time I checked, we worked until five."

"You haven't taken a break all day, not even for lunch." Melody lowered the papers in her hand onto the desk then clasped her hand in front of her. "Bobby called again. He said you're still not answering your cell phone."

"I've been busy."

"You've been saying that for the past five days."

"When it starts becoming your business, you can be concerned." Kimberly snapped. She looked up, pushing back the reading glasses on her nose with an impatient shove. "Is there anything else you needed?"

Melody frowned but shook her head. "I'll make sure he knows you're too busy to talk to him."

"Fine. Is that it?"

"No, I think that's it Ms. Carter." Her friend snapped. "I finished filing so if you don't mind I'm going to head home now." She stared at Kimberly. "Unless there's someone else you'd like me to detour for you?"

Kimberly ignored the jab of guilt that shot through her and shook her head she directed her attention back down to her computer. "That will be all, thank you."

Melody opened her mouth, hesitating but snapped it just as quickly. "Good night."

"Good night." Kimberly focused on her work but as soon as the door shut behind Melody, she leaned back into her chair with a long sigh. Sliding off her glasses, she rubbed at the bridge of her nose and bent to pick up her purse from where it rested under her desk.

A brief look at her phone alerted her to twelve missed calls. It was ten less calls then the day before. She knew she should answer but each time she started to her words became lodged in her throat.

It had been five whole days since he had taken Marley to Los Angeles but it already felt like five years. She hated it, hated the feeling of missing him so bad that it hurt to do anything but work. Sleeping, eating, even breathing became tasks once so simple it now took all the energy she had to perform.

Work was the only thing that distracted her. She had thrown herself in doing nothing but working on projects and preparing for the ball. Shopping for a dress helped distract her for only a few short hours. She had to fight back tears at the mere sight of the Mercer house. It hurt too much to lie in their bed without him beside her. Her own house had suddenly become this cage, a place of walls and windows that had somehow lost the warmth she craved.

Kimberly knew the people around her saw the sudden difference in her actions, Melody's attitude was a testament to that fact but only she had possessed the guts to say anything so far. Angel had gone with Bobby despite Sofi's protests. The fiery woman was still pissed and Kimberly had actually been woken up the previous night by Sofi showing up at the house with a bottle of tequila and a rant that could raise the dead. She had passed on the tequila but not the company.

Jeremiah had been the only other person to come by the house. He had said he was merely checking on the house, the weather getting colder was an issue to the pipes he said, but she knew it was to see if she was still there. The last time he had pulled into the driveway he had been on his cell phone and had exited his Volvo only after sliding it back into his jacket. Thankfully he said nothing about who he was talking to and she didn't ask. She didn't have to.

Another two hours passed before she shut down her computer. Kimberly moved methodically to shut down her office and gather her things. She waved at the cop sitting at the front desk before ducking into the elevator that would take her to car.

She didn't go home like she originally intended. Instead she found herself pulling into the parking lot of Johnny's Bar and after a moment's debate, she climbed out of the car. Inside the place was it usual lively self, the same old faces lingering around half-empty tables. She found a seat at the bar.

"You look like you were just told someone ran over your dog."

Shrugging off her jacket and resting her purse on the bar, she smiled softly at Johnny. "Not exactly."

"What can I get you Ms. Carter?"

"I've told you a million times it's Kimberly and I'll take a shot of your best bourbon on the rocks."

Johnny whistled between his teeth but nodded, hands moving under the bar to prepare her drink. A few seconds later he slid the glass in front of her, a napkin tucked neatly under it. "How about a burger to go with that?"

"Thank you but I'm not hungry."

"Oh come on, you really gonna pass up on a chance to eat the best burger in all of Detriot?" He eyed her. "Tell you what, because I like you, I'll make it personally myself and I won't charge you a dime. What do you say?"

"I'd say deals like that are bad for business." She sipped at the bourbon but managed another small smile.

"Don't make me get on my knees and beg you. I haven't had to do that in years when it came to a pretty lady. It'll be a major blow to my ego."

She chuckled but finally nodded. "Fine. One burger, a small one though."

"And maybe a side order of fries? I use my own special brand of Creole seasoning."

Her stomach rumbled and she sighed. "Okay, a small burger and a side order of fries, but that's it!"

"Make that two burgers and two fries." A voice spoke up from behind her and Kimberly shifted on the stool just as Darius Green slid onto the empty one next to her. "But I want the adult burger not the child's size."

She rolled her eyes and sipped at her drink again. "What part of not hungry do you men not understand?"

"The part where a woman the size of a guardrail isn't hungry." Johnny chuckled at Darius's statement as he moved away. "It's not always a good choice to consume alcohol on an empty stomach."

"Thanks Dad."

"Ouch." Darius chuckled, shooting a grin at her as he opened his jacket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "You smoke?" She shook her head. "Do you mind?"

"By all means." She shrugged. "It is a bar."

"Ah, yes, Marlboro Country. Unfortunately for our dying breed it won't be long before we won't be able to smoke in here either."

"Oh, what tale of woe." She sipped at her bourbon, eyeing him as he lit his cigarette and released a stream of smoke out of the other side of his mouth away from her. "I figured you'd still be on the clock."

