Erin sighed. “I guess,” she said with a little smirk. “You’re right, but still you should talk to him because out of all the shouting I did, I found one thing that remained the same.”
“Which is?”
“He doesn’t understand why what he did is a bad thing. He just keeps with this rhetoric of how friendly their conversations were. He’s missing the entire point and unless he figures it out, he doesn’t stand a chance of getting back in Amy’s good graces. Talk to him.”
“You’re right, I will.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes with food for the both of you.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“What have you eaten?”
Erin smirked. Ever since her doctor confirmed her pregnancy, Caleb had been watching her like a hawk. He made sure she ate a nutritional breakfast, not that she hadn’t always done so, but still, he was there, lunch and dinner as well. She appreciated his sincerity and couldn’t have asked for a better life partner.
“I had a bowl of fruit. Strawberries, pineapples, mangos, and pears.”
“That’s my girl. I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon,” she replied disconnecting the call.
For a long second, Erin stood there smiling down at her smartphone. Being with Caleb was her dream come true, but it had taken some serious upsets to get there. Nevertheless, here they were happily engaged, and she couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with him and their child. Erin’s ears tingled thinking about the little life growing inside of her; one with her DNA and Caleb’s. If someone would have told her three years ago she’d be this happy with Caleb, she wouldn’t have believed them, and she wanted nothing but the same for her best friend.
10
As Erin’s mind wondered, she crossed the kitchen and searched underneath the kitchen sink for cleaning supplies. She found plastic disposable gloves, Lysol cleaner and Clorox wipes. She grabbed the wipes and sat the round tub on the counter, then turned on the faucet so she could wash the dishes. As she worked, Erin wondered if having a girl’s night would pep Amy’s spirit. Erin could call Mariah and they could grab a few things from the store. The thought played around in her head so long that she didn’t notice the time move. As she drained the sink there was a knock on the door.
Erin frowned them reached for the paper towels that hung from the wall mount. The knock came again just as she neared and without looking, Erin swung open the door bringing a spicy waft of air inside. The questionable look in her eye turned into delight at the sight of Caleb. They’d spent every waking day and night with each other since their engagement but seeing him was like getting a cake with a present inside; one where a half-naked thoroughly toned sexy military man jumped out. Never mind Caleb was fully dressed in a polo tee, and cargo shorts. In Erin’s mind, he was in his birthday suit. Probably how you got pregnant in the first place.
“Hey baby,” she crooned.
“Hey love.” Caleb stepped forward and slipped an arm around Erin’s waist. “I missed you.”
“Already?”
“This is our day to hang out.”
It was true. With Erin being the owner of Nocturnal Encounters, a popular nightclub in the heart of Pensacola Florida, and Caleb being at the National Guard most mornings, they seemed to pass each other day and night. But every second they had free, they shared with one another. It was better to have those moments then the six years they’d had to wait when they were separated by multiple oceans.
“I know baby, but this is operation important,” she said.
Caleb cracked a smile and Erin giggled.
“Operation important?
“Yeah, and I was just thinking we may need to have a girl’s night.”
Caleb’s eyes widened. “Am I in the dog house now?”
“What?!”
“Should I tell George to scoot over?”
Erin laughed. “Don’t be so dramatic.”
“I’m just checking my status here. You can’t blame me for wanting to know.”
“I’m sure you could use some time alone with just your buddies.”
“If I wanted time alone with them, I would have it, but if you want to spend some time with your girls I’m not mad. I’ll be lonely though.”
Erin giggled again and swatted Caleb on his arm.
“I take it this trash is going outside?” He asked motioning to the bag of trash next to the wall.
“Yes, can you take it down with you?”
“Of course. Here’s your food. Yours on the top.”
“I thought I told you I ate already.”
Caleb frowned. “You said a bowl of fruit. That’s great to start the day off but I will not have you starving my child, woman.”
