“We just need to take a detailed statement from you, Miss Novak. Mr. Johnson is already being interviewed by another detective.”
Meg followed the detective into a small, stuffy room with scuffed, institutional furniture. She answered every question she was asked, including questions about the prior attack by Mallory on her, and some personal questions about her relationship with Sky.
When she was finished in the interview room, she was shown into an area where she could wait until Sky’s interview was concluded. She looked around the room, and recognized the female officer she met the previous evening. “Officer Thornton? I’m Meg Novak. We met last night.”
“Yes, I remember. You’re the one who gave first aid to the security guard. How are you doing?”
“I’m okay, thanks. I actually wanted to ask you how he is – the security guard, I mean.”
“I was in touch with the hospital earlier today. Surgery was performed, and he’s improving. He should be released tomorrow, or the next day.”
Meg closed her eyes and exhaled. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Is it possible to tell me his name, and the hospital he’s in? I’d like to give him a call, to thank him for protecting me last night.”
“I’ll reach out to him, and see if it is okay. Why don’t you give me your cell phone number, and I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks.” Meg wrote her number on a piece of paper, and handed it to the officer. She saw Sky exit one of the interview rooms, and added, “Let me know. I’ve got to go.”
Sky couldn’t meet her eyes as she ran towards him. He pulled her into a tight embrace, and kissed the top of her head. “They’re gonna give Mallory a pregnancy test. She’s still insisting that she’s pregnant. Jesus, I can’t believe this mess.”
“I know. What else did you learn during your interview?”
“She’s got a public defender, who says she’s going to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, so they’re also going to test her to see if she’s mentally competent to stand trial.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Late that afternoon, as they boarded a chartered bus, Meg asked, “Who are all these people, and where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” Sky said with a grin. He gestured towards the first row opposite the driver. “Have a seat.”
Meg tugged at the hem of the blush-colored mini dress before sitting down. “You know Jack and Becky’s secret, don’t you?”
“Yup.”
“Care to share?”
“Nope. But I can tell you that when we get there, Becky needs to speak with you for a minute.” He stood to greet an older couple, before turning to Meg. “Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, I want to introduce you to my girlfriend, Meg. Meg, these are Jack’s parents.”
“Nice to meet you,” Meg said, as she stood and shook their hands.
Sky continued to greet other passengers on the bus. He refused to answer any questions about the events of the previous night, explaining that he wanted to put it behind him for now. “Let’s let the legal system deal with what happened,” he said. “Today is a new day.”
Meg felt herself being tapped on the shoulder, and turned around to find Sky’s father behind her. “Trey! I’m surprised to see you here.”
“Well, I’m surprised to be here,” he said. “I don’t know what in the hell is going on. Jack called me last week, and asked that I join him and Becky for dinner tonight. He wouldn’t say why, though.”
“It’s a mystery to me too,” she said. “Sky won’t tell me what this is all about.”
Trey looked at his son. “I’m proud of him and Jack. They cleaned up last night.”
“Then you should tell him. It’s too bad you couldn’t be there.”
“Yeah. But I’m glad you were. Are you okay after the shooting?”
She nodded her head. “It’s hard to believe that was just twenty four hours ago. So much has happened.”
“Well, I’m relieved that you’re all okay.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s good to see the two of you together, Meg. You’re good for him.”
Sky interrupted Trey and Meg. “Dad…I’m surprised to see you.”
“Jack said it was important to him that I was here for this dinner. Wish I knew what in the hell was going on.” He extended his hand to Sky. “Congratulations on the three awards last night, son.”
Sky hesitated a moment before grasping his father’s hand. “Thanks, Dad.”
The bus driver announced that they were ready to leave, and asked everyone to take their seats. Meg slid into the first row next to the window, and Sky took the aisle seat next to her. “It’s just a short ride to where we’re going,” he explained.
A few minutes later, when the bus pulled into the parking lot of a wedding chapel, Meg turned to Sky. “Oh my God, are Jack and Becky getting married?”
Sky grinned. “They wanted to keep it a secret until the last minute so the press wouldn’t find out.”
“That’s awesome! I’m so happy for them,” she said.
“Come on,” Sky said, extending his hand to Meg. “Let’s go see the happy couple.”
Jack was waiting for them just inside the chapel door. “Meg, can you go see Becky? She’s in that room, and wants to ask you something.”
“Of course. I’m so happy for the two of you.” She kissed Jack on the cheek, before turning to Sky. “See you later, handsome.”
Meg knocked on the door before entering. “Oh my gosh, you look gorgeous,” she said as she hugged Becky, who was wearing a beaded white sleeveless mini dress.
“Thanks. I’m a little nervous,” Becky replied.
“Aww…don’t be. You’re marrying the man of your dreams!”
“I know, but still…anyway, I wanted to ask you something. Would you be my maid of honor? Sky is Jack’s best man, and I thought it would be perfect if you would be in our wedding party.”
Tears filled Meg’s eyes. “You really mean that?”
“Yes, I do. I have five brothers, but no sisters. And my college roommate couldn’t get away at the last minute. You’re a special person, Meg, and you complete our road family. I can’t think of anyone else here who I’d rather have stand by my side when I marry Jack.”
