Once off the escalator, I made my way to where she was. She was standing near a pillar and holding it like the night we met but with her stick.
“Miss Brianna…” I said before my eyes scanned her head to toe. They didn’t make it to toe, though. They snagged on middle. Her middle. I cocked my head. Is that… a bump?
BRIANNA
“Okay, Blueberry…here we go…” I told my baby as we felt our way into the mall. With careful taps I found a pillar and I know it’s at the center of the shopping mall.
I kept swallowing and shifting on my feet. I wanted to look amazing for Gavin. As I always say, if you feel pretty, a bad day can be less bad and I anticipate this to be…a not good day.
“So,” I told Blueberry as we waited. “If Daddy flips out don’t freak, okay? I have this totally under control.”
Then I felt it. I don’t know how but I felt Gavin was close and I tried to keep my back straight. I combed my fingers through my hair once then made myself stay put.
“Miss Brianna…”
God, here we go…
GABRIEL
A bump. She has a bump.
“Gavin?” she said.
I stared at the bump but made my voice sound normal. “Hello, Love.”
She turned a light shade of pink, “It’s hard to hear in here.”
I took her hand and tried to work out in my head why that bump made me heartbroken. “Let’s go to lunch.”
“Yeah, I’m starving.”
My eyes fell to the bump again, “I think I see why…”
She set her hand over it protectively, “There’s…a lot to tell you. I know we don’t know everything about each other but with a little honesty maybe we can at least stay…friends.”
Shit! She knows. I just feel it in my bones that she knows who I am and she’s pissed. I had a quick image of her finding out I lied, getting angry and fucking some stupid ass that got her pregnant.
“Honesty is important,” I said over the noise. “So lunch then? What about sushi?”
“Um,” she shrugged, “Actually, I can’t eat sushi right now.”
“You love sushi.”
She smiled, “Pregnant. There’s like a list of things you can’t eat when…”
“Oh!” I looked at the intrusive bump. “I didn’t know that. Right. Okay, I have other ideas…”
She nodded and I pulled her arm through mine. She belongs there; it feels so good to me. I like protecting her and being in control of all things Brianna but I refuse to believe she fell in love and replaced me while I was gone.
I took her to an outdoor restaurant. Everything was made for elegance. They even had hardwood flooring on the patio where we sat. The tables were steel and the decking was polished pine. There were oriental lanterns hanging above and the sun was strong so it made everything shine and reflect brightly even in the shade.
Her hair looked more orange than I’d ever seen it in this lighting and her lips were the same hue as her sweater. Now that we’re sitting across from one another and the bump is hidden I can pretend we’re back to where it was that one week.
“So,” she began first. “Your company bought mine out.”
I smiled, “Shop talk? Really? This is probably why I couldn’t wait to see you again. You do everything your own way.”
“I figure we should tackle the less awkward stuff first.”
“I agree and yes. We’ll make things cross over completely while I’m here.”
Her nod was sad, “My friend Pat lost her job the day you left. My boss has been cutting my hours drastically. I thought it was just concern at first…”
That bothered me. I forgot about the cuts. “I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s not your fault. You aren’t the millionaire making changes.”
I cringed. Why do I need to tell her the truth? “I want you to know that the technology that Vicars put out for the disabled or people like you with no vision, all of that is being saved in the takeover. We’ll re-release everything with our trade name on it. That’s all.”
“At a higher price.” She guessed accurately. “Gilmore products are unaffordable. They don’t care about people. Vicars was making attainable electronics to aid others.”
I really want a cigarette. “True.” I folded the black cloth napkin before me over and over. The waiter came out to serve the table next to us. A pleasing sent from their order blew our way. Seared tuna, scallops, steamed carrots with herbs…I looked over at Brianna but she was gnawing at her lip.
“Are you alright?” I asked. “Are you hungry? We can order anytime.”
“No, maybe we should…talk first.” She cleared her throat. “I um…was just thinking. You should tell me whatever you were talking about on the phone. I need a distraction.”
“From what?”
“Oh just…throwing up. Yeah, sometimes being pregnant isn’t so glamorous. Tell me.”
I can’t say I’ve ever been around pregnant women so this is so strange. Did I waste time thinking about her? I never plan to stay put, I don’t think I could be what she wants and now she’s breeding, so why tell her the truth?
“What I have to say isn’t so important.” I lied.
She felt for her water and something as simple as that made my heart turn over. I like watching her. Do I have some perverted fetish for blind women? It’s just that even subtle things she does are elegant or sensual.
“You said there was something you weren’t honest about.” She reminded before slowly bringing the glass to her lips.
I focused on those lips. I remember how they taste and how they felt tasting me. All that’s done now. “In truth, I only came to tell you I’d been thinking of you. I’ve never carried the memory of a woman before and I didn’t even…we didn’t get to…finish. So… I suppose I really came to-.” I can’t say it out loud. “Your…condition, answers my question. I’m happy for you.”
She touched her stomach, “Can we move?”
I froze, “Sorry?”
“It’s the smell. The smell of their food is making me want to throw up, and I can barely hear you over it. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t be.” I stood up and went around to help her up then walked us to the other end of the deck. “Better?”
