CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 45 Pouring out his mind

DARBY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.

Sinclair rushed to the door to hug Leo. Lifting him up into the air, Leo tickled him in the belly with his head. The both of them were at it for a few minutes while the little boy kept laughing delightfully. Darby and Isabella watched the both of them keenly, they are soothing to the eyes.

“How are you my boy?” Leo asked as he put Sinclair on the floor and knelt in front of him.

Sinclair leaned into him. “Fine, daddy.”

“Are you ready to see grandpa and grandma?”

He nodded excitedly. “Yay.”

Leo laughed as he straightened up. “Don’t you think it would be nice for them to meet with you too?” He said to Darby.

Darby shook her head. “It would feel too personal. I don’t want to do that.”

“It’s just a picnic with my father and stepmother, then I will take him to see my mother. It’s nothing serious.” He urged.

“I would be getting in Chloe’s way and I don’t want that to happen. If she finds out I went with you both to meet your family it would cause a misunderstanding. I think a video call will be better, don’t you think?”

“Hmmm, not such a bad idea, I guess. I will bring him back tomorrow, I hope that is fine by you?”

She nodded. “Sure, he has been excited over spending time with you. The only clause is, he has never been away from me or Isabella. Which is why I asked Isabella to go with you.”

Leo hummed in response. “Sure, I understand you. I am just glad you agreed to let him stay with me. Your trust in me is something I truly appreciate.”

“It’s okay. You all should have fun. Sinclair.” She called out to her son. “Come here, baby.”

“Yes, mama.” Sinclair replied running to her.

Darby kissed his forehead. “Ensure to be a good boy to daddy and do not get into any kind of trouble.”

“Okay mama.” He nodded his head in response.

“You ready boy.” Leo inquired, beaming brightly at him as he lifted Sinclair off the floor. “We would go now. Say bye to mummy.”

“Bye, mummy.”

Waving at them as they left, Darby pulled Isabella by the hand before she got to the door. “Please keep a close eye on him. I am only letting him go this far because I trust you.”

Isabella smiled in assurance. “You don’t have to worry. I will be your eyes. Don’t stay too bored, try and find something interesting to do like watch movies or instead call Zac.” She winked before running off.

The space suddenly felt suffocating. It brought awful memories of the times she had to spend alone in her room while listening to the joyous laughter her family shared. Taking a deep breath, Darby sat on the couch nearest to her and stretched out her legs. She should be glad to be alone after such a long time and also not being burdened with work. However, the case seem to be different in relation to her. Her reverie was cut short when the sound of her phone caught her attention. A small smile appeared on her lips.

‘Hey you.’ She mumbled into the receiver the moment she answered the call.

Zac chuckled. ‘Why are you smiling?’

‘How would you know that I am smiling?’

‘Because I can obviously tell. How are you doing?’ He asked.

Looking around the room, Darby exhaled. ‘Very well, I guess.’

‘I can’t hear any noise on the background, is Sinclair asleep?’

‘No, he went on a family picnic with his father.’

There was a short pause on the other end, Zac cleared his throat. ‘Oh, that’s good. So, how about we go around town and grab some nice burgers?’

‘Really?’ She sat up excitedly.

‘Of course. I will come get you when you are ready.’

‘By the time you get here I will be ready.’

‘Alright that’s a perfect arrangement. I will be with you shortly.’ He said, hanging up.

Darby squealed as she headed to her room. Her day wouldn’t be so boring after all, Zac is quite the company. He lights up her face whenever they are together. Twenty minutes after the call ended, Zac called her to say he was waiting at the building’s car park. She had dressed a little chic to at least feel young again, being a mother makes her forget that she is barely twenty-five most times.

“Looking beautiful.” Zac commented as she entered the car.

Darby grinned brightly, “I just thought to raise the bar a bit.”

“You show just how much of a fashionista you are every time. So I heard there is this new burger shop in town. Everyone commends it to taste amazing, I have tried it once myself. Would you like to try it out?” He asked igniting the car.

She nodded. “It’s not like I have any other place in mind. I just wanted to get out of the house. I would love to please.”

“Let’s get to it then.” He chuckled, stepping on the pedal.

The burger spot had a nice ambience to it, the walls were definitely designed by a very brilliant and creative artist. It had an homely and embracing feeling to it. The moment Darby’s nose was hit with the mouth watering scent of dough and meat, she sighed happily.

