"Vanessa."

I was paralyzed. Hoping he would just continue on with his day, but Fred never made things easy. Feeling his presence behind me, I turned around to see him flashing his pearly whites looking like he just left the gym. He had on an undershirt and gym shorts. Without thinking, I looked him up and down as I fought back the urge to replay our late nights in my mind. He carried a basket on his arm, I quickly scanned a few items with my eyes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

"Fred."  

We embraced. I could feel that he had gotten more  toned as he gave me a gentle squeeze. I didn't care that he smelt like sweat, I missed his body against mine. At this moment, it felt like It was only him and I in the store. All the surrounding noises had faded out, and time stood still. Thinking about the last time I saw him, I was nervous as to how this conversation would go. As we pulled away, he glanced down at my stomach.

"Wow, you're glowing as they say."

Damn. I forgot that he hasn't seen me like this.

"Yeah...by the way I'm sorry..."

"It's ok Vanessa. You told me the truth and therefore I was able to move on. I appreciate you for that."

Move on? It was that easy? I thought back to my mom and how I didn't want my daughter to grow up without knowing her real father.

"Fred...about that..."

"Is that Vanessa?!"

Carla appeared wearing a sports bra and biker shorts, tossing some bananas into the basket. Her bulging abs were exposed. I wanted to die. Here I was rocking a sunflower sundress looking like I had swallowed a cow, and she's more stunning than ever. I did my best to conceal the way I truly felt inside.

"Hey girl!" I said dryly.

We gave each other a hug with plenty of space between us.

"I didn't know you were pregnant! Do you know what you're having?"

I could feel Fred's glare on me.

"It's a girl, we're thinking of naming her Layla."

Fred fumbled with the basket in his hand. Knowing his mother's middle name was Layla, he told me years ago that that's what he would name his daughter.

That's a beautiful name right fiance?" she said as she nudged Fred.

She couldn't possibly be talking about him.

"Fiance?" I asked, searching for Fred's eyes that were avoiding mine.

"Yesss girl. We are tying the night this summer, you and Chris must come! I'm sure the baby will be born by then and we can party like old times!"

I forced a smile as I studied her diamond ring. She shoved it in my face as she rambled on and on about her wedding planning. Feeling my heart breaking, I couldn't bare to listen to her for too much longer.

"Babe, I think we should go. I'm sure Vanessa has some things to do," Fred interjected.

We finally locked eyes. I was searching for the man that loved me. The man who made sweet love to me so many nights. The one I use to call and talk to about anything and everything. The man who had my heart.

"Yes...I actually have somewhere to be. Congrats"

I grabbed my sub and walked away without looking back. On the way out, I threw it in the garbage. My appetite was gone, and I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest. How could Fred still have this effect on me?