Sins of A Mother

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Epilogue: A complete puzzle

Mimi had been mopping around ever since their wedding night. Often times she'd ask Joshua to spend more time at work or send him out for things in order not to be around him. Each second, each minute she was around him it felt as if she was being stabbed in the heart repeatedly. This all continued on for the course of a week.

Joshua hadn't really noticed her change. It wasn't like they were romantic towards one another often anyways. The kiss to seal their wedding was probably the most he'd gotten from her in a while. But he had taken some time off and today was the first day of his vacation. He was set on spending time with his family, but Mimi had been pulling away it seemed. It was if they were playing a game of hide and go seek, but whenever he found her, she just hide again.

The day was practically gone and Annalese was washed, fed, and sleeping peacefully in her crib. It was the perfect time to resolve this and that's just what Joshua was going to do.

"There you are." He announced as he walked into their bedroom. He made sure to lock the door behind him. He watched her reaction as he began making up the bed. She jumped slightly but remained looking out the window.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were avoiding me." Joshua stated as he fluffed a pillow up. Mimi still kept quiet.
"I thought newly weds spent time together, not time apart." He went on. Still no change in Mimi. Joshua sighed loudly.
"Communication is the key to any relationship." He said. Mimi held herself back from scoffing at his comment.
"So is trust." She said softly.

"What was that?" He asked as he came up behind her.
"I said so is trust." She repeated.
"Yes, trust is important too." He agreed. He wondered why she had said that. "Is there something you need to tell me?" He asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." Mimi retorted.
"And what does that mean exactly?" He inquired.
"Is there anything you need to confess Joshua?" She asked.
"You can't answer a question with a question and I asked first." He stated. It was immature, but he wasn't backing himself into a corner he couldn't get out of.

"Joshua I know you are not being faithful. Spit it out." She demanded. Joshua stood in front of her, with eyes wide in shock. How did she know? How long did she know? He asked himself. Shit. It was time to come clean.
"Yes." Joshua admitted. He wasn't going to lie and beat around the bush this time. No he had learned from his mistake, well at least partially.
"How long?" Mimi asked. Her voice rose along with her temper.
"Not very." He answered. Mimi shook her head at his answer. Was he really picking now to try to be evasive?

"It all makes sense now. You always being out of the house, taking phone calls in different rooms. You even changed your hair! You had the same hairstyle forever!" Mimi yelled. She remembered that Annalese was asleep across the hall and lowered her voice. She tried to walk off but Joshua was on her tail and had spun her around.
"Don't touch me!" She screamed.
"Lower your voice." He said.
"Mimi I am sorry. I really did want us to work, but seeing Miranda that day..it just undid all of that for me. I second guessed my feelings for you and didn't know where to go from there. And then you had the baby..and I don't know. Everything was happening so fast I didn't know how to handle it." He explained.
"So your solution is to screw someone else? Confuse them and play with their feelings? Really Joshua? You can keep your BS excuses to yourself." Mimi shot back. She slipped the ring off her finger and placed it on the dresser.
"You can give that to her." She said and left the room. This time he didn't follow her. Maybe she'd be ok after she calmed down he told himself.

Bright and early the next morning, Mimi woke up and took Annalese from her crib. She wouldn't stay here and allow Joshua to feed her BS anymore. And she wouldn't let her baby girl grow up to think it was acceptable. No, she was getting out and never coming back. Annalese protested at first because she was woken up from her sleep but Mimi quieted her successfully by giving her a pacifier. She had already packed their bags earlier this week and they were waiting in the car. She took a few moments to grab a few more of Annalese's things and then headed for the door. Joshua noticed the baby bag looking bigger than usual, but Mimi told him they were going to the park. He didn't want to argue with her especially in front of Annalese so he allowed them to go.

Mimi and Annalese never returned home. He thought something might have happened, maybe they were in a car accident or got kidnapped. He was about to call 9-1-1 the following day when he got a text. It simply read "Have a nice life." and nothing more. They had left. He had nothing and it was nobodies fault but his own. Aria had came over later to cheer him up, but it was nothing she could say to make things better. He told her to leave and to never come back. He would just bury himself in his work and try to fill the holes in his heart.

Mimi had confided in her mother on their wedding night and she had told her that Annalese and her were welcomed in their home until she figured things out. The night Joshua admitted to cheating was when she decided to take her up on the offer. She had drove to her house without stopping. It took them a couple of hours but she was determined to get there before it was too dark. And she had and her parents welcomed them with open arms.

