Read If You Don't Know Me for Free Online

showing people pictures of my baby claiming it’s his. Wait here. I need to show you something.”
    Trotting upstairs, I got the signed copy of my divorce papers, then returned to the living room. Handing her the papers I took my baby. “Is this final?”
    The doorbell rang again.
    â€œI got it.” Tisha placed the papers on the coffee table. When she opened the door, a florist handed her a bouquet of white long-stemmed roses. Before signing, Tisha sniffed them. “Oh, wow! These are nicely scented.”
    â€œWho are they from?” I asked hoping Roosevelt had thought of me.
    Signing the iPad with her finger, she closed the door. “Smell them.”
    I shook my head. She handed me the card, placed the vase in the center of the sofa table behind the couch, then took Zach.
    I read the card. “White represents purity (for Zach) and new beginnings (for us). Please forgive me. I love you. Loretta.” I ripped it again and again then tossed the pieces into the wastebasket behind my sofa.
    â€œDang, Madison. You didn’t have to make confetti. She’s trying to apologize. She wants to see the baby.”
    â€œI don’t want her around my child or me. In fact, I don’t want to live next door to her. Just in case Roosevelt is serious about leaving me for Sindy, I’m going to buy a condo where he lives. That way I won’t need his permission to get access into the building.”
    â€œBad idea. You can’t force that man to take you back.”
    Take me back? Wow. I was down. Not out.
    Picking up the papers from the coffee table, Tisha shook her head. “After what you’ve done, that plan to live where he’s at could backfire.” Reading, she kept shaking her head.
    â€œWhat? Say whatever you’re thinking.”
    â€œI’m not an attorney but my understanding is sixty days from filing the executed dissolution the divorce will be final. You signed it a week ago so in about fifty-three days, right before Christmas, you’ll be a single woman. But your preliminary hearing is scheduled right before Thanksgiving. You could settle out of court but whatever happens, don’t buy a place where he lives. What if he marries Sindy and you have to see her all the time?”
    â€œI’ll make her wish she hadn’t. I have his firstborn son. But I’m also smart enough not to sell this house. Thanks to Roosevelt,” I boasted, “it’s paid in full.”
    Tisha covered Zach’s ears, then leaned toward me. “I hate to say it but you fucked up a good thing, Madison. Let him go. Make sure you don’t miss your court date next month. When it’s over, meet another man.”
    â€œWith no breasts,” I protested.
    My doorbell rang again. I glanced at my monitor.
    â€œYou are the sexiest woman I know. I’m not feeling sorry for you. Not having breasts is temporary and you know it. I’ll get the door,” Tisha said.
    When she opened the door, my dad walked in. “Madison, sweetheart. You’ve got to stop him. Roosevelt gave me a notice. He’s stealing my company.”
    Eager to get the check Roosevelt had offered, my dad signed 51 percent of Tyler Construction to my husband. As Mrs. Tyler-DuBois, I held partnership in the controlling interest.
    â€œPapa, don’t be rude,” I said tilting my head toward Tisha. “Here, hold Zach.” I placed the blanket and his grandson in his hands. “Hold his head.”
    Papa sat in a chair facing the sofa, then placed Zach on his lap. “Hi, Tisha. How’re the boys and your mom?”
    â€œEverybody is fine, Mr. Tyler. I’ll tell my mother you said hello.” Tisha lifted Zach from Papa’s lap and placed him in my dad’s arms.
    Papa lamented, “I know how to hold a baby.”
    â€œMadison,” Tisha said, pointing at the papers on the coffee table. “Call me later so we can continue our conversation. Bye,