Circle of Deception 2 (11 page)

He sped out of the room and left her there, looking confused. She felt her insides pulsating and clamped her legs together to stop it. Her head was spinning and she desperately needed some air. She looked down at her torn shirt and put her hands on the table to keep from passing out. She had almost forgotten how good it felt to be with Matt. She looked at her hand and saw it was trembling. She tried to still it with her other hand, but she couldn’t. She was a mess, and now she was questioning her decision. Was she truly ready for a divorce?

Matt laughed his way to the car. He knew what he did was underhanded, but he knew he had to do whatever it took to get his wife back; even if it meant tricking her into giving in. He had to admit, he hated leaving her there when all he wanted to do was make love until she screamed his name. He had to exercise every bit of restraint he possessed when he walked out. His body was screaming for him to go back and finish the job, but his head and heart were telling him to be strong.

Matt knew what he did would help in the long run. Now she was going to have to rethink the whole divorce decision. All he had to do now, was play his role as the understanding husband and doting father and his family would be whole again.

Getting into his car, he took one last look at the building before starting it up and driving off. On his way back to Alex’s his phone rang, and he didn’t even have to look to know that it was Melia. To build anticipation, he let it ring a couple of times before answering in the calmest voice he could muster up. “Hello, did I forget something?”

“No,” she sighed. “I just want to know what that was.”

“A mistake, baby. Don’t worry. I won’t ever take advantage of you again. You made your choice and I have to understand that. I’m sorry for disrespecting you.”

“You didn’t...”

“I did, and I’m sorry. You deserve better. I’ll do better.”

“It’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up. We’re married and you’re so used to...” Her voice drifted off and for a second, he thought she hung up. “Anyway, I guess our lawyers stood us up.”

“Yeah, I’ll get with mine and reschedule soon.”

He heard another long pause and his heart almost stopped. “If you don’t mind, I would like to wait a few weeks. I have a lot of work to do, and I don’t know when I’ll have another opening.”

“Are you sure? I know you want this over soon so that we can move on.” He was on pins and needles waiting for her response.

“Yeah, I need to get caught up at work, and I’m sure you do too.”

“I could use the extra time. Thank you.”

“No problem, so I’ll see you tomorrow when I drop Cici off.”

Hearing the hesitancy in her voice thrilled him in ways he never thought possible again, but he couldn’t stop at that. “Actually, I’ll be out of the house, but I’ll see her later in the night.”

“Oh, well, maybe some other time.”

“Yeah,” he sighed, trying to hold back his excitement. “Well, I guess this is it.”

“I guess it is,” she huffed.

“Take care, sweetheart.”

“You too.”

He hung up the phone and smiled from ear to ear. “Yes!” he smacked his hand against the steering wheel. He had done everything Alex instructed, and it was paying off. He would have his wife back in no time. He just had to stay the course and fall back. He hated manipulating her, but he was short on options, and It was either that or let her walk away, which he refused. He had to play dirty to get his family back, and he was fully prepared to do whatever it took to seal the deal.

As he pulled into the driveway of Alex’s house, he was filled with hope that he wouldn’t be there long. When he walked in, he found Alex waiting in the foyer with Jordan, bouncing him up in the air. When he saw Matt coming, he shifted Jordan and turned to face him. “Well?”

“Not in front of the baby,” Matt smirked.

“My boy is well versed in that language,” Alex snickered and rocked Jordan. “Tell us all about your meeting.”

“It worked like a charm. How did you know it would?”

“I married one just like her. They just need a little extra push sometimes. Did you smack it?”

“Not this time,” Matt chuckled. “Next time, I’m going all out.”

“Next time, how are you so sure there will be a next time?”

“The way I left her on the table and the phone call I got afterwards tells me there will be a next time. When that next time happens, I’m going to make her scream.”