“Oh my God, here we go with the theatrics. Okay, thank you very much babe.”
“You’re welcome.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead then her lips. “I’ll see you soon?”
“Yes.”
Caleb kissed her again then backed out of the doorway where he lifted the trash bag and strolled to the bank of elevators. Erin watched him with a longing eye as he disappeared into the tin can. Caleb winked, and she winked back just as the doors closed.
“Who was at the door?”
Erin spun around to find Amy standing in one of her flimsy Betty Boop nightgown shirts.
“Breakfast,” Erin replied, closing the door. “How do you feel, better?” Erin took an eye over Amy’s wet hair and refreshed face.
“Somewhat,” Amy said.
“Well, come over here and have a seat. Maybe when you get some food in your system you’ll feel completely renewed.”
Amy followed Erin’s instructions, this time, without giving her attitude. She plopped down on the sofa and Erin took the food out of the bag and rearranged it on the table in front of them. Grabbing Amy’s hand, Erin said a quick prayer and they both began eating silently.
As they did, Erin stole peeks at Amy making sure she wasn’t picking over the food but really indulging. She was, and that made Erin feel better.
“This is good,” Amy said.
Erin’s face brightened. “It is,” she said taking a bit of her hash browns.
“At first, I thought you were going to try and cook something,” Amy added.
Erin’s brow lifted. “With what? It’s no man’s land in that kitchen.
Amy chuckled out a giggle and Erin was happy to see her friend smile.
“I haven’t felt like going to the store.”
Erin nodded. “That’s understandable, but you could send me.” Erin saw her rebuttal coming full force and she held up a hand. “I’m pregnant not handicapped.”
That made Amy smile again. “I wasn’t going to say anything about your pregnancy.”
Erin twisted her lips.
“I wasn’t!”
“Then what were you going to say?”
“The only person I’ve ever sent to the grocery store was Uncle Charley, and even then, I’d have to go back because he would leave something I desperately wanted off the list.”
“Like what?”
“You know I’m a supreme fan of Slim Jim’s, but Uncle Charley thinks they’re the devil's food with no good nutritional value for a trained soldier.”
Erin chuckled. Their conversation quieted, and Amy took a sip of the sweet tea.
“I don’t like it when you ignore my phone calls.”
Amy licked her lips and blew out a sigh.
“I needed time to wrestle with my thoughts.”
“Your thoughts are not your own. They belong to me, too.”
That made Amy smile again.
“You would've known eventually. I just needed to sort out all of the voices.”
Erin frowned. “How many are there?”
Amy laughed. “Too many.”
“Erin’s frown deepened. “Should I be worried?”
Amy was shaking her head. “No, I’ll
be alright eventually.”
“So, did you and all of your thoughts come up with a verdict?”
The room fell silent again.
“Not really. On the one hand, I feel lost without Luke. After all the years we were apart, I never truly felt without him, you know. We were still together, happily I might add; at least in my head. But to know I was sharing him? His thoughts, ideas, his time, it’s weakened me like I never thought I could be weakened.”
Erin nodded. “That’s what you should tell him.”
Amy was shaking her head no again. “I’m not telling him anything. I’ve said everything I could, and I don’t think he gets it. I’m not going to beat a dead horse.”
“Maybe he just genuinely doesn’t understand.”
“You might be right, but Erin, honestly, I don’t feel up to the task.” She sighed. “Say I have this conversation with him, again. But this time I break it down in laymen’s terms, which I shouldn’t have to I might add, and he still doesn’t get it or doesn’t care. I will be worse off then I am now. So, I’d rather just let it be.”
Erin leaned her head to the side and peered at Amy.
“Do you really think he just wouldn’t care?”
“Whose side are you on right now?”
“I’m on your side as a couple. You didn’t let me bow out of talking to Caleb when I refused to. Do you really think I’m going to let you?”
Amy half rolled her eyes.
