I nodded, “I forget they are there. Not like I can see them. I thought Gabe was being paranoid but I get rushed by his fans or caught in reporter mobs sometimes and guards help. I lose my way with all the paparazzi chaos so… I can’t complain.”
She moved us left, “Moses sleeps better knowing you have backup. Do you have everything you need for the baby now?”
“Since the massive baby shower, you threw me? Yeah, I would say I have about two of everything.”
She hugged me, “Good! Moses and I went a little crazy once you told us it was a girl but excuse me! I’m about to be an Auntie!”
I kissed her cheek, “You’ll be the best Auntie ever. Thank you. The shower was gorgeous. The only thing now is getting the nursery together. Gabe and I will be working on that after the Banquet.”
“Who’d of thunk it?” Chloe mused aloud.
“What?”
“You were a redheaded orphan like Annie, but instead of getting adopted by “Daddy” Warbucks you had his baby.”
I stopped and smirked at her, “Warbucks was a billionaire. Gabriel is a millionaire.” I stuck my tongue out.
“Potato, Patato.” She muttered.
GABRIEL
I’m a wreck. I’m a fucking wreck and that’s why I’m smoking. My dignity has officially reached nonexistent since I’m smoking huddled by our back porch in a tux.
I have no desire to make Brianna feel I’ve been dishonest but if I’m not allowed to drink I need to smoke. My father meeting Brianna will be a disaster and I know that but I think Brianna feels sure she can reach him.
“Gabe?” I heard her call from the kitchen and snuffed out the cigarette.
“Be right there,” I called before popping at least three strong mints. My tongue and throat are on fire now but I’m not upsetting my…whatever she is.
I stood up and sprayed some manly spice shit before tucking it in my pocket and hurrying inside.
“Is that you?” she asked when she heard the door close behind me.
“Yes…” I stopped to look at her. All dressed for this ridiculous charade of my father’s she looks like royalty. I’m actually proud. I’m proud to be taking her anywhere. She wears the bump with grace, the dress only highlights it. She’s glimmering. There’s an actual shine around her. “Holy Christ.” I said with a grin, “Bri, you look gorgeous.”
“Really?” she smiled, blushed and stood on her toes in the high heels that make me nervous. “You mean it?”
I came closer and held her elbows, “It’s glorious. I have a good eye, eh?”
“This dress feels insanely beautiful.”
“I meant an eye for women.”
She struggled to hide a smile but went into my arms so I could hug her. I’ve never been in such a complicated place with a woman. We’re so close, we live like a couple, we’re having a baby but we aren’t together. I can’t really kiss her right now. I can’t make love to her. I haven’t been totally celibate since we’ve started this and she knows that. She doesn’t talk about it or confront me because she thinks I should be free to live how I want, so long as I’m not a danger to others or myself.
Still, I hate that she knows and I hate that she accepts it. I only bed others because I can’t bed her but sometimes I think I should know better than to try replacing her.
“I’m ready if you are,” she said in my arms.
I inhaled slowly, “Bri, we need to talk first.”
“I know, I know, your dad is evil…”
“No,” I pulled away and held her hands, “He’s conniving. He’ll say things that are veiled. Nothing he says, even if it seems kind or nice is real. He doesn’t like women. Just whatever he says; don’t let it touch you.”
“I’m not stupid; I know he’s going to be a dick.”
I felt annoyed trying to explain, “That’s just it, he won’t be a dick. He’ll seem very good. You aren’t used to people like my father. You know that in all this time he’s not once asked how you are? He doesn’t ask about the baby and I don’t tell him. He has no clue it’s a girl, that her name is Willow, that you’re eight months, when you’re due, how old you are, he doesn’t care. He’ll see you as a stain, a threat. He’s about money and rank so please, just listen to me and don’t try to be his friend. Just avoid him. Just get through this with me.”
Her shoulders fell a little, “So why are we going, why even take me?”
“Because if I don’t he’ll assume I’m hiding you. That I’m not standing by my decisions and that’s worse. We’ll mingle, eat and mingle again, then leave. An hour and a half tops.”
She tried to get her hands back but I didn’t let her, “I really don’t have to go. There are going to be important people attending, I’m kind of a nobody so I wouldn’t be offended if you thought I should stay home.”
I held her hands tighter, “You are not just going because of him. You are not a nobody. You’re an accomplished young woman that’s so intelligent the loss of one of the most valued senses didn’t slow you down from being a success. You’re going because I need you there. I don’t want to face these people or my father alone and I don’t trust anyone in this world…except you.”
She took her hand to feel for my chest and smiled, “That was corny.” She teased to ease the intensity.
“Don’t care,” I told her.
In the car, on the way to my father’s mansion, I felt a nervous tick coming on in my finger as it tapped over and over on the steering wheel.
“So your father has a mansion in California?” she asked.
“He has a home almost everywhere. Seven in the states all spread out across the country.”
I pulled in past the high Hell Gates of my father’s place and into the circular drive that rounded to the front steps. A Valet came and opened Brianna’s door but before she got out she felt for my knee, “Hey, we’ll be fine.”
I kissed her cheek then got out. I met her on the other side and handed the Valet my keys before taking her arm.