“Road family…I love that description.” Meg reached out and hugged Becky. “Yes, of course I’ll be your maid of honor. I’m honored you asked me.”
Becky grinned. “Can I make a confession?”
“Sure.”
“When Sky and I went shopping for you, I picked out the dress you’re wearing specifically for the wedding in the hopes you’d stand up for me.”
Meg opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Unless you’re Jack, come on in,” Becky said.
Sky stuck his head inside. “Showtime, if you girls are ready.”
“Ready,” Meg and Becky said in unison.
Moments later, the sound of an organ signaled the start of the wedding ceremony. Sky’s blue eyes locked in on Meg as she walked down the aisle towards him.
During the ceremony, Sky was tortured with thoughts of the shooting incident the night before, and Mallory’s pregnancy claim. Jack and Becky are so happy. I just want the same type of happiness with Meg, but my past has come back to haunt me. He gazed at Meg, who caught his eye and smiled back at him. Will she ever be able to forgive me if Mallory is pregnant and the baby is mine?
His heart raced and his palms became sweaty at the thought of Mallory being pregnant, and he began to pray. Dear God, please don’t let Mallory be carrying my child. I swear, if I just get a second chance, I will be the kind of man that Meg deserves. I swear on my mother’s grave, I will never lie to Meg or cheat on her. I’ll never hurt her intentionally. I swear that I’ll love her with all my heart if I just get a second chance to turn my life around. Please God, help me.
After the wedding and dinner party, most of the guests retreated to their hotel rooms. When Meg yawned and said she was tired, Sky suggested she turn in
for the night. “I’ll be up in a little while, but I want to have a drink with my father, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure,” she said. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll probably be asleep when you get in, so I’ll see you in the morning.” She said good night to Trey, and waved towards the other people she knew who were milling around before walking alone down the hallway.
He could feel his heart race as he watched her walk away. “Meg,” he called out.
She stopped and turned around. “Yes?”
He hesitated. “Umm…” Tell her you love her. Just do it. “Umm…sweet dreams, baby.”
She covered her mouth as she yawned. “You too.”
From his seat at the bar, Trey watched the interaction between his son and Meg, and shook his head. When Sky joined him, he said, “You’re a real chicken shit, aren’t you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You love that girl, but you’re too chicken shit scared to tell her.”
“Dad, really, I…”
Trey cut him off. “Man up for once in your life, Sky. You’ve got a beautiful woman who is smart, hard working, and stands by your side when most would have walked away, but you’re too afraid to tell her you love her.”
“Dad, it’s too soon. I can’t.” He took a deep sip from the glass of whiskey in front of him, and stared straight ahead.
“Better too soon than too late.”
Sky shook his head. “It might be too late anyway.” He related the portions of the previous night’s events that had not yet been covered in the media. “If Mallory is pregnant and the baby is mine, Meg will never forgive me. I’m gonna lose her over this, Dad, and I don’t know what to do.”
“Well,” Trey said with a heavy sigh. “Once again, I’m deeply disappointed in you, son. This isn’t the way I wanted to hear about what might be my first grandchild.”
“Dad…” Sky propped his elbows on the edge of the bar and buried his face in his hands.
He patted his son on the back. “Well, you seem to think that girl has some psychological issues, so the baby, if there is one, might not even be yours. You might get lucky this time. Given all the women you’ve slept with over the years, it’s a wonder this hasn’t happened before to you.”
“Shit,” Sky whispered under his breath. “I don’t know what to do.”
“You’ve got to face it, son. You might be a father in a few months. And I’m not gonna allow a grandchild of mine to be placed in foster care while it’s mother is serving time in a prison or a psychiatric hospital, that’s for sure. If a paternity test proves you’re the father, then you’re gonna have to take custody of it.”
“And what would I do with a baby out on the road? I can’t ask Meg to raise a child that isn’t hers, especially the child of someone who tried to kill her twice.”
“You’ll get another bus and hire a nanny. Maybe that neighbor of yours, Fiona Beasley, can help you out. She’s fond of you, and looks like she’d be good with a kid.” Trey drained his drink, and motioned to the bartender for another round.
“I can’t even think about that yet.”
“Well, you’ve got to have a contingency plan.”
As fresh drinks were placed in front of them, Sky’s cell phone vibrated. He recognized the phone number, and stepped away from the bar to answer it.
Sky wrinkled his brows and ran his free hand through his hair while he listened to the caller. When he finished the conversation, he returned to the bar. He was unable to look his father in the eyes, and stared straight ahead while he poured the glass of whiskey down his throat.
“What was that about?”
Sky’s face was grim as turned towards Trey. “It was the police. The test came back positive. Mallory is pregnant.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
When Meg woke up the following morning, she was alone in bed. She wandered out to the living room of the hotel suite, where she found Sky passed out. He was still in his clothing from the previous night, and there was an open bottle of whiskey on the table next to the sofa where he was sleeping.
