Fighting For You

by Megan Noelle

  Her arms crossed over her chest. I was half surprised she didn’t start tapping her foot in disapproval as well.

  “She couldn’t wait until after I left to shower so we could be properly introduced?”

  “Actually, she was just getting in the shower when you called.” She flicked her wrist to get a better look at her watch.

  “And it doesn’t bother you that she has been in for so long and is probably using all your hot water?”

  My arms crossed over my bump as I gave my best, sincere glare. “No, it doesn’t. She’s my best friend and I would do anything for her.”

  Gram gave a dismissive roll of her eyes before finally taking a seat. “I was just stopping by to talk.”

  “Okay.” I thought about playing dumb and leading into this slowly. Even I, the woman who ran from everything, couldn’t do that. “Listen, I know you are mad.”

  Again her hand went up to stop me from talking.

  “Oh no, Danielle. I am not mad. I was mad when you left with no warning, swamping my very dedicated Bailey with so much that she nearly quit. I was mad when you chose that moment to stand up to your mother, leaving me the only one to deal with her issues. Then I was very mad when you gave me the most ridiculous goddamn excuse for why you left and then expected me to believe it. Now, my dear, I am far beyond mad. I am borderline pissed off and here is your chance to change that - I want an honest to God reason as to why you left.”

  I opened my mouth, ready to spew out whatever elaborate lie first touched my tongue. But I stopped. I couldn’t keep doing this, lying to others and to myself. For the past three months, it has been eating away at me, day and night. I was never free from the memories I ran from and I didn’t know how much longer I could deny the obvious. So, with a deep breath, I revealed the undeniable truth.

  “I had fallen head over heels in love with Corey. I wanted him and needed him so badly I couldn’t breathe without him.” My eyes remained downcast on my intertwined fingers, letting them strengthen me through the rest of this moment. “Throughout my life I have experienced absolutely terrible relationships, each leaving me battered and broken, starting with …” my voice caught.

  I swallowed back the need to cry. This wasn’t the time. I cleared my throat and continued.

  “Starting with Dad. I became used to being treated poorly in all relationships. So, when I found someone who was the complete opposite, I ran. Yes, I truly was returning to help the magazine, but more than anything it was my excuse. Corey was my best friend and I reacted in the worst way possible. I let go of whatever chance there was for a relationship but worse - I lost the absolute best friend I’ve ever had.”

  My eyes squeezed out a couple tears as I finished my story, resisting any eye contact as the truth from my heart hung heavily in the air between us. Because there it was—everything I kept hidden from everyone, myself included. That was also the first time I have ever been so honest with my Grandmother, especially with anything quite so personal.

  An undistinguishable sigh escaped Gram and, finally, I met her hardened stare. Apparently over the years she perfected the look that gave away absolutely nothing. Despite my need to know, preferably immediately, what she thought, I waited.

  “Danielle, you truly made the situation a mess.” I nodded, unable to disagree.

  “But Sweetheart, I know for an absolute fact that you didn’t lose him.” My partial attention became completely focused.

  “Wh … what?” I asked, stuttering out the word in disbelief.

  “I told you before that you two were clearly meant to be. I am sure my talk of marriage during our dinner terrified you but, I meant what I said.” My mouth remained gaped open like a fool. I didn’t dare move or even make a sound at the risk of breaking this surreal moment.

  “Dolly, that boy has missed you so much. He has taken care of your home, came by the Inn to help. He would even call me regularly to make sure I was okay, but I never missed the subtle questions about you. Danielle, you broke his heart, but you most certainly did not lose it.”

  My heart was breaking at her words and my stomach churned. Nausea was starting to settle in and I wondered if my little love was feeling as sick at what Gram said as I did.

  “You just have to work like hell to get him back. Now that you have come home, you can.”

  For a moment we stared into each other’s eyes and for the first time—we understood one another. I gave a firm nod of my head, as did she. A small, lighthearted smile touched my lips and then together we stood. I saw the shared moment between us fade and stern Violet was back. Her hands brushed imaginary dust off her pants as I felt the bizarre need to do the same.