“So much better.” She said as she sat. “Tuna makes me sick for some reason. Not meatballs, though!”
“You hate meatballs.” I’m surprised I remembered that.
“I know! It’s crazy but now I love them.” She laughed at herself then sat straight. “I hear what you were saying. I’ve thought about you too. Constantly since you left.”
I looked down where I knew the bump was but couldn’t see it. “It looks like you took a few breaks from thinking of me, Brianna.”
She pressed her lips together and slowly shook her head, “have you been celibate since our week, Mr. Gavin?”
I looked away even though she can’t see me. “Maybe I have.” I tried.
“Pinocchio called, he wants his nose back.” She smirked.
“Don’t judge.”
“I guess if you lied about that, you were lying about the thinking of me part.”
I frowned and made my voice low to get my point across. “That wasn’t a lie.”
“Just checking. I hear you’re telling the truth.”
I sat back, “So I told you the truth, now it’s your turn. How far along are you?”
She turned a tad pale, “Four months…”
Hmm…it’s been four months since I’d seen her too. “So you’re with the father? How does he feel about you meeting me? Does he know?”
“Oh, he knows…” she fanned herself.
“Does he make you happy?”
“There is no other guy, Gavin.”
My heart pattered a little harder. “I’m sorry. I think it’s probably the lowest kind of man that chooses not to involve himself with his own child. It’s why I’m so careful. God knows I’m no father, so at least I take measures. Does he eve
n know?”
“No, he’s about to. Really, really soon.”
“How soon after us…did you meet him?”
She cleared her throat again, “I uh…I didn’t. I haven’t dated since,” she licked her lips, “Since you left.”
I tilted my head and did a wee bit of math, “One night stand then?” I guessed.
When she ever so slowly shook her head my heart rate started to sound like the Jaws soundtrack. My mouth twitched and pulled into a terrified smile, “Then. How. Did?” I pulled at the tie around my neck and felt a heat creep up my throat. “What are you…saying?”
Chapter Thirteen
GABRIEL
“Gavin, I know this is a little scary.” She said.
I barked a very high pitch laugh. It sounded like it did before my voice cracked. “Scary? This isn’t scary, it’s mortifying.” I pushed my palms down my pant legs, God they’re clammy. “Oh good Lord.” I did more counting but I always hated math. This is math’s revenge I think.
“Gavin, listen, this doesn’t have to define your life. I’ve done fine for months and-.”
I started to laugh again, but it was a bitter one, “I see what this is. Alright. Alright.” I gave a little applause then let myself breathe easy. “You found out who I am, and now you’re trying to trap me. That’s pretty brilliant.”
“Who you are?” She frowned, “I didn’t realize assistants are endangered for trapping.”
“You know who I am! Don’t pretend! I know what this is!” My voice was loud but I felt backed into a corner and my temper reared. “What the fuck do you take me for?”
“Gavin,” she turned bright red, “don’t raise your voice at me.”
“Why even bother to call me that? Don’t you think women have tried this shit before? It’s not going to work. And to think I actually missed you! You had me completely fooled. Are you even blind or was that part of it?” I balled a paper napkin and threw it. It hit her in the nose. She didn’t even wince or move her eyes till it bopped her.
“What the fuck?!” She snapped.
“You didn’t see it.”
“I’m blind you idiot!”
Okay, so that part is true. I leaned onto the table running out of steam and covered my mouth. “I can’t believe you would sink this low. Not you.”
She was so quiet. She pulled her sweater closed and held herself. “I’m so lost.” She admitted. “This happens to you often? Why?”
“Because women like you exist. Because my money is like a fucking carrot dangled over my head. I have lawyers that will bury you for trying this.”
She brought her voice low, “Are there people still out here with us?”
“Don’t worry; you have an audience if that’s what you mean. Are there paparazzi too? Should I get up and wave?”
“No…” she squared her shoulders, “But here’s the thing. If you don’t calm the hell down and stop embarrassing me, my mood swings are going to justify shoving one of these forks in your neck.”
I forced myself to take it down a notch. She looked a bit serious and I was definitely drawing attention. “What do you want? How much? Whatever it is you won’t get a cent.” I warned.
She sighed drastically, “Look, I understand why you’re flipping okay? I flipped too. I even went to a clinic, I thought if I got rid of the problem- then… but…”
“Great!” I felt a little hope. “Yes. Do that! Just go and, what do you need? A check? That’s doable. I can-.” I felt around for my wallet. I always keep a blank one in there. It’s a really old habit but whatever. This will work. “Give me a number. I don’t rightly know how much these cost. Don’t screw with me, though. I’ll know if it’s overreaching.”
I waited with my pen poised and ready, but when she didn’t say anything I looked up. She was just staring in my direction with her hands over her stomach.
“Fine,” I started writing. “We’ll round up.” I slid her the check when I finished. “That’s in your name for one-thousand. I’m sure that covers it, and your discretion on the issue.”
After what felt like an eternity she felt around on the table for the slip. A little piece of me broke off knowing that greed drove this whole encounter, but then I heard the rip. I looked up and she was tearing it in small parts.