“I’m thinking we need to have a girl’s night in. I’m going to call Mariah and have her meet me at the store. We’re going to pick up some goodies, grab some DVDs, and some wine.”
Amy’s brow lifted in surprise.
“Well, wine for you all but sparkling cider for me.”
Amy grinned.
“I appreciate you and Mariah, but I have to work tonight. Who would run Nocturnal Encounters if the both of us are sitting here having a pity party?”
“Since I’ve hired Shelly and Tamara, they’ve both done an excellent job of helping me in the office and helping you run the bar, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yeah, but you think you could put such a huge responsibility like letting them run the establishment for a full night?”
“I won’t know until I put them in charge. Hey at least this way, I’ll have an idea of how often I can use them to run things. When I get further into this pregnancy I’ll need them to step in more anyway.”
Amy nodded. “I think I want to go in tonight. Don’t get me wrong. Having a girl’s night in would be just what the doctor ordered, but I don’t want to sit still. I need to unwind and get out of this apartment.”
“Oh, now she wants to get out,” Erin teased.
Amy smirked. “You should be happy about that because I was completely ready to spend the next week in here like a vampire feeding off blood and nothing else.”
Erin’s eyes lurched. “Whose blood?”
“That is still to be determined, but since you’ve interrupted my evil musings and I’m full and fresh I have to go out into the world.”
“I’m not sure I should apologize for changing your plans, so I won’t.”
They both chuckled and there came a knock on the door. Quickly their laughter died down and Erin rose to her feet.
“Are you expecting company?”
“No,” Amy said plainly. Her attitude had gone back to salty just that quick. “I’m not looking for anymore either, so just sit back down and let them knock.”
Erin pursed her lips and frowned over at Amy. “Girl, what if it’s an emergency? You know it’s never good to just ignore your doorbell or your phone. Trouble comes at all times you know.”
“Yeah, yeah, cry me a river,” Amy mumbled watching Erin stroll to the door.
Erin glanced through the peephole then pulled back, a soft smile spreading across her lips. She reached for the door to open it when Amy shouted.
“Who is it?”
“Uncle Charley, should I let him knock or…”
11
Amy was calmed instantly. Her Uncle Charley meant the world to her and she would never ignore him purposefully. “Well hurry up and open the door,” she said.
Erin pursed her lips with a frown and a mini glare at Amy. She turned back to the door and opened it.
“Uncle Charley,” Erin crooned. “It’s been a while, how are you?”
The 58-year-old man with a medium muscular build, salt and pepper hair and daring gray eyes smiled at Erin.
“Good morning, Erin. It’s nice to see you again. I’m doing just fine what about yourself?”
“I can’t complain at all, please come in.”
Erin removed herself from the doorway and Uncle Charley strolled inside. His vision went straight to his niece sitting on the sofa with her legs folded underneath her and an empty plastic takeout box in her lap.
“At least I know you’re alive and well,” he said with a frown. “I’ve been calling you. What did I do this time?”
Amy opened her mouth to respond but what should she say? My feelings have been hurt by a boy and I decided to shut the world out?
The truth was, this wasn’t just any boy, and it wasn’t just hurt feelings. Her heart was broken and that was saying a lot since Amy didn’t let much get to her.
“Is this about Luke?” Uncle Charley went on after seeing Amy struggle with her response.
The question surprised both she and Erin.
“How do you know about Luke?”
“You mean besides the fact that he’s been reaching out to anyone who he thinks can get a message to you?”
If Amy were honest with herself, she could admit that made her feel slightly victorious. Let him fight for her, if he really loved her.
“So, you’re here on his behalf?”
Uncle Charley gave Amy a stern look. “Now you know better than that.”
Amy poked her lip out.
“I’m here on behalf of you. Always have been. I must admit, after hearing what he had to say, I thought I should talk to you, but unfortunately, your phone doesn’t work.”
Amy went to explain, and Uncle Charley tossed his hand up to stop her.