“Wow, I’m proud. I didn’t think you had it in you.” Alex patted him on the back and they walked off chatting away, not noticing Meg standing around the corner. She had been listening to their entire conversation with a huge grin on her face. When she was sure they were out of hearing range, she squealed. She wasn’t thrilled about deceiving her sister, but she was happy he had a plan. At least he wasn’t just giving up his family. As long as that was his end game she would keep her mouth shut; for now.

Chapter Six

“Baby,” Meg sighed. “Do you think we are doing the right thing as far as Allison?”

“We both agreed that she doesn’t deserve the party she wanted, and after the spanking I gave her, I’m not sure she wants to be around either of us.”

“Maybe just a small one with just the family. We already paid for the cake and food, I hate to see it go to waste.”

“Bad cop, my ass,” he mumbled.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, baby,” he lied. “I just don’t think she should be rewarded for her behavior. She says you don’t love her like you love Jordan, but you haven’t given her any reason to believe that. This jumping to conclusions mess is getting on my nerves. You know I hated having to spank her, but it was necessary. I hope I never have to do it again.” While they were talking, Marisol appeared with Jordan on her hip and Allison holding her hand.

“Some people want to say good morning to their parents,” she announced placing Jordan in Alex’s arms.

Allison looked as if she wanted to talk to Meg, but she seemed hesitant until Meg looked at her. When she saw the radiant smile she was receiving, she walked over and laid her hands in Meg’s lap. Before long, she was up in Meg’s arms, giggling as Meg planted small kisses on her cheeks. “Mommy, you’re silly,” Allison giggled.

“I’m just happy to see my angels up this early. How did you sleep, sweetie?” Allison sank her head and sighed. “What’s wrong?”

“I had a bad dream. I thought you were leaving just like my old mommy did.”

Meg ran her fingers through her Golden locks and kissed her forehead. “This mommy will never leave you. I’m always going to be here to love and protect you and Jordan, and so will daddy. We just need you to understand that you can’t treat mommy with disrespect.”

“I know, but the lady...”

“What lady?” Alex chimed in.

“Nothing, daddy.” She cut herself off.

“Allison you can talk to us. Your mommy loves you, and you can tell her anything.”

“Daddy is she really my mommy too? Jordan looks like her, but I don’t. I want to look like her too.”

Alex pulled her to him and sat her on the knee opposite Jordan. “Yes, Jordan looks like her, but you look like me. You see we have one of each, a child that looks like me and one that looks like mommy. You’re beautiful just like she is, even though she doesn’t look just like you, and yes, baby, she is really your mommy. She loves you more than anything. It was even her idea to let you have your party. It won’t be the big one you wanted, but at least your mom thought of you.”

“Thank you,” Allison squealed and jumped into her arms. Meg hugged her tighter and inhaled deeply. Alex grinned as he watch them together. He hadn’t decided up until that moment that they would still have a party, but he would do anything to make Meg smile again. He knew the stress she was under regarding Allison, and needed to rectify the situation.

Now, he had other things on his mind, like who was this woman Allison mentioned. He knew there had to be something to account for her change in attitude, but who could she be referring to? The only time she wasn’t around them was when she was at school, and surely none of her teachers would be stupid enough to comment to a child about their family.

He watched Meg closely, as the gears in her head clicked and knew she was wondering the same thing as him. They both knew they had to get the truth from her some way, but how? It was already clear she was reluctant to discuss this mystery woman with them, they only hoped they would figure it out soon. Whoever she was he knew she either worked at the school or had a child attending there, and she had better be ready because when she got a piece of Alex Hanover, she was going to need a lot more than just a new job. He would see to it that her ass was nailed to the wall.

Meg released Allison slowly and they both watched as she showered Jordan with her sweet little kisses. She was no demon at all, just a misunderstood little girl in need of reassurance that her place was still relevant. She loved Jordan, it was evident by the way she was all over him, and he adored her. Every time she kissed him, he kicked his legs out excitedly. It was the best little scene, and Meg and Alex sat back like two proud parents until Matt walked by and propped himself up in the doorway.

“What’s up?” Alex asked as he looked at the goofy expression on his face.