He smiled as a waitress behind the bar dropped a beer in front of him before moving away. "Thank you darling." He sipped at his drink. "Actually, it's my day off. Not only do I manage to get sleep every night but I do occasionally take time to myself."

Kimberly smiled back at him. "Wow, just when you think you know a guy."

"Speaking of knowing someone, since when did you start becoming a regular here?"

"Since when did you start stalking me?" She teased.

"Stalking? Woman, please." He chuckled and tapped his cigarette against the side of the ash tray on his right. "I was merely sitting here enjoying my night when you suddenly appeared beside me."

Kimberly chuckled into her glass. She finished the contents and lowered the glass back onto her napkin. "It's funny how things just work out the way they do isn't it? I'm not sure if you would call it fate or destiny but I know it's something." She raised her glass to catch the waitress's eye.

Darius kept his eyes on her as another stream of smoke flowed effortlessly out of his mouth. "You do realize I won't be letting you drive home drunk right?"

"I wouldn't dare assume Darius. Guess you're just going to have to make sure a boozer like me doesn't get behind the wheel." She smiled at the blonde waitress. "Bourbon please, no ice."

"Sure thing Sweetheart."

"Thank you." She accepted the glass back when it was ready and sipped, the liquid coating her throat. A sigh escaped her and she slanted her gaze back to Darius at the sound of a chuckle coming from him caught her attention. "What?"

Smoke curled out of his mouth and he grinned. "Nothing."

"Here you go kids." Johnny appeared in front of them, sliding them both their plates. "Enjoy."

Kimberly frowned as she stared down at the huge burger and large order of fries. She narrowed her eyes at Johnny. "Traitor."

He grinned and gave a light shrug of an apology that she knew had no truth to it. "Eat what you want but something tells me by the end of the night there's not going to be anything left on that plate."

"I'd bet money on that."

"I bet the both of you should shut up, that's what I bet." She smiled and accepted the ketchup as her stomach rumbled again. "What do I owe you?"

"I already told you, it's on the house."

She covered her fries in ketchup, pouting as Darius snatched the bottle clean out of her hands. "Hey!"

"You never change Kim, even in college you were a ketchup hog."

"At least it's better than a cover hog." She stuck the end of a ketchup covered fry into her mouth and chewed before pointing the other half of it at him. "I bet I'm not the only one that hasn't changed."

Darius chuckled, concentrating on squeezing ketchup onto the side of his plate. He capped the bottle and placed it between them. "Actually, you'd be wrong. I don't always sleep naked at night now."

"Well, that's a shame. I'm sure your girlfriend finds that rather annoying."

"The way I remember, it didn't always please you either." He sipped at his beer and dipped a fry into his ketchup. "And you're wrong again, there's no girlfriend to get annoyed so it solves that problem."

"How long has it been since you're had a girlfriend?"

"Sometimes I think too long." He bit into his hamburger and grunted in satisfaction. He chewed, swallowed, and chased it down with a sip of his beer. "Other times I'm grateful."

She began to eat her hamburger as well with more appetite then she thought she had. "Why is that?"

Darius dipped another fry into his ketchup and paused with it lifted close to his mouth. "Makes one less person to worry about." He put the fry into his mouth, chewing slowly before he swallowed. "I've never been able to really accept the fact that someone I cared about one day might wake up and get a phone call they'd never forget."

"So where does that leave you?" She took another huge bite out of her burger.

"Right now, it leaves the job."

Kimberly swallowed the food down with a gulp of bourbon and nodded. "Guess the old saying my father used to tell me is true; everything can leave you, even a faithful dog, but you'll always be a cog in someone else's wheel."

"Your father said a lot of things Kimberly, doesn't mean he was always right."

"I know that." She cleared her throat. "He was never right when it came to you. Sometimes I hate that I didn't realize that until it was too late."

His light eyes locked on her face again and he wiped his hands together. "It's never too late."

She immediately reached for her glass and finished the contents in a single gulp. "You planning on finishing that burger here?"

"I wouldn't object to asking for a box to go."

They hadn't noticed Johnny return, a rag in his hands, until he cleared his throat. "Can I get you something else Kimberly? Coffee?" He glanced at Darius then back at her. "A cab maybe?"

"No, thank you Johnny." She kept her eyes steady on his, gaze defiant. "No reason to waste the money when there's an officer of the law here to escort me home." She wiped her mouth with her napkin. "We will take a check though."

"If you're sure…"

She cut him off with a firm nod. "I am. Thank you." She glanced at Darius as Johnny moved away again. "Ready?"

"Kimberly…"

"Please don't ask me if I'm sure."

He nodded and stuck his cigarettes back into his inner pocket. Shifting pockets, he flipped out his wallet. "Drop you off at Bobby's?"

"Actually I was thinking more like your place."

Darius fumbled his wallet but caught it, pausing to clear his throat and slip out a twenty dollar bill. He laid it flat on the bar then stood up. He showed her his index finger. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Kimberly stood up as well and she flipped her middle finger up with a smirk. "One."