“Doesn’t make a bit of difference, I know where you live, and I have a key should you have decided not to let me in.”
“But I would've had I known you were on the opposite side of the door.”
“She’s lying,” Erin added.
Amy turned to her and gawked.
“I mean that in the sense that she wouldn’t have even come to the door to know it was you on the other side.”
Uncle Charley nodded in understanding. Amy pursed her lips and glared at Erin. “Tattletale.”
Erin shrugged. “I’m going to get going so you too can be alone, but Amy if you don’t come in tonight and I find out you told me you would just to keep Mariah and me from staying over, I’ll be back, and remember, I have a key too and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Clearly,” Amy rebutted.
Erin glanced at Uncle Charley. “It was good seeing you again, take care.”
“You too.”
Erin reached for her purse and discarded her empty box before leaving. When Uncle Charley and Amy were alone they both spoke at the same time.
“I didn’t mean to ignore your calls.”
“I didn’t come over here for a fight.”
They both smiled at each other and Uncle Charley strolled to a chair that sat adjacent from Amy and sat down. He rested his forearms on his thighs as he leaned forward.
“Sweetheart, I didn’t come over here to lecture you, but I am concerned. I know how long you’ve waited for Luke to come home so I can imagine how hurt you must be.”
Amy’s face sagged, and her eyes dropped to the floor.
“You deserve happiness.”
This shocked Amy to say the least. She looked up at her uncle with wide eyes and her mouth parted just slightly.
“I know,” he said. “I’ve raised you to be tough, to know that life is h
ard, and nothing is given to you, everything must be earned. Love, trust, honesty, whatever you want in life. I’ve also taught you that shit happens and when it does you should pick up your lip and move on.” He sighed.
“There’s no need crying over spoiled milk,” they both said in unison referring to another wise lesson of his.
“All of that is still true. But there’s also something I didn’t tell you.”
Amy was hanging on to his words as if she was scrambling for her next intake of oxygen.
“Real love is hard to find. There aren’t many honest people left in the world nowadays. Most people do what they can to get by whether that’s being manipulative or just plain old evil. I’ve never told you this but when you were three years old when your parents were still here with us, I met and fell in love with someone that spun my entire existence. She was patient, loving, kind; always a helping hand. Then I was a little bit more stubborn than I am now.”
Amy raised an inquisitive brow.
“Believe it or not I was an asshole then.” Uncle Charley smirked and so did Amy. “But for some reason, she saw something in me that drew her my way. I never understood it. I was wild, and always at the bar with my buddies. I put her last all for the sake of clout. In my heart, I was just as in love with her as she was with me. But I was Charley Van Winkle, Captain of the baseball team and the popular jock in college. I couldn’t be seen with one woman.” He sighed. “So, I wasn’t, and I hurt her time and time again.” Uncle Charley paused again, and Amy’s throat clogged. She tried swallowing the lump in her throat, but it was no use. It was stuck and trying to close off the air to her lungs for immediate suffocation. She would’ve never imagined her uncle being that type of guy, but here he was informing her that he was. “Finally, she had enough of me, and when we broke up, it was nasty. She tried to do it quietly with grace and dignity, but I made a whole show of it on campus, pretending as if I didn’t need her.”
He sighed. “When I grew enough balls to tell my friends off so I could be with her honestly, it was too late. She’d long left me in the wind. That next summer I found out through the grapevine that she was engaged. Imagine my horror. I was sick, and karma was dealing me a slice of pie that was sour.” He paused. “I say all of this to say, if you can live without him leave him where he is. If you think he doesn’t deserve you, leave him where he is. If he’s an asshat, leave him where he is. But… if what you’re going through is just a bump in the road and something you can see yourself as a couple overcoming, ride it out. Love waits for no one. Besides, you don’t want to be like your old man. Lonely, miserable, with a bunch of regrets and constant what ifs.”
Worth The Wait (A Military Romance Book 2) Page 6