“This is what I want.”

“What?” Alex asked curiously.

“Mornings in bed with my wife and our little girl. Maybe we’ll get lucky and have a son too. I realize this is what it’s all about.”

Meg smiled at him and picked Jordan up to walk over to him. “Here, Uncle Matt, you can borrow Jordan until you have a son of your own, and I’m sure Alli will lend you some little girl kisses until you see Cici again. Won’t you Alli?”

“Yes.” She ran over and hugged Matt around his legs. “I love you, Uncle Matt. When are you going back home? I’m going to miss you.”

“I will miss you too, sweetie, but I miss your Aunt Lele and your cousin Cienna very much.”

“Why didn’t they come with you? You could all stay in your room.”

Matt chuckled at her wide-eyed innocence. “Well, Uncle Matt is on a timeout, and when he is out of trouble then he can go home.”

“Just like grandpa?”

“Not quite like grandpa. You see, I can do things that grandpa can’t.”

“Like come to my party?” she lowered her head.

“I’m afraid so, but at least you have all of us. We are going to have the best time, right munchkin?” he babbled to Jordan. Jordan mumbled something incoherently and they all laughed. “You see Alli, Jordan said yes.”

“He did not. He can’t talk yet, and plus daddy says his first words will be Dada.”

“That’s right,” Alex chimed in.

“No way,” Meg swatted. “I got five on it that he says mama first.”

“See, you’re all wrong, his first word will be Papi, in honor of his favorite grandfather,” Emilio announced from the hallway.

“Dad?” Meg questioned quietly.

“In the flesh,” he stepped into the room wearing a huge grin with presents in tow. “I brought gifts!”

“Papi!” Allison ran to him.

“Hey, Alli bear. Papi has gifts for the best five year old in the world.”

“I’m six, papi.”

“Not for a few more days. Who taught you to lie about your age already?”

“Aunt Em.”

“Remind me to choke her,” Alex walked over to greet Emilio. “What brings you into town?”

“My grandchild’s birthday, of course, and I wanted to check up on everything,” he turned to Matt, who was now a bright red shade. “Now give me that darling boy.”

Emilio played with the kids and talked about his most recent travels while Matt sat back nervous. He knew Emilio had some knowledge of what was going on between him and Melia, and it made him skittish. They had always gotten along in the past, but with his daughter’s happiness at stake, Emilio was bound to have some type of opinion. The all sat there for a while longer, and then Marisol came for the kids, letting them know it was time to change and feed Jordan, and it was time for Allison to head to school. Through all the commotion, Matt tried to back out, only to be called back by Emilio.

“Son, come and talk to me. Tell me what’s going on between you and my daughter.”

Matt wished they could table this conversation, but he knew there was no escaping it for the moment. “I would love to talk, Mr. Cardoza, but I have to get to the office.”

“You own the company, right?” Matt nodded his head subtly. “Well then you can make the time.”

“Yeah, but we had to let some people go, so I have more responsibilities.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about your recent downsizing. Just one, right?”

Matt knew this wasn’t going to be a pleasant situation right off bat. “Yes, just one, but I would rather skip this conversation with you. It’s really just between Melia and me.”

Matt could tell Emilio was caught off guard by his attitude and stood back. They were silent for a while, and Matt began to grow nervous. He was all set to walk off when Emilio started laughing. “Now that’s the spirit you will need to get Melia back. You were always so passive before, and now, it’s time to stand up and demand what you want. You let her know that you’re fighting for your family and you won’t give up.”

Matt was taken aback. He was grateful to have his support, but he was thrown off. “Wait, aren’t you supposed to hate me for hurting your daughter?”

“You are adults. You have both said and done things you didn’t mean, but you are still her husband and the father of my beautiful grandchild. You have always taken care of them, and I can respect that. Everyone has a rough patch. You just have to know when to stand tall.”

“Thank you. You will never know how much your faith means to me. I’m fighting my way back to her. I’m doing whatever I can to show her how important my family is to me.”