There was a blinding amount of press people here but they weren’t allowed inside. So they snap away at us with their cameras and shout questions. Brianna is friendly but she holds my arm tighter since they overwhelm her still.
We were led by one of father’s butlers to the back property where he had an entire pavilion set and decorated. The pure white party tent was the size of a ballroom.
He’d had it placed around a large tree at the center of his yard so the tent came up over it. The trunk was strung with twinkling lights as were the branches and they were decorated in fall leaves. Giving the whole tent an orange glow.
There were many squared tables in four rows, all with candlelit centerpieces of gourds and pumpkins. The place settings were elaborate and all with the finest china. More floor length candelabrums were placed all around; lighting the place warmly. It was beautiful and I described it with detail to Brianna.
“Wow,” she breathed, “sounds epic.”
“I think it’s supposed to seem like your thanksgiving.”
She grinned, “It is.”
“Strange little Americans,” I said to make her laugh away tension.
“It was a special day of peace.” She declared.
“Didn’t you all kill each other, like… the next day?”
“Well, yeah, but what kind of holiday would that be- Oh, wait! Black Friday! Duh! Wow, I never put that one together. Dinner and gratefulness one day and ‘I ran you over with my cart for your TV’ the next. See, we are so politically correct.”
We laughed together and she made me feel like I was in my own little corner of the world. She relaxed me.
I introduced her to the mayor, to important political figures, higher ups in the Gilmore Company, distant relatives of Dad’s, fellow wealthy friends. She was liked by everyone.
My father loves the 20’s so that means big band swing is playing but the revised kind- electro swing to appease the younger guests.
After a good ten minutes I saw Dad coming
our way. Theo Gilmore, is intimidating to meet but as daunting to know. He and I don’t look exactly alike. He’s shorter, but his shoulders are broader. He was older than mother so his face is etched with lines but when he smiles they look kind, not harsh. Still, he holds a debonair way about him, especially since he’s dealing with the public.
“Gabriel,” his voice evoked no happiness. Even my name feels like a scolding. He smiled and moved our way as we spoke with three members of the board. “You came.” He reached out for my hand and acted pleased.
“Father,” I shook it and he pulled me into a swift shoulder hug that afforded me a whiff of his Old Spice and Brandy. “Wouldn’t miss it.” I smiled.
“You look good, boy.” He squeezed my shoulder, “Doesn’t he, Jaime?” He asked the elder board member.
Jamie grinned, “Looks like you, I’d say.”
My father laughed and pointed at him, “Flattery is a sign of desperation. I was good looking but my son has surpassed me.”
Brianna held my arm with both hands and smiled.
“My father is trapping you, Jamie.” I told the others, “He’s where I get any charm.”
“You must be very excited, Gilmore,” Henry, another board member added, “You have a grandchild on the way. With hope, it’s a boy to carry on the family name?”
My father’s eyes are the same gun metal as mine and they shifted to Brianna, robotically. “Yes…that’s true,” he tilted his head at her and I tensed. “And my, what a pretty thing to be carrying my grandchild, yes?”
Chapter Twenty-Three
GABRIEL
They all agreed and Brianna smiled again while holding her bump. “Thank you, Mr. Gilmore.” She said shifting to try and face his voice.
“We haven’t officially met,” he said. “I’m Gabriel’s father, Theo.”
She extended her hand, “Brianna Birks.”
“So formal,” he took her hand and covered it with his other, “we’re family now, Lovely,” he drew her away from me and kissed both her cheeks. Why it ground every nerve in my body, I don’t know.
“True,” she said hopefully.
“Yes,” he spoke near her ear before drawing away, “And Lord only knows how you ever managed to…entrap my son. Many tried, but you my dear are a pure siren.”
Everyone laughed, even I pretended to but I decoded the bite in his words and the hidden intent.
I pulled her back in my side, “She didn’t use tricks,” I clarified. “Didn’t need them.”
He laughed, “Well…”
That one word infuriated me.
“When are you due?” Asked Melissa. Melissa is the third member.
“December 31st,” Brianna answered excitedly. “So I’m about to pop.”
Jamie took a sip of his drink then asked with a smile, “Boy or girl?”
I answered for both of us, “Girl. Her name will be Willow.”
My father stopped a caterer from going by and took two champagnes off the tray, “A girl,” he nudged me with his elbow, “So you’ll have two women running your ship, eh?”
I bit back a retort.
Brianna was so unaware, “She’s an active baby already. She kicks all the time.” She told them.
“Does she?” Asked my father. “And Gabriel, have you felt the baby move?”
I can’t believe he found the one indication of my weakness on the new journey I’m on. I hated that he drew such attention, “No…not yet.” I answered.
He offered me a glass, “Just like your old man then. I never felt you move. Then again, your mother was…well, we usually only saw one another in court.”
It took too many facial muscles not to show my royally pissed emotions. I still wasn’t taking the offered drink and he still kept it out to me.
“Gabe works a lot,” said Brianna. “I mostly see him at the office, he’s very dedicated to the company…” she tactfully defended.
“Hmm,” said father, “A toast then, to new beginnings.” He held the drink up higher.