  “Well, I am still disappointed in your choices to abandon the Inn with no notice. However, starting this Monday you can return and make it up to us.”

  I nodded. “I can handle that.” I heard footsteps down the hall. For a few minutes I had completely forgotten about Gabby. I looked over my shoulder to see my dear friend approaching, her classic bright smile covering her face.

  Her hair was still wet and curled down her back, paired with the yoga pants and tank top she chose before her shower. Relief washed over me as I realized she no longer looked—or smelled—hung-over. Gabby waved from afar but as she approached she held out her hand.

  “Hello! I’m Gabriella. You must be Violet.” Gram took Gabby’s hand with a firm shake, her classic judgmental gaze in place.

  “Hello, Gabriella. Nice to meet you.”

  “You, too.” Gabby’s smile brightened. “So sorry that I’ve been in the shower.”

  “It is fine. I was just having a little discussion with my granddaughter.”

  “That’s very nice,” she replied.

  “Funny, though, usually when I wear yoga pants, it is after a yoga class. Not to lie about the house after a night of drinking.” Both our faces instantly flushed as we turned to each other. Gabby waited for some indication of what to say while I, unfortunately, looked to her, hoping for some fantastic response to save face.

  All that came out though was, “Oh … uh …”

  Thankfully Gram waved her hand dismissively to silence us both.

  “None of my business—I’m headed out anyway. Pleasure meeting you, Gabriella and Dolly, if you have any issues, let me know.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll give you a call from work on Monday,” I promised.

  “Very good.” With that she put back on her winter gear and headed towards the door. “Now don’t screw this up, Danielle.”

  “The Inn will be in good hands,” I promised.

  She gave a quick shake of her head. “I’m not talking about the Inn.”

  With that she headed directly into the cold. We watched and gave a final wave before turning to each other. Gabby was the first to speak up.

  “Well, she was … great.” Her sarcastic tone wasn’t missed by me, as I tried to suppress a laugh.

  “Yep! That’s Violet at her finest.”

  Gabby’s head bobbed up and down a few times, as if she was thinking. “Scary.”

  This time I couldn’t hold back the snort. “Now, tell me what the two of you talked about.” She threw an arm over my shoulder and led us both to the couch. Where I spent the next twenty minutes spewing out everything that happened and digesting what every little thing meant. This was due solely to Gabby’s prying mind. I was used to it of course. Every time she talked to a new man we had to do this very thing - it had become a ritual I wasn’t about to deviate from.

  When we had finally exhausted the rehashing of the conversations, I knew I needed to change the subject, or else it would begin all over again.

  “So, Baby is starving. It’s time to get something to eat.” Gabby nodded and stood from the couch.

  “What’s good to eat around here?”

  “Well, we could always eat at the Inn and then I can introduce you to Bailey. And you could see where I work!” She nodded again, but the way her eyes shifted around the room told me she was
up to something. And if that hadn’t, the slight smirk slowly spreading over her lips would have.

  “Or, we could go to the bar.” I opened my mouth to protest without truly understanding where this was going. That was when it hit me which bar she meant.

  “Oh, hell no!” I even threw my arms in the air for a dramatic effect.

  “Come on, Danielle!” Gabby pleaded, grabbing hold of my arms.

  “Why in the world would you want to go there?”

  “Because, then we can say a proper hello. He can meet me as your best friend, and not the sleazy chick trying to sleep with him. And you can apologize for being completely ridiculous. We can eat, feed Baby, and then you can see him and talk to him.”

  My mind wandered to my sad, broken man. He was my protector, best friend and the father of my child and I knew I had no choice. No matter how awkward it may be—I needed to see him.

  “Fine. Corey’s bar it is.”