She pushed the pieces back to me and resumed holding her bump. “I think you better tell me who you are before we go any further.” She demanded.
“Alright, I’ll play along. I’m Gabe Gilmore.”
She frowned. “Your boss is Gabe Gilmore.”
“No, I am Gabe Gilmore. I said, Gavin, when we met that night so you wouldn’t know, I thought, I’d like to know what being seen as a person, not a bank would be like.”
“Your car wasn’t exactly millionaire material.”
“I used my maid’s car. Mine was – I’m not a bloody assistant!”
“If you’re delusional you should tell me because mental issues might run in your family.” She replied.
I bugged my eyes at her, “I’m not a nutter! I’m Gabe Gilmore! Our tryst has been all over social media for months. You’re known as the mystery girl I dated.”
Her face lit up with understanding, my, she’s a spectacular actress. She’s so committed to this lie.
“That was your boat?” She asked.
“Yes.”
“You are buying Vicars Interactive?”
“My father is, I’m running and overseeing the sale and changes for him.”
After a minute of taking that in, she nodded. “That’s why you sound alike. Wow. I guess…I guess I understand. I’ve always thought celebrities had sad lives. Nothing is ever private. If you really are a millionaire then I even see why you don’t trust anyone. I’m not too happy you lied but…it was only supposed to be a week and you were never dishonest about what mattered.”
Her response is so confusing. Why keep acting if I know the jig is up? “You said you were a virgin.” I steamed again, “We didn’t have sex, so who’s the real father? Hmm? Some biker fellow? Some strange woodsy man from the middle of your country with the bun and the beard? In reality how many men did you have before me? That might be the best lie of all.”
Her voice was worn to the bone, “None, Gav-.” She shook her head when she stammered on my name, “Sorry… I mean…Gabe, but there was no one else before you or after you. I’m actually still…a virgin.”
“Okay.” I stood up and buttoned my suit, “I’ve now heard it all. This will fall apart in court you know. Thank you for that tactful way of ripping what little bit of hope I had directly from my chest. I wish you and your miracle baby well on your delusional journey.” She can’t think I’m that stupid.
When I looked at her I didn’t see a smug swindler or an arrogant expression. She didn’t call out a threat or a slander she just sat and continued to rub her belly. “Goodbye, Gabe.” She let the corner of her mouth tip up sadly. “Thanks for seeing me.”
I frowned but didn’t dare stay. I went back into the restaurant and out the front doors. I paced in the parking lot. We’d walked here from the airport but I’m not ready for the drive so I just kept walking in a wide circle.
My phone rang and like I expected it was my father. “Hello?” I answered as I headed for my car blocks down.
“Gabriel, have you been to Vicars? I wanted an update of the sales from last period. You landed hours ago.”
I stalled, “I had, an appointment. I’m going there now.”
“What appointment?”
“Nothing. It was nothing.”
He came back demandingly, “I don’t want you frolicking around with that American twit, from the spring. She’s a distraction.”
I can’t feel anything right now except panic. “She’s more than that now.”
He didn’t say anything and it made my bones ache, “What does that mean?” He finally asked.
“She uh,” I looked behind me as I walked but no one is near and I’m sure my detail is lurking somewhere. “She
’s pregnant.” I winced as I said it. I would never choose to tell him this truth but he’d pounded it into my brain to always come to him for damage control were it to happen. “She says it’s mine.”
“Did you do as I taught you?” He doesn’t even sound affected.
“I gave her a check to cover the procedure but she er... well, she tore it up.”
“She’s in it to ruin your name then. She’s either blackmailing you for more or she’s pulling a publicity stunt. Probably a little actress slut trying to catch a break. Does she have pictures of you together? Proof?”
I felt like I’d been caught robbing a bank, “That’s the part I didn’t tell you.” I saw my car and took out my keys, “We didn’t-, what I mean is it’s impossible. She’s lying. I didn’t go anywhere near her with-. She was a virgin, or at least she said she was and I didn’t have- protection so we didn’t do anything that would…” this was the most difficult conversation of my life. “We only-.”
“You think that makes a difference?” His pompous reply made me slow my actions as I opened my car door. “If a woman’s legs are open and your pants are down anything is possible. It’s called nature, and nature finds its way. I thought I taught you that. Even if this thing isn’t yours, she’s a threat now.”
“I didn’t think that-.”
“That’s right Gabriel, you didn’t think! If that bitch has your bastard, your life is ruined. Just like mine. I gave you all the tools to avoid this!”
I slammed my hand against my car door and it shut, “she said she was a virgin! I didn’t even tell her who I was! She’s blind! I didn’t assume she would-.”
“She’s a woman! My God Gabriel, I’ve told you millions of times, never to trust a woman! They are the most conniving little beasts. Prowling constantly for ways to destroy you. This girl either knew who you were or learned soon after and now she’s found her ticket to fame and money. Bravo, son! You handed it to her on a silver platter considering your whoremongering brought us here.”
I had a head that was splitting. It felt like it could kill me. I listened to the sound of my father’s breathing and tried to let the fear die down. “Just tell me what to do,” I said.
The Co-Parent (The Relationship Quo Series Book 3) Page 13