by S. Valentine
She tried to hold in the tears. Even all of the bad stuff didn’t put her off him. He’d changed for her, and had given it all up. Then the baby news popped up, throwing a massive spanner in the works. This was something that would never go away. He couldn’t change it. If she stayed with him, Gina would be in their lives forever. It wasn’t like Gina had just been a one night stand, either. This was a woman Darion had known for years, someone he trusted with his life, who he always went to when he had a problem. She knew him inside out, and vice versa. How could she compete with that? What if Darion and Gina reunited? She’d be left devastated. Was it worth taking a risk and trusting him?
Sighing heavily, she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, she fell asleep, although most of the night was spent tossing and turning.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Five painfully slow days passed, and Gabi didn’t know whether to feel hurt Darion hadn’t contacted her, or relieved he’d listened to her, and was giving her space. She’d thought the space would do her good, and she could decide what the best thing to do was, however she was none the wiser. Whatever route she took, it was a massive risk. She could stay with Darion, and there was a chance she could lose him to Gina, or she could leave Darion, and always wonder ‘what if.’ She wasn’t sure which was the least painful.
She wished she had Mallory to speak with. Many times, she’d been tempted to call her, but decided against it, not wanting to put a dampener on her friend’s holiday. She’d called Suzie a few times, to no answer. She was probably too busy with baby stuff, just as she believed Darion would be.
Sighing heavily, she picked up her mobile. She stared at the screensaver of Darion. He was wearing all black, as he mostly always did, and was sitting on his Yamaha R1. His expression was one of mischief and pure seduction. He could seduce women without even trying by his cool, confident manner, his sultry sounding voice, and the fact he had trouble, but excitement written all over him, a bad-boy who many girls would love to tame.
She kept wondering what he was doing, whether he and Gina were already playing happy families. She must have moved into his apartment already. Did she stroll around half-naked like she had done at the club? Did Darion spend his nights keeping her company? Was their baby bringing them closer together? Stop it, Gabi, she scolded herself, rubbing her aching temples.
Clambering to her feet, she took a book from her bookshelf, and dropped back onto the sofa. She started to read the first page, but then gave up. Darion’s words echoed loud in her head, “Life isn’t all perfect like the romance books and movies you fill your head with. Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Shit happens.” Darion was right. Had she been foolish to have believed their relationship could have been perfect? Was any relationship perfect?
Not wanting to be left alone with her thoughts, she picked up the stereo remote, and pressed the power button. “Something In The Way” by Nirvana was playing on the radio. Shuffling down on the sofa, Gabi lay there listening to the lyrics. She ignored her stomach which was rumbling in hunger. Physically and mentally drained, she didn’t have the energy or the appetite to rustle something up.
Three songs later, she dragged herself to bed.
***
Darion
Darion inspected the boy lying in the plastic crib. He appeared too small, too fragile, like he shouldn’t have been born yet. His skin had a grey tinge to it, and it almost looked see-through, his veins visible. Tubes were secured with tape to his nostrils. Slightly kicking his feet, he whimpered softly, as if he was too weak to cry.
Darion averted his stare. A painful lump lodged in his throat. He wished he could reach out and touch him, but he was afraid of hurting him. He was also terrified of getting attached to a baby who could turn out not to be his after all.
Hearing a loud cry, he spotted another baby in a nearby crib. He was much bigger than this baby. His skin was a healthy pink colour, his arms and legs were chubby, and he kicked and moved his arms, full of energy.
It pained him Gina had given birth to a child who faced several health problems. He could tell by her quiet, withdrawn mood that she blamed herself. He hated telling her everything would be okay, when he was unsure as to whether it would be.
***
Darion blinked his eyes open. He rolled over on a loud groan. Clutching his forehead, it did little to stop his pounding headache. It took him a few seconds to work out where he was. He must have fallen asleep on the sofa in his new office. Gripping the back of the sofa for support, he pulled himself into a seating position. Fuck! He clenched his teeth at his aching limbs. He must have slept in a funny position. Licking his lips, he searched for a drink, feeling completely dehydrated.
Flashbacks of the last few nights began to seep into his brain. He had slept at the club. Gina had moved into his apartment and Preston had done nothing but scream the place down. Gina didn’t know what to do to stop his crying and she’d done everything she could think of: feed him, wind him, change him, play with him, rock him to sleep, yet nothing worked. Being an only child, and never having been around babies, she was at a loss at what to do. He’d caught her sobbing to herself when Preston slept for a single hour. He’d wanted to comfort her, to cuddle her, but stopped himself from doing so. He was terrified Gina would get the wrong impression and make a move on him. She’d done it many times before. He wasn’t taking any chances.
He didn’t know what to do to help her. Apart from minding his niece Odelia here and there, he was also clueless when it came to children. He still couldn’t believe he was a dad. He’d only recently just learnt to look after himself, and now he had a son to raise, to teach right from wrong, and to set a good example. Frustrated, he’d fled to the club and locked himself in the office. The peace and quiet had been the best and worst thing for him. Being able to actually get some sleep was a bonus, but being left alone with his thoughts had been punishment. How could he be a good role model? He hadn’t learnt anything from his neglectful parents. Affection and showing emotions was also newish to him. When he looked down at Preston, he didn’t even know where to start. A part of him believed he’d be better off without him.