Mimi got a job at a small bakery in town thanks to the owner being friends of her parents. It wasn't a five-star restaurant, but she had to start somewhere. Her mother watched Annalese when she was at work. Joshua hadn't tried to contact them and she was grateful. She did feel a little bad for Annalese though. She loved her father and he loved her. She felt guilty about keeping them apart. So being the bigger person, she told him he could have her on the weekends. Joshua was appreciative. He could have easily took her to court and probably would have gotten custody because Mimi couldn't properly support them, but he didn't want to cause her anymore pain. So he accepted having her on the weekends.

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With Toby finally out of his place, Emily officially moved in with Jaq'. He even allowed her to redecorate some. He loved her, but wasn't a fan of her style in the least bit. She didn't argue though. She knew her taste wasn't for everyone and she was okay with that. The two talked about marriage and maybe having a kid or two, but Emily didn't need a piece of paper or some lavish wedding. She was content with just being together. And that was good enough with Jaq'. It'd save him a lot of money.

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Miranda and Toby were taking things as slow as possible and it was fine with the both of them. Toby had no intentions of pushing her and Miranda was in no hurry to move in and get engaged again. She still wanted those things, but in the distant future. For right now, she would cherish the small moments they spent in each others arms and in each other's company. Neither of them told the other they loved each other either. It was too soon. And they didn't want to ruin anything. But love was definitely felt.

They didn't announce their relationship to the public, but it didn't stop anyone from assuming and writing about it. And they didn't care. Who were they anyways? The leeches who lived to pry in celebrities lives. They weren't worth worrying about anymore.

So now Miranda's puzzle was complete. Did that mean she wouldn't lose a few pieces? Of course not. Puzzles are meant to fall apart and put together again. However, she was ready. She wouldn't worry or fret over a missing piece. She would just be patient and she'd find it again.

**This is finally it. The end! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read/comment on my little story. I never intended for it to go on as long as it did. Originally, Miranda and Joshua were suppose to get married and just be happy. But as I continued to write I realized that the ending would be too easy. And life isn't easy. Life is good and bad, it's filled with ups and downs and ready or not we all have to deal with it.

Miranda had a lot of things thrown at her, but she dealt with it and she got passed it. It all helped her to become the person she is now. She is stronger and more cautious. It's going to be weird loading up my game and just playing now instead of setting situations up and snapping pictures lol. But I'm sure they will all be happy to just "live" as sims.

I also wanted to announce that I may work on another story. It's been in my head for a while now, but I want to plan this one out right. The Puzzle was just off my head and sorta random at times. But I want to be clear in the direction for my next story.

Chapter Thirty-one: The End

The morning after my birthday I woke up still in Toby's arm. It took me back because I expected him to be gone. Honestly, I felt as though I was dreaming. But no it was real and last night actually happened. He woke up shortly after I did and kissed my shoulder before saying good morning. I turned my head slightly in order to not kill him with morning breath and retreated into the bathroom.

Again a million things buzzed around my brain. Thoughts, questions, fears yes they were all running wild up there but I told them to shut up. I couldn't deal with any of it at this moment. I at least needed Toby to leave so I could think alone. I brushed my teeth and took a quick shower and changed clothing. When I went back into my bedroom, Toby was no longer there. I was just about to turn the door knob to leave when the smell of pancakes hit me.

He's cooking for me? I thought to myself as I followed the yummy trail to my kitchen. He motioned for me to take a seat and then slide three fluffy pancakes onto a plate in front of me. I had no idea he could cook! He placed a bottle of syrup in front of me as well. He also fixed a plate for himself and the two of us ate in silence for a good five minutes.

My phone started vibrating against my pocket and I excused myself. It was Jaq' who was at the studio. I had totally forgot I was suppose to be there this morning. I apologized and said I was leaving right then. I also apologized to Toby because he now had to be rushed out. He took it like a champ though and told me it was okay.


Two days later

Two days went by really quick when all you did was run back and forth between the studio, interviews, video shoots, etc. I was so busy I almost forgot that Toby and I had to re-shoot for the upcoming fashion show. The designer finally picked a date to showcase his underwear line and wanted us to take more pictures. Honestly I didn't see why he didn't tell us sooner, but I was able to fit it in my busy schedule.

