Standing in the middle of his bedroom, Tom sighed as he looked around the room. Although the bedroom was organized and the bedsheets had been changed, Lucy's scent was still in the room mixed with his.
His gaze moved to the dressing table. Lucy's cosmetic products, perfumes, hair brush, jewelry box, and a couple of other personal effects were arranged on one end while his were on the other end.
He walked into the closet and smiled wryly when he noticed that the housekeeper had arranged the closet, and Lucy's clothes were now hanging beside his.
Was she going to want to take her stuff with her? He didn't want any of the items to be moved. He loved having her stuff mixed with his this way.
Moving into her apartment didn't mean she couldn't sleep over at his from time to time, right? Or was that what she was thinking? Perhaps he would have to discuss it with her.
He frowned when he remembered that she wasn't in the room yet because she was having a discussion with his mother. What was she saying to Lucy? He really hoped she wasn't going to say anything that would cause any problems for him.
He walked to the entrance of the closet when he heard the bedroom door open, and watched Lucy as she walked in and shut the door behind her.
Distracted by her thoughts, Lucy didn't see him as she threw her handbag on the couch and sat on the bed with both palms spread out on it.
Instead of making his presence known, Tom just watched her silently instead so he could gauge her state and know if his mother had upset her.
Lucy, on the other hand, sat there staring into space as she thought about her conversation with Evelyn. A lot of things about their conversation bothered her, but what she was thinking about at the moment was Evelyn's last statement about it being a good sign that she didn't know the reason she did not want to get married.
Did she really not have a cogent reason for not wanting to get married? At what point in her life did she decide that she didn't want to get married? What influenced that decision?
Her thoughts drifted to the questions Evelyn had said her roommate asked her, and she reached for her handbag and took out her journal to write down the questions.
Perhaps she would also try to answer these questions along with the other questions plaguing her at the moment.
She opened her journal and smiled as she read through what was written on the left side of it. It was her thoughts based on her conversation with her therapist the previous day, she sighed when she looked at the right side. She had written down random stuff she had learnt about Kimberly on it.
She was going to have to tell Tom about her conversation with Kimberly. Now was not the time to keep unnecessary secrets from each other. She thought as she picked up her pen and turned the page over.
Tom watched as she penned down her thoughts with a crease between her brows.
"I'm curious to read what you're writing," Tom said, startling her.
"When did you get here? I didn't hear the door open," Lucy said as she closed the journal and watched him approach her.
"I've been here all along. I'm surprised you didn't notice my presence," Tom said as he watched her.
"Sorry. I guess I was distracted," Lucy said with an apologetic smile as she pushed every other thought away and rose from the bed.
"What did she say to you?" Tom asked, and Lucy shrugged.
"Nothing much. She explained how she saw the pregnancy kit and apologized."
"Is that all she said?" Tom asked, and Lucy gave him a nod since she had promised Evelyn that the other conversation would remain between them and she wouldn't say anything to Tom.
"Are you sure? If she said anything to upset you…."
Lucy laughed softly, "Relax, Tom. She really was sweet. I wasn't the least bit offended by anything she said. That I can assure you," Lucy said, and Tom watched her to see if she was lying, but she kept the smile on her face.
"If that's the case why were you so distracted? What were you writing in there?" Tom asked, and Lucy sighed as she clasped her hands together.
"Well, I did something I shouldn't have done. I was wondering if I should tell you or not. I really don't want to offend or upset you?" Lucy explained, and Tom sat down beside her with a concerned frown.
"What did you do?" He asked as he took her hand, while gazing at her with interest.
"Earlier I got very curious. I wanted to know what they looked like…"
"What who looked like?" Tom asked, lost for a moment.
"Dawn and her mother," Lucy said without meeting his gaze.
"I see. So what did you do? Check them out online?" Tom asked, and Lucy met his gaze.
"How did you know?" She asked, and Tom looked at her in amusement.
"Because it's the natural thing to do. I mean after she spoke to me that night, I did the same thing. I wanted to know more about them," Tom explained and Lucy sighed.
"Dawn looks like you," Lucy said, and Tom nodded.
"I thought so too. Harry said the same thing. I don't think there's anything wrong in checking them out. It's normal so don't feel bad or apologetic…."
