Open Opportunities

Chapter IX

BRIA

Tomorrow will be our first day back at work and the girl's first day back at school since spring break is over.

I only had one more outfit here at Morris' house, so I knew I would have to be going home soon. I feel this would be the perfect time to talk about our living situation.

"Baby." I called up the stairs. I was currently downstairs cooking breakfast, while the girls were in the living room playing with their toys.

"Yeah." He replied walking down the stairs.

"Good morning." I said kissing his lips. He replied back and set on one of the stools at the island watching me cook.

"Babe, I have to go home today because I need some clothes, and I miss my bed." He looked at me and frowned.

"Home? This is your home."

"My REAL home." I said emphasizing the "real" in the sentence.

"What do you mean? You're here all the time, you might as well move in."

"I think it's too soon to move in. Plus I don't wanna live in this house with you, I want us to get a house together."

"Why do you not wanna live here. I've been here for ten years. I made my first million and all of my best memories are here."

"Well, we can make even better memories somewhere else. What's the big deal?"

"Nothing Bria. You don't understand!" He raised his voice causing me to jump. He looked at me with a mug and stormed upstairs.

"Mommy is daddy okay?" Ariela asked with a saddened expression. Bria looked down at her, ashamed that her daughters had to see their parents fight.

"Yeah, he's just a little sad. I'll go cheer him up, come eat." Ariela nodded and called Talia to their table.

I grabbed both of their plates that consisted of eggs, sausage, and french toast and place it in front of them with a cup of orange juice.

"Watch T.V. and don't move. " I said sternly. They nodded and began to eat. I trekked up the stairs, totally not ready for this talk.

I walked into the room to see Morris on the floor crying and clutching a picture of an older man in his hands. I leaned on the door frame and called out to him.

"Morris." He looked back at me but said nothing. I moved closer until I was sitting on the floor and he was crying on my chest.

"Baby please talk to me." I cradled him in my arms trying to make him comfortable enough to talk to me.

"When I was in law school my granddad was my biggest fan. My parents were supportive, but when I wanted to start my own firm, they were a little apprehensive. My grandad was a lawyer and I was really proud to follow in his footsteps. When I finally had enough money to buy a house, he helped me pick this one out. Two years ago he was diagnosed with Leukemia and since he was older and weak, his health deteriorated rapidly. The time gap that he was diagnosed and his death was only three months. It all happened so fast, Bria." He said breaking down more.

"Babe I think you feel that if you move out of this house, you're losing him, but he'll always be in your heart. I don't know him, but the way you described him seemed like he always wanted what's best for you. He wouldn't want to see you like this, he'll want you to be happy. It seemed that he loved you unconditionally, so I don't think you're doing any harm by moving, but I don’t mind staying knowing that it means this much to you. " He looked up at me taking my words in.

"You're right. I understand you want to have a fresh start and create memories in a house that we choose together. I won’t sell it, but moving into a new place could be an option to consider." He expressed kissing my lips.

"Thank ya baby, now let's eat I'm starving."

"Me too, but not for food." He said squeezing my ass.

"You're such a pervert." I said slapping the back of his head.

"So what." He said following me down the stairs. I fixed both of our plates and we sat at the table.

"I think we're ready." I said meekly.

"Ready for what?" He asked cluelessly.

"To move in together." I said in a duh tone causing a smile to creep on his face.

"That's great baby." He said pecking my lips.

"In a new house?" He nodded.

"I'm okay with that."