"You're so lucky to be shooting with Toby Myers!" Abby gushed. We had developed a little friendship and she was now comfortable around me. She was no longer the shy makeup artist, but we actually conversed and exchanged jokes.
"It's not a big deal." I replied.
"Yes it is. I remember being back in beauty school just dreaming of him. He is beyond hot." Abby continued. I just shook my head and laughed along.

Abby was in the middle of my makeup when there was a knock on the door. I shot a brow up at her and she asked me if I was expecting any visitors. I answered no and she went to open it. I'm surprise she didn't faint when she saw who was behind the door. Toby. I wasn't sure what he wanted but they talked a bit before she stepped outside and he came further into the room.

"Hey." He greeted. I stepped off the stool and walked over to him.
"Hi Toby." I greeted back. The two of us hadn't properly spoken let alone saw each other in the past two days. I tried not to dredge up my birthday memories right now as I stood in front of him.
"Well we're going to be doing a few solo shots and then some together." He explained. He went further into details and I nodded my head along. After business got out of the way he switched topics.

"I've been thinking.." He started. Oh no here it comes I thought. "we never really talked after your birthday or about what happened." He finished.
"Yeah." I said.
"Miranda I'd be lying if I said I only wanted a friendship with you. I know you've been through a lot and I never wanted to push you or make you uncomfortable but it's hard to continue like this." He went on. I nodded along and just listened. I couldn't respond yet.

"Miranda I really like you. And I need to know if I'm alone in this. I mean I know it'll be hard but I'm ready and willing to help you learn to love again." He said. It was really genuine and heart-felt. If it had been on screen I would be bawling right now and telling the girl to say yes and marry him or something, but it wasn't a script. It wasn't a movie, it was my life and it wasn't so simple.

"Toby I really do appreciate you for being there for me. You didn't have to be, but you were and I can't thank you enough. You will always be special to me because of that." I begun. I hated myself for what I was about to say.
"But a relationship is not something I can handle right now." I said. Toby's face fell. I knew he thought it was a possible outcome, but he didn't want to hear it.
"I'm sorry Toby." I said. My heart broke. I didn't want to hurt him, but I had to protect myself too. My heart was on the line also.
"Are you ok?" I asked. I wanted to reach out and hug him, but I remained standing in my spot.
"Yes. We need to get out to the set." He said and he was back in business mode. I guess it was better than thinking about getting rejected.

I put my feelings aside and allowed Abby to finish with my makeup. She wanted to ask what happened, but she kept it professional and I was grateful for it. After I squeezed my way into my first outfit, which was too french-maid like for my taste, I walked on set. We were filming in a bedroom type area. The photographer and Toby were chatting when I came up.

"Ms. Griffin, Toby will do his solo shots first. And when you're ready you can start yours." He explained. I agreed and stood by and watched. Actually I looked everywhere but at him. I didn't want to see the hurt or pain in his eyes. But when I finally did glance his way he looked fine.

Before long, it was my turn. I was not ready, not ready at all. My "first" pose was just standing there with my arms over my chest. The photographer cleared his throat.
"Ms. Griffin?" He asked.
"Yes?" I answered.
"Whenever you're ready." He said. Right he thought this was a joke, sadly this was a serious attempt on my part.
"Miranda it's okay, just take a deep breath." Toby suggested. I smiled sadly at him. He was probably in all types of pain inside but he was going to make this photo shoot work. And damn it, so was I.

I managed to kick my nerves and finish the shoot. Some parts were harder than most. The shots where we had to look like an actually couple in love and be close to one another. It would have been easier without our earlier conversation but both of us handled it very well.

It was over in an hour or so. We had both ventured back into our dressing rooms and changed into our clothing. I had walked back to the set to find Toby staring out the window. I had to talk to him and make sure he understood what I said earlier. I cared for him and didn't want to lose our friendship.

"Toby?" I called out as I stood behind him.
"Hmm?" He responded without turning around.
"Could we talk a moment?" I asked. He turned to face me then.

I was not prepared to see the pained look upon his face. It just made me feel even worse.
"Toby about earlier, I'm sorry if what I said hurt you." I apologized.
"No you were being honest." He replied.
"Yes but I didn't want to hurt you. I can't stand seeing you like this. It's not right that I caused you distress when all you've done is cheer me up." I said.
"I'll be fine." Toby said trying to put on a brave face.

I couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Toby it is not fine!" I screamed a little louder than I intended. I was angry and confused, all because of myself. I was happy the photographer had left by now.
"Miranda.." Toby tried to calm me down.
"No Toby it isn't fine. I feel awful for hurting you why don't you understand that?" I argued.
"Because I don't want you to feel bad. I put myself out there not you." He replied. Hearing that made me absolutely lose it even more than before.

"Toby I wasn't being honest, not with you or myself." I said before I started to break down. Toby, the guardian angel he was, wrapped his arms in comfort around me.
"What are you talking about?" He asked softly. In between tears I was able to answer him.
"I do have feelings for you Toby, but I was too afraid to admit it earlier. I don't want to get hurt all over again, but lying to myself hurts too." I answered.
"I want to give us a chance, I really do. But you have to know that it'll be hard. I'll cry and be upset and I may be a little insecure at times, but I'll try. Toby I can try for you, for us." I said. Toby's arms wrapped around me a bit tighter, but not too tight.

"Miranda that's all I ever wanted to hear." Toby simply stated and kissed my forehead. And just like that, we were "together". I knew we would have a rocky road ahead of us. But he was ready to brave it with me. Something Joshua never admitted to. No one ever said love was easy, but when you find the right one it will be worth all the pain and more. Here's hoping to third time's the charm.


*This is it! The End, sorta. I didn't forget Joshua and Mimi and their drama. Next Sunday will be the epilogue with their little ending. Thank you all for hanging in there with me!

Chapter Thirty: January 3rd

Warning: Adult situations & Nudity ahead. 18+ readers only or read at your own discretion! 

I reached over to shut my alarm clock off before rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes. I sighed and sat up in bed. It was January 3rd, aka my birthday. The day I came into the world. And one of the few days my mother had held me in her arms. That last thought caused my heart to drop slightly. I hadn't really gave Skylar much thought since I left Riverview. However, I did keep in contact with Timothy and TJ.

I walked the few feet to my bathroom and washed my face. I stopped for a moment to look in the mirror.
"Happy 22nd birthday Miranda." I said to myself. Twenty-two. I'm twenty-two years old. I should be happy about it, and I was yet I still felt like something was missing. Something, someone I don't know but I tried to shake the thoughts away and enjoy my birthday.

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I slipped on some clothes and made my way to the Art Gallery. Few people knew it, but I enjoyed painting in my down time. So whenever I could I would frequent the Gallery, preferably when it was least busy. Thankfully it was practically empty when I arrived.

I wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked. My peaceful moment was interrupted by the leeches, the paparazzi. It was only one, but still I didn't appreciate my private moment being intruded upon. I stifled a loud sigh and decided it was time to go home.
"Ms. Griffin Happy Birthday." He said.
"Thank you." I said trying to make my way down their stairs.
"Do you have any plans for tonight? Big party? Dinner?" He hounded. Question after question was thrown at me butI managed to keep calm.
"Sorry I have to get going." I replied and hurried out of the building.

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Later in the day when the sun was starting to set, Toby paid Miranda a visit. He had heard from Jaq' that today was Miranda's birthday and wanted to see her. They hadn't seen one another since their kiss, but it was due to their schedules. He was busy trying to book gigs as a new model in Starlight shores and Miranda was working on her album. How perfect the timing was for them to both be free on her birthday. He lightly tapped on the door and waited for her to answer.

Miranda was awaken from her nap by a knock at the door. When she left the Art Gallery, she decided to just stay in. She wasn't up to going out and celebrating so she found herself back in her PJ's and sleeping.

Miranda looked out the window near the door and saw it was Toby. She called out for him to let himself in since she had left it open by mistake.
"Hey" He said and gave her a wave.
"Hey Toby." She said and let out a small yawn.

"Happy Birthday." He said and pulled her into a hug. She welcomed his embrace and thanked him. Miranda was kind of worried about the kiss they shared. She didn't want to complicate their friendship and feel awkward around him, but thankfully it was still the same.
"How did you know?" She asked.
"Jaq' told me. And why are you still in your pajamas?" He inquired as he glanced at her attire. Miranda shrugged shyly.
"It's just another day." She answered.
"No it's your birthday! You need to celebrate it." He insisted. Miranda shook her head.
"It's just another day." She repeated.

"So you're stuck on staying in?" He asked.
"Pretty much." Miranda stated.
"Hmm." Toby pondered for a moment. "Okay, we can celebrate here then." He said.
"And do what?" Miranda asked. He said smiled and motioned for her to sit down.