“That’s all you can do. Go ahead and get to work, son. I’ll be here for a while. We will have more of an opportunity to talk.”

As Matt left the room and got ready for work, Alex reappeared and alerted Emilio that it was also time for them to leave. He told him he was headed to drop Jordan off at Melissa’s and Emilio readily volunteered to take him instead. He he wanted more time with Jordan, and he also wanted to visit with Melissa for a bit. After about ten minutes, they all left the house together and Meg set off to take Allison to school. Emilio wasn’t sure why, but he had a good feeling about stopping by Melissa’s. He hadn’t seen her since Jordan’s birth, and they had so much to catch up on, like what the progress was on finding Amanda Leon.

Pulling into Melissa’s driveway, Emilio felt an exuberance he wasn’t familiar with. Maybe it was seeing and spending time with his grandson he wasn’t sure, but he knew, for some odd reason, he felt like a new man. Reaching out to ring the doorbell, he could hear voices from the inside. He laughed to himself and looked down at Jordan, only to have his eyes close tightly when he recognized a familiar scent. When his eyes snapped up, he thought he had seen a ghost.

***

“Maria, can you get it this time? Ernesto’s son doesn’t speak English very well and I’m a little rusty with my Spanish. I need him to know that the roses for him to plant are in the nursery, and I’ll go crazy if I have to explain it one more time,” Melissa laughed.

“Yeah, I got it.” Normally, she would have been opposed to opening the door, but they had developed a routine. Alex always called on his way through the gate and no one else but the workers would be there this time of the morning. When she swung the door open and found Emilio standing there with Jordan, she froze.

She wanted to slam the door and run, but her legs wouldn’t move. Emilio sat there mindlessly staring at her with tears in his eyes, and she backed away. He reached for her, but she backed further away until she bumped into Melissa, who gasped when she saw Emilio, holding Jordan. Maria tried to run, but he reached out and grabbed her, handing Jordan off to Melissa.

“Don’t run, is this really you? Am I imagining this? Is it my heart playing tricks on me? Are you real? Slap me, somebody slap me and wake me up.” When Margaret came out of nowhere and slapped him, he blinked rapidly. “I didn’t mean it for real, crazy woman.” Trying to gather himself, he looked to Maria, who was stifling her laughter. “You’re still here. How did...”

“Emilio!” Maria screamed after he fell to the floor in a sweaty heap. Melissa and Margaret sat there laughing lightly as Maria tried to revive him. When he finally started to come to, he sat up, looking around the room with a confused expression.

“I know what this is, you’re playing jokes on me. This is a really cruel joke, ladies.” When Maria ran her hand down his face, he shivered. Only her touch could make him feel that way, and he sat staring into her deep green eyes. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it gently before reaching out to hug her. Once she was up against him, he inhaled her scent and sighed. “How are you here? I was at your funeral. I touched you, you were dead.”

“It was Carmen, they killed her by mistake. I have been in hiding.”

“All this time, you were really here? The boys were right?”

“Yes, I’m sorry I lied to you all. I thought if I was gone, then Amanda would leave the children to live their lives, and so far, it’s worked. I can’t allow them to know about me until she is found, you must keep our secret.”

Emilio sat up and held her tighter. “I won’t tell a soul, but your children, they need you. You have to at least talk to them. Have you seen the mess that’s going on now? Melia is leaving Matt and Meg and Alex have been having all types of trouble with Allison. They are falling apart. It’s a good thing everything is okay with Maddie because everyone else is up in flames.”

“What about Gio, how is our son?”

“In a mess of his own, He has been out of work frequently, and Meg is really worried about him.”

“This is all too much,” Maria sighed. “I don’t know what to do. Maybe I should let them know I’m alive.”

“You can’t,” Melissa screamed. “You have to stay hidden. You don’t know where that maniac is. She could come back to finish the job.”

Nodding her head slowly, Maria let a tear slide down her cheek. “Melissa is right. I can’t risk it. Emilio, you will just have to help them in my absence.”