Jay got me sitting here at work with my blood pressure rising.  What the fuck did he expect was going to happen and now he isn't any better than Eric.  He went with the intent to cheat because he couldn't call his brother, friends or anyone to TALK about all the shit going on with them.  He went for a biased opinion to make him feel better.  He didn't think she wasn't responding to his ass because he stopped going to therapy and she feels like he doesn't want her anymore.  He just brought all of her fears to reality.   Now that he is surely caught by Eric and Malik, he has no choice but to say something. Tess does have issues, but no one deserves disrespect upon disrespect.  If you want to separate or divorce then do so, don't sit up here and cheat.  This was a whole month later.  Sounds too calculating from Jay.  He had time to think and plan and lie to his wife.  If she never trusts him again, it would be no one choice but himself.    She thought she had a good guy.  

I actually won't jump on the Jay hate wagon just yet possibly because I would like to know if he has slept with this girl first. To me they have been separated for approx a year or more and he has always let Tess run things so he is not going to ask for a divorce, Tess would have to.  Not all men are Alpha's and Jay appears to be that.  If Tess is threatened or anything he will rise up with a quickness to protect her against a guy but it seems when it is a woman his brain cells stop working.  We can see if he has any growth depending on how he handles this situation with Jamie.   I definitely feels like he needs to maybe continue therapy. Chick felt  threatened because she knew Jay was never that into her in the first place, she probably pursued him.  He needs to drop her and like his brother said, start begging Tess for another chance because right now it doesn't look good for Jay.  

I am speechless right now.  I have no idea where to start or what to say.  Does Jay not give a damn.  Has he been trying to call her or anything.  Is he concerned?  Why did she call Eric and not Jasmine.  Please don't let her go back to his trifling ass.  I hope she doesn't lose her position as a Partner but this might be the best for her.  Some intense therapy away from everyone to just focus on herself.  I don't know if there is a HEA in her future.  I hope someone tells Jay that  she was sent a video message of him getting a BJ and now w/ the reviewer from before I definitely think it was a set up with Toni and Eric.  Hurt so much worse because it was Toni. Wow, I am stunned.

I am not sure I liked how Rita approached Nat at her job and then attempt to give her a dressing down.  She has no idea what Richard put her through as a secret and then to have his son do the same.  You can't claim you are grown on one hand and can make your own decisions and then claim how young you are on the other when those decisions don't work out the way you want them to.  Nat has been emotionally traumatized from her relationship with Richard and Anthony knew that.  She gave him plenty of out's regarding her and the baby.  She attempted to let him enjoy being a young man and HE came to her after everything settled down.  Anthony knows good and damn well he messed up along with Nat.  They both share blame on this relationship crumbling at this point.  We are passed the victim and perpetrator scenario. 

Now as for Jamison.  As I would tell a woman, I am saying to a man, she is just not that into you.  Move one to someone who wants to be with you.  Nat stop stringing this man along exactly how Richard did to you.  Now that you can SEE what the hell is happening, it is time for you to step up and end it.  She needs counseling definitely but by herself and not with Jamison trying to override her every thought and word.  Every single time she expresses how wrong this is, how she doesn't feel that way, he continues to weasel his behind into ignoring her words and getting her to do what he wants.  I think the counseling is going to backfire on Jamison

Now I would love to see Nat kick Jamison and the rest of her "well-meaning" (sarcasm) family and friends to the curb and show up at the party looking damn fine and then dare Anthony to say exactly what they were to each other in a room of his freakin' colleagues.  If he ain't ashamed of their relationship, let's see if he acknowledge them being an ex-couple when people wonder who she is.  Great way to see if he has grown in this time apart.

Alright, rant over and I am loving it b/c I have just read and typed this up when I am suppose to be doing work. :)

Oh shit!!!!  Momma was creeping.  Please let her tell Anthony and bring this crap up if his mom tries anything.  This is why Richard's behind never loved Anthony.  Oh please tell Nat.  This is closure that Anthony needs in regards to Richard and a little fire power for his mom.

*gasps*  *dead*  nuff said

I enjoy your writing and I am enjoying this story soo much because it delves into the grey area that we each have in our lives.  Everything isn't always black and white.  Sometimes as they say, you are so busy with trying to hold onto something you should let go and then let go of something you should have held onto.  Yes, her original actions were not worthy of the woman that she is but she has yet to run away from it, instead she has embraced it and is dealing with all the ramifications that have come to pass. I admire her for that and Anthony who was an innocent bystander has also stepped forward to be the Man that he is and be there for his child and not leave this woman by herself despite maybe having every right to do so.  You never know, this could be a blessing in disguise, how do we know TPTB didn't have this plan.  Should they not attempt to see if a friendship can develop and maybe more because his dad was an asshole or she is older than him.  So happy she is kicking her sister to the curb.  She also gave Anthony something to think about with regards to their relationship.  So take your time and we will be here supporting you.