Miranda shot him a puzzling look but did as he instructed. She sat down and waited for him to make his plans known.

Miranda watched Toby as he walked over to the radio on the coffee table and switched it on. He pulled his cell phone out and connected the two via Bluetooth. Once synced, he scrolled down and picked a song of his choice and began to sway his hips. I wasn't sure rather to laugh or just watch. He continued to dance along to "Sexy and I know it" by LMFAO.
"Toby?" I asked but he didn't reply he just kept dancing. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was giving me a private show.

After a few seconds, he turned around and winked at me. I couldn't help but smile at him. I even waved my hands to the music. He reached for me and pulled me onto my feet. Soon we were both dancing together in my living room.

Before I knew it, I was in Toby's arms and we shared our second kiss. I probably should have pulled away. I still didn't want things to go beyond the point of no return. And I didn't want to get his or my hopes up. I wasn't ready for another relationship. But I had to admit being in his arms felt good, almost as good as his lips on mine.

So drawing the line and keeping boundaries must have flew out the window. Things got heated between us, quick. We had fell back onto the sofa and Toby was planting kisses on my neck. At first I wanted to push him away, but I just couldn't or I didn't want to. No, I didn't want to. I would probably never admit it if asked, but it felt nice to be touched and kissed. And Toby was so gentle and loving. And it just felt right.

In between kisses, Toby paused to ask where my bedroom was. I mumbled something and pointed behind us. He understood it enough to scooped me up in his arms.

Our clothes practically fell off our bodies. Toby exhibited his strength and lifted me up and I willingly wrapped my legs around his waist. Toby had slid his tongue into my mouth and I accepted it. I held onto his neck and he softly caressed my body before laying me down.

When it was all said and done, Toby held me in his arms until sleep overcame us. We hadn't actually gone all the way and had sex, but let's just say Toby gave me the best birthday present ever. Still, before I completely drifted off to sleep land I couldn't help but wonder where this left us. Did this count as being friends with benefits? Did I want that or did I want more? It was too much to consider and I was too tired so I pushed it away and went to sleep.

**So I should clear up some things, Miranda did move. And Toby's plan was to give her a little dance, I wanted it to be a strip show but I couldn't find the poses for men and this seemed better and I was able to include Miranda. Neither of them intended for things to go as far as it did, it just sorta happened :) And sorry if I jump around too much between Josh/Mimi and Miranda but everything will be closed up in the end.

Chapter Twenty-nine: A wedding to forget

I couldn't shake my fears of walking down the aisle. It was as if my mind knew something and didn't want to share it with me. It had started around 6 am this morning when I woke up. I chalked it up to a combination of wedding day jitters and the fact that Josh and I's relationship was still a bit rocky. Sadly, as the day progressed I didn't feel any better. 

My mother didn't help much either. She criticized every single thing she could. From my plunging neckline on my wedding dress, our lack of wedding colors and the fact that we were getting married in our backyard. To her it wasn't like a traditional wedding and she hated anything out of the box. 

I simply told her it was our day, and we made the decisions. Her only job was to give Joshua her blessing and watch. 

However, it was no shutting her up. One way or the other she was going to get her point across and I was going to listen. 

When I messed up my eyeliner for the fifth time, I couldn't take it any longer.

"Mama please." I begged. She shot me a disapproving look but surprisingly closed her mouth.

"I just want you to be happy." She said defensively. 

"I know." I replied. And it was true, she cared about my happiness but I wondered if she was forgetting that this was my wedding and not hers. My parents got married in the court house and my mother never got over that. And seeing that I wasn't going all out for my big day was a big let down for her. 

She finally threw in the towel and allowed me to finish getting dressed in peace. She sat on the bed and watched. Upon completion she stood up and gave me a standing ovation. It was way over the top and totally not like her, but I guess it was her way of saying sorry for butting in (again). I smiled and thanked her nevertheless. 

"You look beautiful." She remarked as she joined me again near the mirror. 

"Thank you." I replied. She was beaming from ear to ear and I swear I saw a tear form in her eye.

"As long as you're happy, your father and I are happy." She said. I was caught off guard by her comment. She had never supported my decisions and certainly wasn't happy with them. But maybe she had a change of heart, or maybe she was saying it to make me feel better. Either way, it beat tearing me down.