"Well, that wasn't all that happened," Lucy cut in, and Tom raised a brow.
"What happened?"
"Dawn's instagram account was private and I wanted to see more of her pictures so I sent a request," Lucy said with a wince.
"It was private? When I checked it two days ago it wasn't," Tom said, and Lucy shook her head.
"I suppose it was a bait for me or something. The moment I sent a request I received a message from her. Kimberly I mean," Lucy said, and this time Tom scowled.
"I'm sorry. I know I messed up," Lucy said quickly the moment she saw the annoyance on his face.
"I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at her. Why would she contact you? She has no business whatsoever with you! We haven't even gotten the DNA results yet and she wants to mess with you? What did she say to you?" Tom asked angrily.
"Oh!" Lucy said softly as she relaxed.
"You don't have to be mad. She wasn't rude or anything. If anything I think I might have been the rude one. She was sort of friendly," Lucy said, and Tom shook his head.
"Anita was friendly too. I don't trust any of them," Tom said, and Lucy touched his shoulder.
"She really didn't sound like she wanted to make trouble," Lucy insisted.
"Can I see your chat?" Tom asked, and Lucy took out her phone from her handbag and showed him the conversation between her and Kimberly.
Tom said nothing as he read through the chat and when he was done he shook his head, "I still don't trust her. They always start out nice. Can you not talk to her again?" Tom asked, and Lucy shook her head.
"If Dawn happens to be your daughter, there is no way I can ignore her as your girlfriend. She will be a part of your life, as will I. I'd rather she communicates with me than ignore me," Lucy said, and Tom looked at her for a moment.
"Are you sure? What if she bothers you?" Tom asked, and Lucy smiled.
"I will bother her right back. I won't sit back and do nothing," Lucy assured him, and after a moment he sighed.
"I'm sorry you have to go through this because of me," Tom said apologetically.
"It's fine. Let's just not worry about any of this until you get the result from the lab," Lucy suggested.
"Are you sure that's what you want? We could talk about it some more…"
"What's there to talk about? Let's just have a normal weekend. By Monday we can face it. I think you need to rest. Try to relax this weekend," Lucy said, and Tom raised a brow.
"Why do you sound like I'm not going to see you?"
"Well, I don't know what plans you might have for the weekend, but I'm hanging out with Sonia, Jade, and Candace tomorrow. And I plan to spend Sunday with Jamal," Lucy said, and Tom scowled.
"All Saturday and Sunday? You didn't make any plans with me in mind?" He asked, and she shrugged.
"You said we needed space…."
"Come on. I thought we resolved that already? Wasn't the distance I covered on air away from you space enough?" Tom protested.
"You asked for it, not me. I can't make any assumptions about what you want or don't want right now. So I'm just going to pick up my stuff and leave so you can freshen up and get some rest," Lucy said as she started to rise, but Tom held her back.
"Why are you in a hurry to leave? What are you going to do at home? Is there something urgent you need to take care of?" Tom asked, and she shook her head.
"Not really," Lucy said, and Tom nodded.
"Good. So, let's talk some more and take a nap together. I really missed sleeping and waking up beside you. You can get dressed here and we will leave together for the party. That way I don't have to come pick you up from your apartment," Tom said, and Lucy eyed him hesitantly.
Although a part of her had wanted to go back to her apartment now that her parents were here so she could be alone to think. But at the same time another part of her had been hoping he would ask her to stay with him because she really wanted to be with him right now. Being with him helped her to focus more on him than the challenges, and she preferred it to going home where she would only end up overthinking and worrying as usual.
"I missed sleeping beside you too," Lucy admitted, and Tom smiled as he rose to take off his jacket and tie so he could be more comfortable.
"That's good. By the way, you were only going to pick up the outfit for tonight, right?" Tom asked with a concerned frown.
"Why?" Lucy asked as she watched him unbutton his shirt.
"I don't think you should move everything. I don't really want you to move completely. Especially not right now. I love having you and your stuff here," Tom said, and Lucy shook her head.
"You can't just ask me to go and come as you please, Tom," Lucy said even though she understood what he was trying to say.