“Will the real Sky Johnson please stand up,” she muttered under her breath. “Is the gentleman who treats me like a queen when we’re home in Nashville the real you? Or is the self-centered drunk who passes out and sleeps in his clothes the real you?”
Sky’s eyes flew open. “What did you say?”
She gasped. “You heard me?”
“Yeah,” he said, as he struggled to sit up. “The real Sky Johnson is a drunk sometimes, but isn’t so self centered that he’d disturb your sleep by climbing into bed with you and waking you up in the middle of the night.”
Meg rolled her eyes. “Gee, thanks.” She tossed Sky a bottle of aspirin. “I think you’re going to need this. I ordered room service breakfast, and I’m already packed. We can leave whenever you’re ready.” She turned to walk back towards the bedroom.
“Wait. We have to talk. Please, sit with me,” he said, patting the sofa cushion. He waited until Meg sat down before taking a deep breath. “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just gonna come right out and tell you that I got a call from the police last night. Mallory is pregnant.”
Meg hung her head. I knew it when I saw her yesterday. This is a nightmare. She felt Sky’s fingers lift up her chin so she could look him in the eyes, but she turned her face away from him.
“Baby, please look at me.” His voice was raspy from liquor and lack of sleep. “She’s agreed to the blood DNA test, so I’m going to give a blood sample this morning, and I’ll know in a week or so if I’m the father or not.”
She turned and gave him an empty stare. She began to feel her body shut down and drain itself of all emotion. It was a familiar feeling, something she had trained herself to do years earlier to block the pain. “Okay.”
“Okay? That’s it?”
“What else is there to say? I’m ready to leave when you are.” She stood and walked towards the bedroom of the suite.
He ran his hands through his hair. “I guess I expected more of a reaction from you.”
Meg turned and lashed out at him. “What do you want from me? What do you expect me to say? I can’t change anything. I can’t fix this for you. It’s out of my control.” She hesitated a moment before continuing. “Look, I’m your girlfriend. I care about you, and I’ll be here for you, but this is something you have to deal with.”
When they arrived at the airport, Sky explained that he booked a private jet for their trip back to Nashville. “I don’t want to deal with questions from reporters or stares from other passengers,” he said, when Meg asked why he changed their travel arrangements. “Besides, I hardly ever do this just for myself, and thought it would be a nice treat for you.”
“It is. I’ve been on my cousin’s jet a few times, and it’s a nice luxury.” She opened a magazine and flipped through the pages, but her mind was a million miles away. I love this man, she thought as she stole a quick glance at Sky, who was wearing noise-cancelling earphones and had dozed off. He’s all wrong for me in so many ways, but he’s also right for me. I just need time to think, and figure out for myself where we should go from here. I need some time alone, especially before I have to go home later this week. He’s going to be upset I’m leaving town, but he’s going to have to deal with it.
Meg slept through the flight, and woke with a start when the jet touched down on the runway in Nashville. She rubbed her eyes, and noticed Sky doing the same thing. “I guess we both needed the sleep,” she said.
“Yeah, for sure.” When the plane came to a stop, he pulled out his cell phone and placed a call. “We’re here. See you in a few,” he said before hanging up. He turned to Meg and explained, “Paul is here. He’s picking us up.”
They walked towards Sky’s Tahoe in silence and handed their bags to Paul.
“You okay, boss?” he asked.
“Yeah.” Sky opened the rear door for Meg and climbed in next to her. “We’re going
to my place, Paul.”
“Actually, I need to go home,” Meg said.
Sky whipped his head in her direction. “Why?”
“Because I have things to do.” She looked away from Sky and stared out the window.
“Fine. Paul, we’re going to Meg’s house.”
The tension was thick as they rode in silence. When Paul pulled the Tahoe into Meg’s driveway, Sky retrieved her bags from the back and carried them to her front door.
Meg tapped in the numbers to the alarm code as she crossed into the entryway. She took a deep breath and turned around to face Sky. “Thanks for taking me with you to Vegas, and for the beautiful clothes.”
“Baby.” Sky searched her eyes as he spoke. “This wasn’t the way I wanted our Vegas trip to turn out.”
“I know.”
“Can I stay the night with you? I need you.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I need some space.”
“Please, just for tonight?” He took her into his arms and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I promise I’ll give you a little space starting tomorrow if you need it, but I need you tonight. It’s been too long since we’ve shared a bed together.”
“Just two nights.”
“Way too long.” He backed her against the wall of the entryway and let his lips and tongue make his case as he nibbled at her ear and down her neck. He felt her body relax in his arms, and he knew he was on the right track. “Let’s shut our phones off and focus only on each other tonight,” he whispered into her ear. “It’s been all about me for days now. Tonight is gonna be all about you.” He slipped a hand underneath her t-shirt and began to caress her breasts.
Meg tried to fight her reaction to him, but it was no use. “You make it impossible for me to resist you.”
“Good.”
She smiled, and shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”
He chuckled. “I know.” He released her from his grip. “I’ll be right back.” He darted out of the house and down the driveway to the Tahoe. After speaking with Paul for a moment, he grabbed his backpack and ran back to the house. “Meg? Where are you?”
Love Hard (Anything But Mine Book 2) Page 16