"That means a lot coming from you." I said honestly. She nodded her head. She gave me a quick peck on the cheek, careful not to stain it with her red lipstick, and then went off to find my dad. 

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I looked over to my best man who looked just as nervous as I did. I finished tying my tie to the best of my ability and sighed.

"You're making me nervous." I told him. Matt rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. 

"Sorry." He apologized. "I just can't believe it. You're really walking down the aisle." He added. 

"I know. I might need you to kick me." I joked. He laughed. 

"Congrats though man. I'm proud of you." He said earnestly. I smiled.

"Thanks." I replied. Through thick and thin, Matt was always in my corner. There were times when he was brutally honest with me and I hated him for it, but I was glad. He told me what I needed to hear not what I wanted to hear. You couldn't ask for a better friend than that and I was forever grateful. 

"I better get down there." I said. Matt nodded.

"I'll join you in a minute." He said. I headed downstairs and bypassed the glare of my mother. She was pissed that I hadn't announced the birth of her first grandchild until she was already here. She was even more upset that I was getting married to Mimi. But she did come to support me. Shockingly, My dad was the silent one this time. 

Matt had made his way down the hall after Joshua descended downstairs. He lightly knocked on the bedroom door before Mimi asked who it was. He replied it was him and she told him to come in. 

"It's not bad luck for the best man to see the bride is it?" She asked jokingly. He shook his head. 

"No I don't think so." He answered. 

"Good." Mimi said. "What is it?" She inquired. She and Matt were not friends and had never really had a conversation. She didn't understand why he would be here now, unless he had bad news. She feared he would tell her Joshua left and she sat on the bed. Matt sensed the fear on her face. 

"It's nothing bad." He reassured her. She let out a bit of air and seemed to relax. 

"I just wanted to say Josh is waiting." He said. 

"I'll be right down then." Mimi replied. She was about to stand and prepare to leave when she notice Matt hesitating to go out the door. 

"Something wrong?" She asked. He sighed before turning to face her. 

"Mimi, Joshua is my best friend, but I feel the need to warn you. Make sure you are doing this for the right reasons." He stated. She looked at him questioningly, but he went on. "Take it from a child who witnessed a bloody divorce between his parents. If it's not for love then don't do it." He finished and practically pleaded. Before she could muster up a response, he ducked out of the door. Mimi stood froze in her spot. Her own nerves and Matt's warning was all that played on her mind. Should she heed it? Did he have a point? Her father entering the room brought her back to reality. 

"Ready sweetie?" Earl asked. She shook off her fears and blinked the tears away and took his awaiting hand. 

My legs almost gave out a few times as I walked closer and closer to the gazebo. My father's arm was always there to keep me stable though. He smiled reassuringly at me as we neared the stopping point. 

"You okay baby girl?" He asked. 

"Yes Daddy." I replied. He kissed my hand before placing it in Joshua's.

"Take care of her." He said to him. His face was friendly, but a small threat stood behind his words. He was a pretty quiet man but he loved Mimi. And he could never sit by and watch anyone cause harm to her. 

"Promise." Joshua replied.

After the ceremony was over and their rings were exchanged. Both sets of parents, Annalese and Matt made their way inside. Joshua and Mimi were about to cut their cake, when he excused himself. He had to use the bathroom but promised to be back before they noticed. He gave Mimi a small kiss before going upstairs. 

Joshua was taking a little longer than necessary and Summer suggested that Mimi go find him. She noted that the upstairs bathroom was empty and walked towards her bedroom when she heard Joshua talking. She assumed it was work related and was about to turn away. Something told her to stay put and listen.

"I'm sorry." Joshua said into the phone.

"I know how it makes you feel."

"Thank you." 

"I'll make it up to you."

"You have my word."

"I have to go, they'll get suspicious soon."

"See you when I can."

"Love you too." And click. 

Mimi froze. The conversation didn't sound out of the ordinary in the beginning. But she didn't have to be a genius to know the end was anything but. Who was he talking to? What were they talking about? Was there another woman? Worse..was it Miranda? Question after question buzzed around in her head. She heard someone coming upstairs and quickly pulled herself together. It was Joshua's mother asking for a diaper for Annalese. She made her way to the nursery to grab her one. She glanced at their bedroom door before it opened. Joshua shot her a smile and apologized for taking so long. He had also changed his clothing she noticed. She didn't want her face to give her away so she looked ahead.