Hey, so here is the next chapter. I just wanted to give a quick shout out to Audra McDonald and congratulate her on her SIXTH Tony Award! It was well deserved and her acceptance speech was so humble and full of gratitude for the ones who came before her. I was fortunate enough to see 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' over Easter weekend and it was stunning. I can still visualize it so clearly in my mind two months later. If you get the opportunity to go, please do!

Chapter Eighteen

"What type of stunt are you trying to pull" Addison accused, blazing into Naomi's office without an invitation. Not only had she been pissed off by what happened in the kitchen, but she'd been humiliated. Naomi had made it look like she wasn't capable of taking care of a baby. It was preposterous; she'd built her whole life and career around babies. Plus, she was tired of letting things go. Per Sam's request, she'd been keeping the peace. However, if Naomi was going to publicly attack her like that, then Addison felt it gave her free license to strike back and defend herself.

"In case you haven't noticed, there is a sleeping baby in here" Maya shot back. Naomi had just placed Isaiah in her arms moments earlier. As soon as her dad had called about his emergency surgery, Maya had tried her best to get back as soon as possible. Apparently, she hadn't been quick enough. Her parents' practice was on the brink of World War III; and the catalyst was the tall red head standing in front of her named Addison Forbes-Montgomery. Even though she wanted her parents back together, Maya had more or less remained neutral regarding her father dating Addison; but privately, it had always bothered her that her dad was being so stupid and that Addison had betrayed her mom. In some ways, Maya felt equally betrayed; she'd always looked up to Addison, loved her like an aunt. Now, while she still loved her, Maya felt like she didn't know Addison at all. More importantly, she'd finally reached her boiling point. Living halfway across the world hadn't affected the deep and loving relationship Maya had developed with her brother. Thanks to their video chats, Isaiah had recognized her the moment she and Olivia stepped off the plane. Being with each other had only increased their bond; so to see Addison's issues with Naomi directly affecting him pissed Maya off to the nth degree. How dare Addison even use Isaiah as a weapon or draw him into the middle of the drama? "Haven't you already done enough to upset my little brother" she asked, verbalizing her last thought.

"This is none of your business little girl" Addison admonished. "This is between your mother and me".

"I'm not so little anymore Addison" Maya retorted, her words dripping with disdain. "And anything that affects my family has plenty to do with me. So why don't you…"

Naomi gave Addison an evil glare. "Don't" she sighed, cutting her daughter off before she could really get going. "Leave it alone Maya. I would just appreciate it if you could get Isaiah home. And it looks like my granddaughter is long past due for a nap herself." she smiled tiredly, looking at Olivia struggle to stay awake on the couch.

"But mom…"

"Just do it Maya, okay" Naomi pleaded, the weariness and stress of the day reflecting in her eyes.

Maya hated to leave her mom alone. Her mother was the strongest person she knew but even she had to be cracking under all this scrutiny. But Naomi had made up her mind and the least Maya could do was obey her mother's wishes. "Fine. When will you be home"?

"I just need to finish up some paper work. I'll see you in a couple hours".

"Alright, see you in a few" Maya conceded, giving her mom a kiss and a hug. "I love you".

"I love you too" Naomi reciprocated, hugging her daughter tightly. "Do me a favor and close the door behind you" she added, feeling like her upcoming talk with Addison might get ugly.

"Okay". Maya let go and reached towards the couch, grasping for Olivia's hand. "Come on Liv, let's go home". The little girl slid of the couch, rubbing her heavy eyes. "Say bye-bye to nana".

"Bye-Bye" she waved groggily, as Maya led her and Isaiah out of the office, skirting around Addison without another word or glance. The door swung close behind them.

Addison silently watched them leave. It just wasn't fair. Naomi had already raised a child; why did she get to do it again? She glanced back at Naomi, her rage escalating. "I see you've turned Maya against me".

'Here we go again' Naomi thought. She was so sick and tired of being in a warzone and navigating landmines. Like she'd told Jake, most of the time things were fine, but when a bomb did go off, it was nuclear and the consequences were devastating. Naomi folded her arms across her chest and braced herself. Meeting Addison's gaze, she said "Maya told you herself; she's not a little girl. She makes up her own mind about people. I have nothing to do with it".

"Oh please, 'interfere' is your middle name. How dare you force my hand like that in the kitchen"?

"How dare I" Naomi repeated in disbelief. "My son was crying and screaming his head off and you were ignoring me! How dare you even have the nerve to stand here and accuse me of anything"?!

