Chapter 25

Rhapsody

I paced in front of the door.  Pulling out my phone I looked at the time.  2:58.  He was going to be late again.  If this was a thing with him I really hoped our kid got my on-time genes.

“You’re not always on-time.  Just look how late you are on you period.”  Queen B said as she kicked her legs up on an ottoman.

“Where did you get an ottoman?”  I mumbled.

Queen B just shrugged. 

“Who are you talking to, Rhapsody?”  Cassie asked.

I jumped then said, “No one.” 

“Uh huh.  Are you doing that crazy thing you do?”  She asked.

“Crazy thing?” 

“You know.  Talk to the voices in your head.  It’s pretty creepy and weird.” 

“Whatever.” 

I looked down at my phone.  2:59.

“Cassie, leave your cousin alone.  She’s nervous.”  Grams walked into the foyer holding a foil covered pan.  “She’s so nervous she almost forgot my famous apple cobbler.” 

“Dammit.  Thanks for looking out, Grams.” 

I took the pan from her.  Holding it against my hip, I looked at my phone again.  2:57. What?  How the hell was time moving backwards?  Was I seriously going crazy.

Queen B opened her mouth.

“Don’t say it.”  I grumbled.

Queen B smirked. 

“There she goes again, Grams.  Talking to those voices in her head.” 

“Shut up, Cassandra.” 

Grams caressed the back of my head.  “It’s ok, sweetie.  We all have a little crazy in us.  Yours just comes out more often.” 

Cassie snorted a laugh.  I glared at her just as the doorbell rang.

“I got it!”  Cassie pushed me out of the way nearly knocking the apple cobbler out of my hands. 

“Watch it, Cassie!”

Cassie opened the door then froze.  “What the fuck are you doing here?” 

“Oh great, another shrew. Chord!  You didn’t tell me she lives here.” 

“That’s because you were supposed to remain in the car, asswipe.”  Chord said breathlessly approaching the door.

“I’m not staying in the car as if I’m your damn chauffeur.”

“You didn’t have to act like your ass was on fire to get here either.”  Chord railed back at him. 

Cassie shook her head then turned to me.  “Sure you want to go knowing that will be along?” 

“Who are you calling that?”  The annoying third wheel asked.

My eyes met Chord’s.  I held back a smile as I watched him scan me from head to toe.  Gooseflesh pebbled my skin.  Heat flared in his eyes.  Who would have thought that jeans, boots and a flattering blouse would get him all hot and bothered.

“Ew!  Will you stop eye fucking my cousin?”  Cassie scrunched up her face in disgust.

“He wasn’t doing any such thing.  And even if he was it’s his right to do so.”  Third wheel crossed his arms. 

“Cassandra did I just hear you use a certain four letter word?”  Grams asked.

Cassie deflated.  “Sorry Grams.” 

“The jar is in the kitchen.  The way you’re going you’re going to fund my bingo habit for the whole year.”  Grams smiled.

Cassie glared at the third wheel who had a Cheshire grin curving his lips.  She walked away but lifted a middle finger as she did so.

“I see that, Cassandra.  Double the fine.” 

I heard a loud huff then coins hitting coins as Cassie dropped change in the jar.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yep.  We should probably move fast before Cassie comes back and your friend gets a black eye or swift kick to the nether region.” 

“He deserves it.”  Chord grinned.  “I’ll take that for you.”  He reached for the pan in my hands.

“Hey!”  Third wheel protested and stepped between us before I could hand the pan to Chord. 

“It was nice seeing you, boys.  Have fun, Rhapsody!”  Grams gave me a little shove then shut the door behind me. 

“Well that was fun.”  Third wheel smirked then held his hand out to me.  “I’m Alec. The donor’s cousin.” 

I looked at his outstretched hand then to Chord.  “Why is this asshat here?” 

Chord choked.  “I didn’t invite him.”

“What my cousin isn’t saying is that he doesn’t own a car and he needed a ride.  I generously offered so you wouldn’t have to balance on his handlebars.  It probably isn’t good for the baby.” 

“You fucking told this turd.”  I waved my hand toward Alec.

Chord winced and took a step away from me.  “I probably had a concussion at the time.” 

“You should be thanking me, mama.  Without me, my fuckhead cousin wouldn’t have apologized and would most likely still be crying in his pillow.” 

I glared at Alec then at Chord.  “Let’s go.” 

            Passing through the two men, I walked toward the flashy car.  It looked like a typical douchebag muscle car.  If I had to pick a car that suited Alec the asshat I would have picked the one parked in front of Grams’ house.

“Wait up, Rhapsody.  Let me get the door.”  Chord said catching up to me.

“I was going to let you get the door anyway.”  I held up the cobbler.

            Chord opened the door, shifted the seat forward then took the cobbler.  He gave me a small smile as I scooted past him and slid into the seat directly behind the passenger seat.  I held my hands out to receive the cobbler but he shook his head.

“Move over.” 

“What?” 

“Move over.  I’m sitting back here with you.” 

I shrugged then shifted to the seat directly behind the driver. 

“Let me take that.” 

Chord handed me the cobbler then got into the seat next to me.  Once he was buckled he took the cobbler from me once again.  As we shut the door, Alec got in the car.

“What the fuck is this?” 

“What?”  Chord asked.

“Does this look like a taxi?” 

“No, but it does look like someone is over compensating for something.”  I said with a very angelic smile.

“Excuse me.  I will have you know that is not the case.”

I shrugged.  “Most men who say that definitely are compensating for something.” 

“Chord, control your woman.” 

Chord laughed.  “Not in your life.” 

I smiled then leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the lips.  Without looking at Alec I said, “On Jeeves.  We don’t want to be late.” 

A curse laden sentence was mumbled but the loud rumble of the engine made it near inaudible.  I laid my head on Chord’s shoulder and relaxed.  In that moment, I forgot that I was knocked up by him.  It felt like we were a normal couple headed for a normal dinner with his family.  That was my last thought before darkness overtook me.   

Chapter 26–>