“I have a feeling this would become my favorite spot.” She said.

Zac shrugged, “I don’t doubt it. Let’s find somewhere nice to sit while I make the order. What would you like?”

“Chicken burger and a strawberry shake would do just great.”

“Give me a minute.” He said while pulling out a chair for her to sit in.

Inhaling deeply, Darby let herself settle while her eyes scan the entire space. Her gaze lingered on a young couple teasing each other. Sometimes she wonders if a time would ever come when she would experience actual love and affection. Every time she ponders over it, it feels like there might never be a chance at it for her.

Turning her head, her eyes landed on Zac as he made his order. She has tried very hard to feel affectionate towards him, but nothing comes. She can’t seem to see him beyond a good friend. As much as she tries to deny it, a part of her wants no one else but Leo. At first she thought it was just a teenage affection, however it grew stronger with the birth of Sinclair and she wished everyday that they would meet again. However things went south obviously. Fate must have laughed at her for ever thinking that far.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Zac said, placing the orders on the table.

Darby smiled up at him, she was glad he arrived just in time to stop her from burying herself in self-pity. “Hmmm, this smells heavenly.” She said unwrapping her burger.

“Wait till you taste it.” He replied watching her take a bite. A smile spread widely on Zac’s face when she moaned. “It’s good right?”

Doing a thumbs up, she chewed slowly before swallowing. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

“No, doubt about that. You are welcome.” They stayed quiet while eating their burgers. After a few minutes Zac spoke up. “I found out your client, Desire’s niece is my neighbor.”

Darby chuckled. “You mean her goddaughter?”

He slapped his forehead. “Oh my bad.”

“That’s nice though. But I doubt she would be your neighbor for too long since they would be married soon.”

“I guess so. I wanted to ask, how did she take the news of Sinclair?”

She gulped, taking a sip of her drink when the burger got stuck in her throat. She didn’t tell Zac about the drama that transpired after Sinclair met with his father. She didn’t want to relive the memory.

“The couples have a clear understanding between them. And my intentions are clear, I have no interest in going after Leo.” Darby replied.

“That is good.” Zac mumbled, studying her closely. “So how about we watch a movie after this?”

Her eyes shone in excitement, “I will love that. You make me feel like a teenager!”

Zac laughed loudly before taking a sip of his drink. “I’m glad you do. Let’s live freely tonight before getting dragged into the reality of adulthood again.”

Darby nodded, she couldn’t agree more.

******************

GRACE’S HOME, BEVERLY HILLS.

Leo stepped into the house with a sleepy Sinclair in hand, he had dreaded making a visit to his mother, but he has always hated stalling things for too long. Sinclair had to meet his folks sooner or later and he didn’t want to waste time. His mother wasn’t in when they arrived, he wondered where she went to. It’s almost evening, the picnic had extended for a while.

Ethan and Evelyn were overexcited at the little boy. Sinclair is a delight to watch and lovable, anyone will get attached to him at first meeting. It was no surprise that they all fussed over him. Scarlett and Sinclair seem to have also formed a bond. The duo made him laugh so much. He couldn’t remember the last time he was genuinely happy.

“Let me take him, sir. I am sure he weighs a ton.” Isabella offered stretching her hands forth.

Leo smiled at the admirable nanny. “I know you miss him. I’m sorry I took him off your hand all day, it just feels so surreal that I have my first fruit in my hands.”

Isabella smiled in admiration at him. “I do understand you well. I just wanted to ease you of the burden. Let me know if you need me.”

“Thank you. Please sit, would you like to have anything?” He asked.

She waved hurriedly. “Not at all, your stepmother had me fed to the brim.”

He laughed. “That’s Evelyn for you.”

“Welcome, Mr Leo.” The house maid rushed towards them.

“Where is my mom?” He inquired.

“She is at the greenhouse.” The maid replied. “What would you like to have sir?”

“Don’t bother yet. I will go to meet her now. Here, Isabella, I will return soon.” Leo said, placing Sinclair gently on the couch.

“Okay, sir.” Isabella said after him.

Making his way out of the main house, Leo walked towards the greenhouse. His mother seem to be busy trimming the flowers, he could tell she was in a sour mood. Grace only pays mind to her plants when she is in a sour mood.

“Hi, mom.” He mumbled from the entrance.