“No thank you, I quit.” I thought saying it faster would feel less exposing but I was wrong. The board members watched and waited with their drinking glasses and my father used those cold eyes to see directly through me.
“Quit?” He asked. “That’s almost unbelievable.”
Henry slipped his hand in his pocket, “I stopped drinking while my Addison was expecting also. She couldn’t drink and I thought it only fair.”
Brianna moved her hand down to mine instead of my arm. “Why don’t we go sit. Sounds like the food will be served soon. Let me tell you, this baby eats like a college kid.” She laughed.
“But wait.” Said my father, “A quick toast first, if only for luck. Brianna won’t mind.” He shoved the drink closer.
“I actually quit altogether.” I insisted.
Brianna tugged my sleeve, “One sip toward the luck of our future won’t hurt...” She whispered the rest, “I understand…”
She’s helping me save face. If my father senses this as another weakness he’ll put on pressure until I crack. I took the drink.
He smiled and held his drink high as did the rest of us. “To new beginnings and the repeat of history. So glad you found the line between both, my son.”
As we all clanked our glasses together I glared at my father. He’s determined to put Brianna in the same shoes as my mother.
I drank with everyone but I knew right away it was a mistake. I don’t miss alcohol like a vampire on blood withdrawals because unbeknownst to Brianna, I still occasionally drink in secret but in measured amounts.
The reason drinking tonight was a mistake is because I’m stressed and it’s when I’m stressed or anxious that I can’t control my drinking.
I swallowed the bubbly beverage and felt an instant need to down it and ten more alike.
“Tell me, Brianna,” said father, as two members left to mingle. “That dress is very fine, where did you have it made?”
She felt the sleeve, “Gabriel, had it made actually. I wish I could see it.”
He looked to me but I avoided his eyes. “So you found a way to spend a little something for your child’s mother.”
I drank more.
Henry was still here to witness the mayhem, “Now, are you two engaged or…?” Henry let the question hang.
I hadn’t covered this with Brianna, “We’re,” I thought quick, “It’s …complicated-.”
“We’re family,” Brianna interrupted. “We’re going to be parents and we care about each other. So… family.”
Henry nodded, “Well put, Miss Birks.”
“I don’t know…” my father looked into his glass, “No labels, no commitment. Father like son then. Sad, because labels do eliminate chaos. Wouldn’t you say they keep us from grasping for something that’s not what it seems?”
I opened my mouth to snap but she still didn’t see the slyness.
“When that happens….” She told him, “I call it a plot twist and keep trucking. Chaos is where all new beginnings come from anyway.”
His mouth tipped into a smile.
When dinner was announced I led Brianna away without even excusing us and took her to an open table. Once we were seated she held out her hand, “Hey…” she searched for me so I took her hand and put it on my leg. “He’s not so bad.” She whispered.
I didn’t answer because her vulnerability is frustrating.
My father sat at her other side and my blood ignited again. “May I sit with you, Miss Birks?”
“Certainly,” she smiled. While the appetizers were brought out by the caterers Brianna brought up her hand and gently touched over the settings. She brushed over the utensils, glass stems, and plates.
I leaned her way and whispered, “You always start with-.”
“From the outside in,” she smirked. “I’m just checking where things are, I know what each piece is for.”
I lifted my brows and sat back.
She’s amazing.
My fathe
r’s posture is usually ridged but he loomed with Brianna. “Are you a student, Miss Birks? You look very young.”
“Yes- well, I was but, I took a break with the baby and all. I hope to go back after I settle.”
He flicked his eyes up at me. I know what he’s thinking. That she’s hinting I’ll pay.
He went another route as I drank more. “And will you work still?”
“I plan to. I work at Gabriel’s office, I don’t know if he told you. I love my job so I want to return as soon as I can even if working for your cranky son is challenging.”
She’s falling for it. It’s in her voice, she thinks he’s not what I said and it’s worrying me.
“I wanted to travel so badly. When I was a teenager,” she told a few people on her side. I’d gotten deep in my thoughts and lost track of the conversation. “I had this amazing fanny pack…”
I inhaled my drink and choked on the word.
She went on, “It was a really tight fit but it was so useful when I would take trips around the city.”
I started sliding my arm over the back of her chair and whispered her name just as the guests started laughing.
She ignored me and went on, “There are creeps out there so having a fanny was way safer. Everyone loved fannies but they won’t admit it because it’s super 90’s.”
The men were laughing until they were red in the face and some of the women too but others looked plainly offended.
“What did I say?” she asked.
My father’s smirk was to feign being amused.
I tugged a strand of her hair and whispered, “Love, a fanny in England...is slang for something else.” I had to push back my own humor.
“It’s a purse that straps in front. Really nerdy.” She insisted.
I laughed then set my forehead against her temple as I clarified, “In England…it’s a…it’s…”
“What?”
I glanced down at her lap then back up but remembered she can’t see. “It’s a place I like to put my face, when-.”
“Oh shit.” She whispered back and hid her face in my shoulder. I laughed and coaxed her back to face the table but she was bright red.
The Co-Parent (The Relationship Quo Series Book 3) Page 23