  Chapter Six

  After changing my outfit so many times that I was irritating myself, I finally settled on jeans, a long sleeved shirt and a vest. Gabby added a scarf and bangles for fun. I’m also sure she did it because she could sense just how nervous I was. This wasn’t just a drive-by, hoping to see him, wishing things were different kind of thing. This was entering the lion’s den and hoping for the best. At least Gabriella would be beside me, but that only eased my nerves so far. Thankfully, Gabby agreed to drive while my nerves caused my leg to bounce relentlessly and my teeth to chew away at my lip.

  Her hand was suddenly on my leg, giving a comforting squeeze. “It will be okay, Danielle. I wouldn’t have suggested this if I thought it was going to be a disaster.”

  I nodded, desperately trying to believe her. “Okay,” I said, more for her reassurance than mine.

  I tried to ease up the nervous ticks for the rest of the drive, but that only made it worse. I even went as far as to wish Corey wouldn’t be working, but even then I knew he’d be just feet away. There was no escaping him and honestly—I didn’t want to. I’ve spent enough time running; it was time to start fighting. Fighting for everything I longed to have back.

  I needed to fight for the baby. I needed to fight for my family.

  That, of course, didn’t settle me down as we pulled into the parking lot. Gabby put my car in park and neither of us moved.

  “Okay, Baby’s not hungry anymore.” Honestly, it felt as if a group of butterflies were playing around with my little bean in my belly, and I was now completely nauseous.

  “Nice try.” Gabby leaned down towards me and placed a free hand on my belly. In a sarcastic whisper she said, “I know you’re hungry little one and I promise I won’t let your mommy’s craziness keep you from eating.”

  I burst out laughing before I could stop myself and suddenly I was in the middle of a fit of giggles—and I couldn’t stop. Gabby’s eyes lit with amusement as she debated what to do with my inability to stop laughing. Eventually she shrugged and unbuckled her seatbelt.

  “Suppose this is better than you crying. Now let’s go.”

  Since everything was now suddenly hilarious, I did as she asked. I really couldn’t have argued if I wanted to. We met at the back of my car as she linked our arms together and made our way inside. The moment my foot hit the wood floor, I stopped. My eyes wanted to go straight to the bar but I scanned the room first. An elderly couple sat at a booth on the opposite side from where I usually sat. There was one other guy at the bar, but I didn’t get a good look at him because the moment I got a look at those blue eyes—I was trapped. I was held hostage by that gaze and I was willing to comply with whatever they may do to my broken soul, just as long as I didn’t have to look away.

  The guy at the bar was in the middle of saying something to Corey and had his full attention until I walked in. The smirk on his face and amusement in his eyes faded as he stared in my direction. His hands stopped drying the glass in them as my breath caught in my throat. The guy had yet to realize the new distraction, aka me, and continued talking.

  “And Man, I am telling you, her tits were huge.” He looked up to Corey with a laugh and then stopped. “What the hell you starin’ at?”

  Corey’s eyes flickered from me to the man and his head nodded to the doorway where Gabby and I foolishly stood. That got his attention. He spun around on the stool and nodded his head in what seemed to be approval. That was the first time I took a look at him, his long hair in front styled up with the sides buzzed short. A strong jaw covered in a trimmed beard, full lips and piercing green eyes stared back at us. He wore jeans and a dark hoodie with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing colorful tattoos up and down his firm arms. The man was gorgeous and from the way he smiled and winked at us, he knew it.

  “Hello, ladies! Come join us. We would love the company of a couple stunning women this fine afternoon.” Even when he spoke he was confident and sure of himself. I didn’t even need to give Gabby my full attention to know she was swooning for this man—hard core.

  Corey leaned into his friend’s ear and whispered something. While I didn’t catch what he said, I also didn’t miss the sound of my name gracing those beautiful lips. The way his friend’s eyes bugged out at that same moment confirmed that was exactly what was said.

  “Holy shit! That’s Dani?!” He asked, more as a knee-jerk reaction than anything else. Corey rolled his eyes at the outburst and confirmed.

  “Yeah, and her best friend, Gabby.” Corey said, louder this time so we were included in the conversation.