"I could have calmed him down Naomi. All I needed was a little time and space. You coming in the kitchen only made things worse".

"Let me get this straight. I could hear Isaiah screaming all the way down the hall, plus I had no idea why he was with you and not Sam, but I was supposed to stay put in my office just so you could prove you're capable of soothing a baby? That's not how it works Addison. I'm his mother and it's my job to take care of him; I don't care if Mother Teresa herself had been holding Isaiah; I would have still taken him. Not everything is about you".

"That's bullshit and you know it. You came in there to embarrass me, throw the fact that you had Sam's baby in my face; as if I'm not reminded every day. Why can't that fact be enough for you? Why do you have to gloat and try to turn Isaiah against me like you did with Maya"?

"Oh my God"! Naomi rolled her eyes. "You're delusional Addison, do you know that? Even if I wanted to, I couldn't turn Isaiah against anyone. He's a baby, he either likes you or he doesn't. I have no clue how he feels about you; I don't check in with Sam for daily reports about how well you two get along. You need to take a chill pill; these conspiracy theories of yours are driving you crazy". A small ache hit Naomi in her chest; she was putting up a brave front but it was getting harder to appear unaffected. Addison used to be one of her closest and dearest friends; it was almost unfathomable to believe that a man had destroyed their relationship. While it was both their faults, it hurt that Addison was treating her like this. Even when she had been so in love with Sam, she couldn't see straight, Naomi had never condemned Addison or accused her of foul play. But with Addison, Naomi couldn't even be a mother to her own son without it being an issue.

Addison balled her fists at her side and had to fight to keep from stomping her foot in frustration. She wasn't crazy; she could feel Sam slipping away from her. He wasn't acting any differently or treating her badly; if anything, Sam had been more affectionate. And they'd finally gone to another fertility specialist to have their blood work done. Yet, there was something intangible that Addison couldn't put her finger on; Sam was different. Instinct told her it had to do with the woman she used to call her best friend. Addison's nostrils flared. "This innocent act is getting old. Sam might be blind, but I can see right through you. I don't know what you angle is, but you're up to something. What is it Naomi? Are you trying to break us up"?

"Are you serious" Naomi asked incredulously. That was it. Naomi was done and on the verge of reaching her breaking point. She threw her hands in the air, her body posture slumping in defeat. This argument was going nowhere and would only get worse if Naomi decided to entertain Addison's rant any longer. "This is ridiculous and pointless" she said, turning her back on Addison and heading for her desk. "Just leave Addison".

"No! I'm not leaving until I get some answers" Addison avowed.

Naomi spun around. "Now why would I answer your questions Addison" she said sarcastically. "You didn't feel it was necessary to answer mine".

Addison's fists were balled so tightly, her nails were creating deep indentations in the palms of her hands. She didn't know whether she wanted to cry or scream until her vocal chords exploded. "Why can't you just leave us alone, huh? Why can't you just let us be happy" she pleaded desperately.

"I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING" Naomi yelled. "I don't hover over Sam, I don't call in the middle of the night, I don't object to you spending time with Isaiah, and I've given you space. We've barely talked in three months Addison. There's nothing else I can say or do to make you feel better and furthermore, it's not my job to reassure you. If you have a problem, talk to Sam".

"If you haven't done anything, then what do you call having Sam's baby" Addison pointed out. "Everything was fine until then".

Naomi opened her mouth and then shut it quickly before she could blurt out what she was thinking. Everything was not fine. Naomi had been suffering from a broken heart and the pain had only grown worse when Sam had showed up at her door drunk and seduced her. A sharp pain stabbed Naomi in her side; it had been a while since she'd thought about that. Even though Naomi had moved on with her life, the pain was still very fresh and it still hurt too deeply. She looked down momentarily and inhaled a sharp breath, trying to gather herself. "Look, Isaiah is here now, you can't change that Addison. And despite all your accusations to the contrary, I have not used him to cause problems. Do you really think it's easy for me to drop him off at Sam's house, knowing that you're there? Newsflash, it isn't. But I keep my mouth shut and keep it moving. I've bitten my tongue about a lot of things over the past few years".

"Don't start playing the victim, it's very unbecoming. No one told you to open your legs. For once, own up to what you did to me".

God! Addison was like a rabid dog with a bone. She just refused to let anything drop. Naomi couldn't believe she used to find her stubbornness admirable. Frustrated beyond belief, Naomi lashed out. "Yes, I fucked Sam! Is that what you want to hear? I fucked him so good, the sun was coming up before we stopped. He would've kept going if I let him".