He hadn’t heard a thing from Gabi either, which had sent him over the edge. If she left him, he knew he’d forever hate himself for ruining what they had. It was his own fault for sleeping around. Did he really think he could be that careless fucking anything and everything and not have to deal with any of the repercussions? It was probably only a matter of time before someone got pregnant. In a way, he was relieved the condom had split with Gina, and not with some one-night stand from the playrooms.
Feeling around the sofa, he searched for his mobile. When he located it and glanced at the screen, he shook his head, completely bewildered. Was Gabi not missing him at all? He contemplated ringing her, but decided to give her the space she had asked for.
A knock at the door caused him to drag himself to his feet. Smoothing his hair back with his hands, he gripped the door handle and yanked it open. Addilyn, the barmaid, flashed him a tight smile.
“Everything okay?” she asked, handing him a glass of juice.
He nodded, took the juice, and searched his pockets for his cigarettes. “How’s it going out there?”
“Real busy. Me and Raina have been serving non-stop all night.”
Downing half of his drink, he set it on the side. He was glad to hear business was booming. At least his professional life was one less thing to worry about. A steady cash flow was definitely what he needed.
Stuffing the cigarette into his mouth and lighting it, he took a long drag. He closed his eyes in contentment, enjoying the nicotine rush. He perched on his desk and observed Addilyn as she stooped down, and began collecting empty Coke bottles. Throwing them in the bin, she then stood before him. She was a pretty twenty-four-year-old with black hair, complete with blue streaks in. She had a hoop in her nose and a piercing in her tongue. Her feisty side remind
ed him a little of Eva and Gina. The punters loved her. He’d spotted a few groups of men check her out through the windows as they’d walked past earlier. Darion knew he’d done well in hiring her. The club didn’t have exotic dancers, so the next best thing was hot barmaids.
“Fancy another drink?”
He shook his head.
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks.” He blew out more smoke.
“Oh.” She paused at the door. “There’s a woman at the bar asking for you.”
Darion froze on the spot. He hoped it was Gabi. “Who is she?”
“Lexi, I think she said.”
Darion hoped the disappointment wasn’t apparent on his face. He’d hate to look like some little bitch moping about the place. Grabbing his jacket and keys, he followed Addilyn out of the office. He locked the door, and within minutes he was in the bar area. Rock music was playing at a decent volume, and the room was packed. People were sitting in the booths, on the stools at the bar, and standing in groups on the floor, chatting away, and some even dancing near the window. He nodded his head in approval. It wasn’t like there was much choice in Westhaven when it came to nights out, but he hadn’t expected it to be that busy.
He noticed Lexi propped on a stool, a cocktail in hand, nodding her head along to the music. He poured himself a whisky, and slid on the stool beside her.
“Daz.” She grinned and flung her arms around his neck. She was tipsy. He could smell the alcohol on her.
“Hey, Lex. What are you doing here?”
“I finished work a couple of hours early so I could check in on you.”
He was touched by how much she cared about him. The girls knew when he was distressed, and in the past when he’d slept in his office to try and block out nightmares and flashbacks, they’d always check in on him.
“Marnie and Tiana are gonna pop in when they’ve finished their shift.” She downed some of her pink drink. “Mmmm. This is good.” She laughed. “Retox seems to be doing well.” She craned her neck to examine the room.
“How’s things at the club?”
“Not too bad. Carl loves it there. When his wife isn’t around, he likes to have a private dance or two.” She winked.
Darion grinned. “Sounds like me when I first opened it.”
“Oh, you couldn’t get enough of the dances.” Her gaze fell on the barmaids. “Cute staff. Gabi’s got her work cut out for her,” she teased.
“Gabi never needs to worry about other women,” he told her. “Not Gina, not Eva. No one.”
“Aw.” Lexi nudged him with her elbow. “True love that.”
He chewed his bottom lip before saying, “I haven’t seen her since the opening party.”
“What? Why?”
“Me having a kid has freaked her out. She must think I’ll get back with Gina, or something.”
“I can understand the insecurity she must be feeling, Daz. How would you feel if she had a child with Lawrence?”
Darion frowned. He hadn’t noticed he was tapping his foot on his stool repeatedly. Gabi had kissed Lawrence. If she had a child with him, he knew he’d find it difficult. It would definitely spark feelings of insecurity and jealousy in him. He wouldn’t turn his back on her though. He’d give it a shot, and see how it went. He just hoped Gabi did the same. “It wouldn’t be the best news I’d ever heard, but it’d take a lot to keep me away from her.”
“Gina can be quite intimidating.”
“She’s not like that anymore. Ever since she’s had Preston she’s like a different woman. She blames herself for his condition.”
“Well, it can be related to drink and drug abuse. Gina didn’t exactly look after herself.”