Grace scoffed keeping her eyes on the flower. “So where is the boy you brought to see me?”

Leo took two steps closer to her. “He is asleep at the moment. What’s with the sour attitude now? I thought we already sorted our differences days ago at dinner.” He said. If not for Chloe, he wouldn’t mind still being at loggerheads with her. His mother sometimes acted like a child and also needs to know she can’t always get what she wants because she can throw a tantrum.

Raising her head to look at him, Grace dropped the scissors in her hand. “It’s obvious that you no longer place me in high regard. Few years back, you were always keen to respond to my call but nowadays it feels like I am just a bother to you.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

He groaned inwardly while keeping a straight face with his hands folded to the back. “What did I do this time around?”

“Are you pretending to be oblivious now? Didn’t you take your son to see your father first? And Evelyn had the chance to see him before me. Isn’t that great?” She hissed returning to her work.

“Okay, I see this isn’t a right time to be here. I will leave with my son then.” He mused turning away.

She gasped, obviously shocked at his response. “Is that all you would say?”

Leo stopped in his tracks, turned around to stare at her. “What would you have me do, mom? Drag this issue with you again and involve my son? Never!”

“Shouldn’t you be sorry at least?”

“Why should I? You have turned everything into a competition and you want to use me as your pawn? If you were going to be so stuck up like this, probably you should have stayed put next to dad and stop sulking over his marriage to someone else. He hardly worries about you, unlike you who despite her busy schedule, still has time to worry about a man who has long forgotten about whatever you shared.”

Grace gritted her teeth. “How dare you talk to me like that?! After everything I have done to be a good mother to you. Have you forgotten that I almost lost my life because of you?”

Leo snorted, “I have heard it a thousand times. If only I had tried to forgive myself I definitely won’t be in the mess I am in right now. But it’s my fault for listening to everything you say and thinking that would help ease the guilt I feel. Instead I keep dragging everyone into my fucking mess.”

“How does marrying Chloe to secure your rightful place in the company a mess? How can you be so ungrateful?”

“That is where you get it wrong, mom. I fell for your trick and even though I hate to say it, it only shows how stupid I am. I didn’t stop to realize that you are too obsessed with yourself to commit suicide, but I was gullible to think refusing you would lead to that. I would have turned everything upside down when reality dawned. But I won’t do that, I am not going to run away from my problems. Moreover, Chloe loves me too much I can’t break her heart just to spite you. I have become a shadow of myself in a bid to please you mom and I have had enough!”

Grace sniffed as tears lingered in her eyes. “How can you say something like that to me, Leo? I have loved you all my life. What do you expect me to do when Evelyn practically calls the shot for your father? Do you want to end up with nothing to your name?”

“I am not disabled, mom. I can work for my own money. I don’t care whatever your reasons are anymore. I didn’t have much will before, but with the presence of my son I have the desire to be a desirable mentor. I am no longer going to give in to your whims, do whatever you want. You can choose to not come for the wedding, it’s your choice. But as for my son, I don’t care if he doesn’t meet you. It’s your choice to decide if you want to be in your grandchild’s life or not. I don’t care anymore.” He kissed his teeth and walked away.

Leo sniffed back a tear, he had wanted to tell his mother how he feels for a very long time but he never did gather enough courage to do so. At this point with the wedding so near he wished he could tell Chloe to also end whatever feelings she holds for him. But he could almost envision the sadness in her eyes, he wouldn’t want to be the cause of that. He would have to man up and take hold of his responsibilities.

He opened the door to the living room, Sinclair was awake already. He seemed preoccupied with his tablet.

“Isabella.” Leo called out. “Please let’s go.” He mused.

Looking up at his father, Sinclair dropped the pad and ran to meet him. “Daddy.”

Lifting him off the ground, Leo grinned happily and of his worries seem to melt away. “How are you, buddy?”

“Fine, daddy. I want pizza.” He demanded.

Leo looked towards Isabella. “Can he eat that now?”

She nodded. “Definitely, sir.”

“Sorry to be of so much bother to you. Let’s leave now.” He mused.

“Sure sir.” She replied, picking up Sinclair’s bag and tablet.

As they stepped out of the house, Leo ignored his mother who stood in front of the greenhouse watching them leave. He wasn’t going to let himself slip into another mode of guilt for speaking his mind. Getting his son and nanny into the car, he drove off without batting an eyelash.