"I know. I'm sorry. I was wrong for asking you to leave the way I did. It's not like we were breaking up. I was going to make sure you spend some nights here from time to time, and I do the same over at your apartment. I thought living separately would help us understand and appreciate each other better…"
"If that was what you thought, you could have discussed it with me properly," Lucy cut in, feeling hurt all over again as she recalled the manner with which he had talked about her moving back to her apartment (chapter 568).
"I'm deeply sorry," Tom said, and Lucy looked at him for a moment without saying a word.
"Well, as much as I love and miss you too, I think we should stick to that. I will spend some time here with you, and you can spend some time with me in my apartment," Lucy offered, thinking about Dawn.
Although, she had said they shouldn't talk about the kid right now, she knew they would have to feature her into their future plans if the result came back positive.
"That works. You can start by spending tonight with me. I missed you too damn much, Jewel," Tom said as he pulled her to himself and kissed her neck, making her laugh out loud.
"I can't. My parents. I made them move out of here. I can't leave them alone at my apartment…"
"I'm sure they won't mind. They might even need the space. On second thoughts, you are right. Since they're leaving tomorrow…"
"They told you they are leaving tomorrow?" Lucy asked, taken aback by the information.
"Yes. Were you not aware? That's why they came over. They are getting ready to visit Aaron so they can say goodbye to Jamal before leaving," Tom explained.
"I must have made them feel unwelcome," Lucy said with a wince.
"Or maybe they just miss the comfort of their home and want to go back. My parents are leaving as well. So, how about you come over tomorrow?" Tom asked, and Lucy shook her head.
"You should come over to mine instead. It's been a while since you were there," Lucy suggested, and Tom grinned.
"Do you want me to bring some extra clothes to mark my territory?" He asked, and she laughed.
"I will empty a drawer for you, and make room for your stuff around the bedroom," Lucy said, and Tom kissed her.
"That sounds like a good arrangement."
"Speaking about good arrangements, I was going to wash my hair before the dinner party. So, how about we take a shower together, and maybe you can assist me in washing my hair?" Lucy asked with a coy smile as she tugged her hairband off, letting her hair fall over her shoulder and back.
Tom paused and watched her with twinkling eyes, "You really did miss me, didn't you?" he asked, and she nodded.
"Of course I did. So, do you want to shower together or not?" Lucy asked, and he grinned.
"You never have to ask twice," he said, and watched as she took off her glasses and replaced it inside its case.
"Will you assist me in washing my hair?" Lucy asked as rose to strip off her clothes.
"Sure. I could wash your entire body if you let me," Tom said, and Lucy giggled as they walked into the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Lucy turned on the shower and made sure it was warm before stepping under it, while Tom picked the shampoo from the bathroom cabinet and brought it to her.
Lucy turned off the shower after her hair was wet, and Tom helped her pour some shampoo on her hair, "Should I scrub?" He asked, and she shook her head.
"Hold on. I will let you know when I need your help," Lucy said with her eyes closed as she massaged the shampoo into her hair and washed.
She giggled when Tom's hand came around her and grabbed her boobs, "Tom!"
"I can't just stand here doing nothing. Besides, you should have known this would happen when you suggested we shower together," Tom said defensively.
"Turn on the shower. Not on full blast. Make sure it's warm," Lucy instructed in order to keep his hands busy as she quickly washed the soapsud from her face.
"You are done washing your hair already?" Tom asked with a scowl and Lucy giggled.
"I made a mistake thinking you would be of help…."
"Well, I did want to help, but there was nothing for me to do yet so I decided to get busy with other rounder things," Tom reminded her and Lucy shook her head as she laughed.
"Never mind. I think my hair is alright. Let's shower so you can get some rest," Lucy offered and Tom shook his head.
"I don't feel so tired anymore," he said looking at her with sincere eyes.
It greatly surprised him that they could both be here laughing this way right now. He had been so worried and scared all through his flight, and now he couldn't even remember any of the things that had been troubling his mind.
"Of course, you don't," Lucy said with a knowing smile dancing around her lips as she looked down at his erection.
Ignoring his erection, Tom drew Lucy into his arms and embraced her, "Thank you, Lucy."
"What for?" Lucy asked with a confused frown.
"For being my home and my safe place. I was so worried and scared that I was going to lose you because of a silly mistake I made unknowingly in the past. Thanks for not running away. Thanks for being here right now," Tom said, and Lucy felt tears gather in her eyes as she patted his back.
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