  “Well, you two are some of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen. Please excuse my slow friend for not introducing me. I’m Alexander Washington and I am known for rocking women’s worlds. So don’t hesitate to ask,” he said with his most charming smile and a wink.

  Since neither Corey nor I seemed to be able to talk at the moment, Gabby spoke up. “Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Gabby and this is Dani. Even though this is sufficiently awkward, we’re here for lunch.”

  “If that’s okay?” I finally squeaked out.

  That snapped Corey into gear. He jostled the glass around in his hands before nearly dropping it on the bar in front of him. Then he reached under the counter and grabbed out a couple menus.

  “Of course. Would you like to sit at the bar or a table?” As much as I wanted to sit at the bar, I didn’t know if I would be able to handle being that close - directly under his stare, inches from reaching out and pulling him to me. I needed to keep some distance.

  “Table, please,” I answered, before Alex’s charming smile lured my best friend to the bar.

  “Alright. How about this one?” Corey pointed to a booth directly across from the bar. It was the best of both worlds. I would still close enough to watch him but far enough away to, hopefully, be able to think straight.

  “Perfect,” I answered. My eyes wouldn’t leave his as he stared back. I couldn’t remember the last time I lost myself in those beautiful blues but here I was, unable to blink.

  “Okay.” I saw the way the word rolled off his lips. The way a smile brushed over them as if he was trying to hold onto this moment of us, just as much as I was. My heart fluttered and my lips formed a smile as I watched him.

  “Okay,” I repeated.

  “Christ! Snap outta it, man! I’m sure that goofy ass grin on your face is enough to tell her that you’re happy to see her,” Alex chimed in. Gabby laughed in response and took hold of my arm and walked us to the booth that Corey pointed to.

  I slid into one side, her to the other as Corey moved in closer to hand us our menus.

  “I don’t need one,” I said with a smile, as I handed back the menu.

  He smiled, staring only at me. But there was more to it. He wasn’t just looking at me, he was seeing me. Through me. In me. As ridiculous as I knew we looked, I just couldn’t avert my eyes. I was, without a doubt, going to stay in our bubble for as long as I could.

  “I just didn’t know if you’d remember what was on it,” he repl
ied, his ever-present smile warming my frigid heart and soul in a way I thought was no longer possible.

  “I remember,” I answered in a whisper. The way his lips curled up at the corner told me he understood my meaning went much deeper than then menu alone.

  “Me too,” he whispered back. My cheeks flushed and a lump formed in my throat as I wanted more than anything to throw my arms around him. I wanted to feel his strength and protection surround me as his arms wrapped around me, refusing to let go. That was what I wanted, what I needed.

  “Can I get you a beer?” Corey asked. I prayed my shocked expression at the question was solely in my head. My paranoid mind wondered if he knew. I wasn’t sure how he would but maybe he could just tell and this was a test.

  I shook my head since my voice was currently M.I.A.

  “I’ll take a cider beer if you have one,” Gabby chimed in, taking the heat of Corey’s eyes off of me for at least a minute.

  He raised an eyebrow at her and cocked his head slightly. “What—no shots of tequila?” Gabby rolled her eyes as I couldn’t resist letting out a laugh.

  Gabby’s glare switched from Corey over to me. “Hey! That was so not my idea!”

  “I’m driving and it’s cold out, so do you have something warmer?” I quickly budded in before this conversation treaded into dangerous territory.

  His eyes warmed as they turned my way again. “I can make you some hot chocolate, if you’d like?”

  I nodded. “Yes, I would.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right back.” With that he walked off, disappearing into the kitchen.

  Gabby turned to me, a Cheshire grin on her face. “That was the cutest effing thing I’ve ever seen.”

  I smiled, but didn’t respond. My arms wrapped around my stomach under the table, hoping my little bean felt the moment between us. Gabby thankfully didn’t press the issue further. Instead, she began reading through the menu I had memorized.

  “What’s good here?” She asked.

  “Everything,” I answered on a sigh, before I could stop myself. She shook her head with a smile on her face.