CAKE

Eighty-Four

Kathryn 

Letting out a long breath I had no idea I was holding, I stop typing on my computer and avert my gaze from the screen. Several things occupied my mind and made it hard to focus for the past few days. I was going crazy trying to figure out which item to focus on.

On one hand, I could spend my free time worrying about Casey and her condition. I couldn't get the image of her bruised body out of my head. I felt bad for her, she never should've been put in that kind of situation. And I hope the man who does it has a spot in hell with his name on it. 

I also couldn't help but think about how stubborn Casey is when it comes to expressing herself whenever she's in pain. But the incident two years ago and her explanation for her leave of absence made me more alert to her behavior and actions. 

Despite trying to act as if her side wasn't affected by movement, I could always spot the small crinkle in her nose when she stood or sat. Or how she'd clench her jaw if she laughed too hard. I was becoming accustomed to the minor signs of discomfort. 

And then on the other hand... I couldn't stop thinking about having a family with Mateo. I couldn't help but feel as though we were both rushing things. I was with Casey for 5 years before we decided to have a child.

But then again, in that relationship... I was more than happy just having her by my side. I didn't feel the need to expand our family if she didn't want to. I would've been satisfied if she never wanted kids. 

I groan in annoyance, realizing no matter what topic I chose to focus on, Casey would somehow be the main thing I was worried about or focused on. I hate not being able to stop thinking about her. You'd think two... almost three years of not being romantically or sexually involved with her would cause that spark to die out.

But it most definitely was still lit. And that flame was growing stronger the more I was around her. Avoiding her seems to do nothing for me as I end up spending my days thinking about her. And it makes me feel guilty. Thinking about her of all people while still being in a relationship with Mateo feels almost as if I was cheating on him. 

Sighing, I exit my emails and shut my laptop off before heading into my bedroom. I couldn't help but chuckle thinking about what today was. 

The sound of my restroom door opening grabs my attention away from my task. I glance at the tall dark-skinned afro-Latino man, smiling immediately as I notice he only wore a towel. He sighs, putting on his deodorant as he exits the bathroom, a thick scent of old spice body wash entering the room.

"You know I still can't believe they said I wasn't invited," he spits, his accent thick and attractive. I chuckle, remembering Heaven and Haven's invitation. They made it clear that Mateo wasn't invited and if he showed up they'd call the cops. It was cute. And here I thought they liked him.

Mateo groans as he glances at me upset that I found the situation funny. "Well, honestly it probably won't be much fun. They'll have some friends over and those friends are between 10 and 12. I doubt she has many adults there. It'll probably just be me, Em, and Sophia," I mutter honestly.

He sighs, "I thought they liked me enough to invite me. I'm honestly a little heartbroken," he mutters, placing his veiny hand against his chocolatey chest. I smile and nod my head in agreement, "I'm also shocked about that." He complains a little more before allowing me to get into the shower.

It takes me a little over 45 minutes to bathe along with washing my hair before exiting the shower and brushing my teeth. "Do you think they invited... Casey?" Mateo's voice is heard as I open the door, letting some steam out.