I enjoyed seeing her like this, relaxed, having fun and being herself.  I think Anthony is starting to see her true personality and is liking her more himself.  I don't think he is going to leave the home, I don't think she will let him leave the home because it will always be something to hold him their.  For a moment I forgot they are only 13yrs apart and their are plenty of men married with children or fathers at this time.  They are what each other needs despite the beginning of their circumstances.  

So wait!? 12hrs later and he hasn't called.  What is going on with pop-pop?  I would like to know what Anthony was thinking during that doctor's appointment and before getting on the plane.  You just know his dad is going to be in his face during the visit.  I hope they both seek counseling because the death of child would never be easy and she has soo many people who are not supportive in her atmosphere that she needs neutral ground to share her thoughts, feelings without feeling she should be "grateful" this happened like her father is expecting her to be.  Amazing to me how sometimes the most pious is the most judgemental when only God has the right to judge us.  Barb, stop sharing your sister's life to this stalker.  She needs to back the hell up.   I still think she has a thing for the guy herself.  You have also made me wonder if I ever looked at someone in the OB/GYN office similarly when I was pregnant.  Not that I could think of but it makes you think, you never know what is going on with someone else.

Yes, you go girl. For a moment I was disappointed in Nat and the way she did not respond when Thomas had the nerve to go all self-righteous on her in the restaurant.  I don't know who he was raising his voice at.  I love Rich even more because this just shows that Rich has his back and has always had his back even as children.  I don't know how Thomas even believes Sr is even worthy of Anthony's time or consideration.  He showed him for years what he has thought of him and this is a great way for Anthony to actually give his father the big finger b/c here I am loving your ex-wife waayyy better then you ever did or could.  I have the best thing that has ever happened to you.  Nat better bring them balls when his "well-meaning" momma and other family members come into their business.

Also Nat, let the house go.  It holds too many memories that are unpleasant.  You both need a new start in a new place.   Somewhere you both are comfortable with living and they do need to have the talk about her fertility because Anthony needs to be damn sure about being with her and what that entails.  They also need to discuss alternatives such as adoption, surrogacy, using her eggs and his sperm or whatever if they plan on this being long term

As always a great chapter.  I think I might really bawl when you do complete this story, so a part of me wants you to continue it until they are old and gray.

After reading this chapter, I have to admit I was quite disappointed in Anthony.  Regardless of how weak Nat has been, she has always to a degree stood up for herself and honestly, Anthony not being able to stand up for Nat just like Richard when it comes to their family is sad.  If I remember correctly, she stood up to her friends and family about Anthony and yet Anthony didn't show her that same consideration.  Are these women such gargoyles that the men can't be men.  At some point, honey cut the apron strings or you will end up just like Richard Sr., he was soo concerned about what the family would think, he lost a good woman and ended up with less than that.  I wonder if Richard Jr was in love with his wife or did he cave and marry someone the family approved of.  Anthony regardless of whether Nat was accepted or not, she wanted to know she meant as much to you as your family and you failed to show that, then almost cheated.  He need to grab the balls he keeps trying shove into Sabrina's holes and man the f*ck up or settle for Sabrina and live a life of misery and unhappiness like your dad, catering to your family.  Sabrina, you manipulated the guy to bring you to Thanksgiving and then want to act hurt that he isn't being loving.  Bish he don't love you.  You know this and any manipulation you do just makes it that much harder for him to.  It appears you are less than genuine.  Why are you so desparate? 

I am soooo happy Nat did not fall into Richard's arms but I can guarantee Richard is going to say something to Anthony at Thanksgiving dinner and I think sh*t is going to hit the fan as they say.  Now wouldn't that be interesting.  Part of me wish that Anthony sets his father, Sabrina and family as a whole straight.

You keep my feelings teetering from love and hate.  I absolutely love it.

I just have this huge smile/grin on my face once I read the end when Rich strolled into the kitchen.  OMG he is too much.  He set them up.  He is a damn good actor b/c I thought he was drunk for real.  I am so happy that they aired the dirty laundry sort of speak even if it was in the heat of the moment, they were honest about what happened and acknowledge as the underlying issue, their insecurities that broke this relationship apart.  They have to make sure they communicate with each other, no matter how hard it may be.  Can't wait until the family (both of them) hear about this going on. 

Now on a side note: Chick (sabrina) how in da hell do you go to your ex's family's holiday celebration when you not family.  You were a place holder until he got enough gumption to come get the rightful woman to stand next to him.  Hint: that wasn't you.  She will be a problem and he need to handle that stalker quick.  Get a restraining order, change the locks etc.  Hey let Rich buy the condo and Ant move back in with Nat.  Now that would really get the tongue's wagging.

Loved the update.

awww, pop pop, not, pop pop.  This is going to get interesting.  They will have to go home for the funeral and I hope she is there by anthony's side but there will be some stuff.  How about I know his mom is going to invite chick who can't take a hint to the funeral.  The one glue that held them together.  I think Anthony might snap if anyone says anything.

Whew, okay, braced and I'm ready for more.