“It’s not her fault,” he said firmly, and meant it.
They were both silent for a moment whilst they gulped back some of their drinks. Darion then reached for Lexi’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m glad you popped in, Lex.”
“Me too. We miss you being at the club.”
“You’re always welcome here.”
“Just you try and get rid of us.” She beamed.
“Eva giving you any shit?”
“No.” Lexi’s mouth dropped. “I fucking forgot to tell you,” she shrieked.
“What is it?” Panic began to set in and he hoped it wasn’t bad news.
“Eva hooked up with Carl.”
“Are you serious?”
“Wendy walked in on them. They were in the office.”
“He’s got a wife.”
“Like that would stop Eva.”
Darion screwed his face up in disgust. “The best thing I did was finish with her.”
“I agree.”
Relief swept over Darion and he actually found himself amused at the situation. Eva didn’t have a care for anyone in the world except for herself. She wasn’t bothered people got hurt by her actions. He could have forgiven Eva, and she could have cheated on him again, or even worse, he never would have found out. She knew Carl was married. She really mustn’t have had any shame at all. Any tiny ounce of respect he had left for her completely vanished. It also proved she hadn’t loved him as much as she claimed she had. If she did, then she wouldn’t have given up fighting for him so easily. He knew he loved Gabi, and he’d do anything in his power to get her back should she leave him.
“So, have you told your family about Preston?” Lexi’s voice brought him back to the present.
He nodded. “They didn’t really say much. Dion’s excited, though. She can’t wait to meet him.”
“I wonder if Gabi’s told her family about it.”
Darion’s posture went rigid at the thought. He liked Gabi’s family. Unlike his cold, judgemental parents, hers had seemed kind, and had welcomed him into their home with open arms. He’d felt accepted for once. Gabi’s father had congratulated him on owning The Black Door at the time, even knowing it had been a gentlemen’s club. His parents had never congratulated him on anything in his life. He could just imagine Gabi telling them about Gina and Preston. Would they think less of him? Would they advise Gabi she was better off without him? He hoped not.
“I better head home.” Lexi pulled her jacket on.
“Me too. Reece can lock up.”
“Your security man?” Lexi giggled. “He’s quite cute, Daz. Is he single?”
“Nope. He’s Addilyn’s boyfriend.”
“Damn.” Lexi pursed her lips.
“Why don’t you give Trav a go?”
“Travis doesn’t fancy me.”
Darion pushed up the sleeves of his shirt. “He does.”
Darion leant over the bar and informed Addilyn and Raina he was leaving. They waved at him with flirtatious smiles, thrusting their chests out, and told him they’d see him tomorrow. He and Lexi then stepped out into the cool air.
“I’ll walk you home,” he told Lexi.
“Daz, it’s not far. I’ll be fine.”
“I insist,” he said. “I can get a taxi from your place.”
“Okay.”
They walked side by side in a comfortable silence. The streets were quiet, and it wouldn’t be too long until people were getting up for work, pedestrians rushing about, and traffic clogging the roads.
When they finally reached Lexi’s apartment, he accepted a hug goodbye. He waited until she was safely indoors, and then found a wall to sit on. Before he went to ring a taxi on his mobile, he noticed he had several text messages.
Gina: Daz, Preston is still crying! I don’t know what to do.
Gina: Daz, I need to take him to the hospital. Maybe he’s sick.
Gina: He seems okay now. He’s sleeping. Hope you’re not doing anything stupid.
Gina had seen him at his worst when he’d split up with Eva. He would have done anything to block out the pain. The easiest option had been to escape reality, to be so out of it he almost forgot the hurt she had caused him. He hadn’t realised at the time he’d been hurting himself in the process.
D
ialling a local taxi company, he waited patiently for it to arrive. He had never wanted his own bed so much. For some reason, he was completely shattered. He wondered if he’d get any sleep with Preston waking up every couple of hours.
When he was eventually on his way home, he thought of Gabi and what she was doing. It was strange going home to a place packed out with baby stuff, and Gina being there. How his life had really changed.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Gabi
Gabi chewed the end of her pen as she read the manuscript before her. She rolled her eyes at the romantic declaration from one of the characters. Usually she would have melted on the spot, feeling giddy at such a sweet story. Now, she believed the majority of romance movies, shows, and books were probably, in fact, bullshit. Could Darion be correct? Did women have high expectations and an unrealistic perception of what romance should be like due to the sweet heroes they read about or watched? Were they really expecting a knight in shining armour to come and rescue them and make everything in their world right?
Tossing her pen aside, she slipped back into the Jimmy Choo heels she had kicked off, and grabbed her cup. She needed a caffeine fix. She hadn’t slept much last night. Her worrying thoughts had given her a migraine, and prevented her from nodding off. A hot bubble bath and some pills hadn’t even helped.
After she made a fresh cup of coffee, she quickly checked her emails. A few clients were querying the changes she had made to their manuscripts. Others had sent new manuscripts. Taking out her diary, she added some entries and then shoved it into the top drawer.