Addison was stricken; her face drained of color until it was as pale as a sheet.

Naomi was so fired up, she kept going. "I made him cum so many times, it's a wonder I didn't have twins. And he definitely returned the favor. He licked and sucked every inch of my skin until my eyes rolled into the back of my head and my toes cramped. Whew! That tongue of his…"

"STOP IT, JUST STOP IT" Addison screamed in agony, grabbing her head and closing her eyes.

"What" Naomi asked with fake naiveté. "That's what you wanted to hear right" she continued, her voice harsh and unsympathetic. "Honestly, I don't know why it would bother you. You, above anyone else, know it meant nothing to Sam. I spent over fifteen years fucking him and he still wound up with you. What was it that you said? It was something to the effect of 'Sam has always been yours, you just let me have him'. I'm sure just one mistaken night of sex hasn't changed the fact that he has always loved you and has never loved me; hell, he doesn't even remember what happened. You should consider yourself lucky Addison instead of concentrating on me. Because let me tell you, over a decade of marriage and two children do not guarantee love. All it does is leaves you with stretch marks and divorce papers". Involuntary tears sprang to Naomi's eyes. Her nerve endings felt raw and inflamed. Just talking about it felt like reliving all those months of anguish she'd suffered through. Addison was so adamant about Naomi owning up to what she did. What about what Addison had done to her? She'd stolen the man who had once been the love of her life and then informed her that he was never hers to begin with. So, if Addison wanted her to feel guilty over one night that had done nothing but cause her more pain, she was in for a rude awakening. Addison didn't know it, but that night was punishment in itself.

Wait, did Naomi really believe that Sam never loved her? When Addison had thrown that in her face, she'd wanted to inflict the same pain on Naomi she was feeling. It was admittedly a low blow, but Addison had never dreamed Naomi would interpret it as Sam never loving her. It was absurd, though Addison almost wished it was true. It would make things so much easier; she wouldn't have to worry about where Sam's heart truly lay. Addison shook herself out of her trance. She was not about to feel guilty about Naomi. "Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to hear" Addison said mockingly. "Now hear me. Don't think this little display here has distracted me for one moment. I know you're still up to something and I'm going to find out what it is. You might have Sam eating out of the palm of your hand right now because of Isaiah, but that's all it better be. If I find out you're even thinking about trying to fuck Sam again, you'll regret the day you were born" she said shakily, before storming out of Naomi's office, leaving her former friend in stunned silence.

…

Naomi opened the front door and walked back towards the living room without bothering to properly acknowledge Sam. "Isaiah is upstairs in his room asleep" she said dryly.

Sam rubbed his face as he walked into the house and closed the door behind him. It had been a long exhausting day; he'd just spent over ten hours performing a complicated surgery that had been unexpected. Now he was dealing with two of the most stubborn women he had ever met in his life. Addison had been so irate, she'd actually driven to the hospital and waited for him to get out of surgery. She'd gone on and on for fifteen minutes non-stop about what had happened back at the practice. By sheer miracle, he'd managed to calm Addison down and send her home by promising he would be home right after he picked up Isaiah. But now that he was here, he couldn't bear to wake him, drive him across town, and try to put him back to bed. It was better to let him stay in one place. It sounded like Isaiah had already had a rough day. Sighing, Sam trailed behind his ex-wife into the den, already cringing from the tongue lashing Naomi was sure to give him. Not for the first time, Sam wondered why he was attracted to difficult women; and why he'd had to fall for two difficult women who were best friends. He must've been a glutton for punishment. "It's so late; I think it would be best if Isaiah just stayed here. I don't want to disturb the little guy. But since I'm here, I want to talk to you".

Naomi automatically shook her head. "Whatever you have to say, you can save it. Like you said, it's late. Since you're leaving Isaiah here, you can leave and I'll go to bed".

"Naomi…"

She turned and verbally pounced on him. "No Sam! I don't want to hear it, I don't want to hear one word of you defending Addison to my face. That woman has gone mental. First, she berated me for taking care of my own child and then she threatened me, actually threatened me! Who does that? We're supposed to be adults. Last time I checked, we weren't kids fighting at the playground or two gangs in a turf war. This is real life. If I can move on, why can't she?! What has your dick done to her Sam"?

"I don't know Naomi" Sam yelled back in exasperation. "You would know better, you tell me. What does my dick do"?

The room was silent. Naomi couldn't figure out if she was more astonished by hearing him say that or if Sam was by asking the question. Naomi looked at Sam more closely, studied him from head to toe. He was right; not only did Naomi know exactly what his dick was capable of, but she'd had more experience with it. Naomi fought the urge to squirm. "It never drove me crazy".

"Oh, I have a slightly different memory" Sam said boldly. "I think it used to drive you plenty crazy".

Naomi wanted to slap Sam for being so cocky, in every sense of the word. But unfortunately, he could back up what he was saying. Sam's prowess in bed could be earth-shattering. She'd had great sex with other men – two, to be exact – since him, but if she was being honest, he was still the best. Naomi's body betrayed her by becoming aroused but she kept a straight face. "If I remember correctly, it was you going crazy. What could have caused that"?

Sam had to use all his strength not to look down at the space between Naomi's thighs; she knew exactly what used to drive him crazy. Vaguely aware of the dangerous game they were playing, he took his time crafting a response. "I guess we'll just agree to disagree" he said slowly.

"I guess so" Naomi said, slightly dazed. How had their conversation even steered in this direction? She forced herself to snap out of it. She was supposed to be mad at him, not talking about their past exploits. "Can we also agree that your girlfriend has lost her mind"?

Sam stared down at his feet; he was in an impossible position. He twiddled his thumbs. "She's just under a lot of stress Naomi".

Naomi rolled her eyes. "And I'm not"?

"I'm not saying that, but just put yourself in her shoes for a moment. No matter how forgiving or understanding she is, it can't be easy for her knowing you're Isaiah's mother; especially when she desperately wants a child of her own".

"I don't have to put on her shoes. I have my own problems to deal with. Do you think it's easy having half the people I love turn on me? Do you think I like being the other woman, with a child, stuck between my best friend and ex-husband"?

"I've told you before, you could never be the other woman".

"Perhaps not, but that's how the public see me. I hate being seen as someone I'm not, but I've made my peace with it. And you and I have made peace with each other. If Addison would stop being so damn paranoid, she'd realize that I'm not out to get her. She'd probably sleep much better at night".

"Maybe if you had given her just a few more moments with Isaiah…."

"Don't go there" Naomi warned. "Isaiah was literally screaming his head off. I heard him all the way down the hall before I ever saw him. I initially went into that kitchen to see what was going on, not to pull rank. Both Charlotte and I asked her to explain the situation and she ignored us. And when Addison finally did decide to acknowledge my presence, she told me to go back to my office! She acted like I was just some annoyance she was trying to get rid of. I swear, if Jake hadn't been there to hold me back, I would've strangled her".

"Jake was there" Sam asked abruptly. "What was he doing there"?

"Sam! Stay on topic, that's not the point. Addison wants to portray me as some big bully and it's not true. I didn't go in that kitchen and immediately snatch Isaiah from her; she provoked me. The woman refused to talk to or even look at me. All I knew was that my son was crying and I had no idea why. What else would you have me do? If she would've stopped being so hardheaded, uncooperative, unreasonable and answered my questions, things might have turned out differently".

Sam sighed. "Okay, Naomi. I get it, I see where you're coming from". He'd see anything to stop the constant bickering he'd been enduring for the last couple of hours.

"Do you really Sam" Naomi asked. "Because if you did, then you would know that I'm pissed off at you too".

"Me? What did I do" Sam exclaimed.

"You didn't call me" Naomi yelled. "Isaiah was supposed to be with you all day and then he showed up at the practice unexpectedly with Addison! And while I know you wouldn't leave him with someone you didn't trust, I still have the right to know where and who Isaiah is with at all times. This new friendship of ours is supposed to be based off better communication. You failed big time today".

"I didn't think it would be a big deal. Plus, I was trying as quickly as possible to get into the operating room" Sam explained, defending himself.

"Well it was and it is. I didn't think it was possible, but after this last blow-up, Addison and I are in an even worse place. And Violet and Amelia…I'm not trying to play the victim, I know I played my role, but the way I've been treated lately…it's just not fair. And it's ruining everything. This situation isn't beneficial to any of us or the practice. Sooner or later, it's going to start affecting our patients. I just don't know how much more I can take" she whispered. Naomi's mind drifted towards the conversation she'd had with Jake. Though the dream practice was a great idea, Naomi had never really thought she would consider leaving Oceanside wellness again. She'd been committed to staying put. Now she wasn't so sure. If periodic blow-ups, on top of the already tense atmosphere, are what lay in store, then Jake was right. She shouldn't have to endure it and it was time to walk away.

Sam could feel Naomi slipping away, shutting down. He walked up to her and grabbed her by her upper arms. "Naomi, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. If I'd realized how much trouble it would cause, you would've been the first person I called. But you can't have this defeated attitude. I know things are rough right now, but they'll get better".

"When Sam? When"?

"I don't know, but they will. You've just got to hang in there".

Naomi looked down and shook her head. "Says the guy who hasn't had to suffer through people you love turning their backs on you and treating you like a leper" she muttered.

Sam grabbed Naomi's chin and lifted her head. "I might not know what you're going through but I've suffered Nae. You have no idea how much it pains me to know how much I hurt you. It hurts that I've come between you and Addison. It hurts that I've hurt Addison. I also feel guilty because I wouldn't trade Isaiah for the world. So, what kind of man does that make me? I dragged my feet and dodged Addison when it came to having a child and then I went and had one on accident with you. And I absolutely love being Isaiah's father; he and Maya are the pride, joy, and light of my life. Yet, I feel so unworthy to have them. I've done nothing but manage to hurt everyone close to me but somehow people keep forgiving me when I don't deserve it". Sam started to choke up.

Naomi touched his face. "You're a good man and you're worthy Sam. Clearly, we've all made mistakes in recent years but I know you didn't intentionally hurt me. Will I ever be okay with you dating Addison? No, but I don't want you to feel guilty about it. That's my cross to bear, not yours. And you're a great father; you were to Maya and you are to Isaiah. They both love you so so so much; they need you. As far as Addison goes, if you two are truly meant to be, then you'll sort through everything and find a way to work. If not…then you'll find your happiness elsewhere. All that being said, I'm not sure the practice can survive all of us sorting through our feelings. I'm really beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore".

"What…what are you saying" Sam asked, fearing the worst.

What was she saying? Naomi knew, but she was still too scared to speak it into the universe quite yet. But in her heart, she knew it was time to walk away. Naomi had known from the second the words had left Jake's mouth. If today's incident with Addison hadn't occurred, maybe Naomi could've lived in denial a little longer; but that argument had forced her to open her eyes. She, Sam, and Addison were all in pain and if they continued to work in such tight quarters with each other, they would never be able to heal. But how could she tell Sam that? They'd come so far in repairing their broken relationship and walking away didn't mean she wouldn't miss him terribly. Of course they would still see each other because of Isaiah but it wouldn't be the same. Naomi couldn't find it in her to tell Sam what she was thinking, not yet. She sighed. "I don't know what I'm saying. I guess I'm just tired, it's been a long day".

Sam could sense her keeping something from him but he didn't push. He had a feeling he wouldn't like what he heard. "Yeah, you're right. I'm dead on my feet. I should get going. I guess I'll just see you at the office tomorrow, right"?

"Right, I'll be there bright and early". Naomi forced a smile.

"Good" Sam said awkwardly. He dropped his hands and started for the front door. He turned at the entrance of the living room and looked back. "I really am sorry Naomi. Next time I promise to communicate better".

"I know Sam. This whole co-parenting thing is a work in progress. We're still working out the kinks but I'm sure we'll figure it out".

"You're right. Goodnight Nae. Give Isaiah, Maya, and Olivia a kiss for me" Sam said, feeling hesitant. Something was off, Naomi was giving off weird vibes.

"I will. Goodnight Sam" she said, standing as still as a statue until she heard the front door slam shut behind Sam. She inhaled deeply. Naomi knew what she had to do but she was scared and a little sad. But before she could start rationalizing and change her mind, Naomi picked up the phone and called Jake. "Hey, I know it's late but we need to talk".

Okay, I just wanted to make one more comment. Anyone who reads my stories knows I'm not the biggest Addison fan. That being said, if it seems like I'm making her crazier and pettier than usual in this story, it's not intentional. Or let me rephrase, I'm not writing her this way just because I didn't like her character on the show. Her behavior in this story is part of her journey. Right now she is a desperate woman trying to hang onto man so tightly, common sense and rationale have temporarily left her. And though I'm obviously bias towards Naomi, I've been trying to showcase her flaws too, as well as Sam's. They're all good people who have done some not so good things and they have some growing to do. By the end of this story, I can't guarantee everything will smell like roses, but there will be more resolution than there is now. It's too soon for me to determine whether Naomi and Addison will get pas this, but my goal for them is to at least be civil. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter. It came out better than I expected, IMO, LOL!