by S. Valentine
“Maybe me and Preston should leave?” Gina returned.
“You’re not putting him in that hostel. It’s full of druggies.”
“No, it’s not.”
“It is,” he roared, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“Great.” Gina waved her arms in the air. “Now you’ve woke the baby. Thanks a lot.” She shot daggers at him.
Darion looked up at the heavens above. He seemed at a loss of what to do. Gabi had never seen him so stressed before. It was as if he was trying his hardest to help out, but felt like a failure. “I can’t handle this,” he muttered quietly.
Grabbing his car keys, he left the apartment, instructing Gabi to follow him. Glancing back, she witnessed Gina crumple to the floor, sobbing. She instantly pitied her, desperately wanting to help.
“You get the nappies. I’ll wait with Gina.”
“You’ll be late for work.”
“I’ll phone in sick.”
“Gabi—”
“Just go.”
Gabi folded her arms across her chest and approached Gina. The bitterness she had for her turned to compassion. She hadn’t realised how hard it must have been for Gina and Darion. Having a baby, unplanned, was a shock to the system. Both of them being clueless she was pregnant; they’d had no time to prepare themselves.
Dropping to her knees, she embraced her tightly. Gina was right. She had been there for her when times had gotten tough with Darion. Stroking her hair repeatedly, she soothed her, and told her everything would be okay.
“It won’t,” she snivelled. “Everything’s a mess.”
“No, it’s not. You’re both new at this stuff. It’ll get easier, I promise.”
“We’re terrible parents.”
“That’s not true. You both love that baby. You’d do anything for him. I know you would.” Gabi stood up and held out her hand. “Go and have a nice, hot bath. Then style your hair and do your make-up. I want to see the old Gina.”
“I can’t.”
“You can. I’ll watch Preston,” she said firmly.
“Are you sure?”
Gabi rolled her eyes, and took hold of Preston. Sitting down on the sofa, she placed him on her lap.
“What’s the matter with you, huh?” she cooed, stroking his soft head of hair. “What’s all this noise about?”
The baby continued to cry. Gabi took in the fluffy outfit he was wearing. Her brow furrowed in confusion. “Gina, how long has he been wearing this?” The room temperature was hot even to Gabi. In a flimsy shirt, she couldn’t imagine how hot Preston felt wrapped in wool. He resembled a stuffed teddy bear.
“Um, a couple of days.”
“Do you always dress him in these sorts of clothes?”
She nodded. “The nurse said he could have trouble maintaining his body temperature.” Gina burst into hysterics again. “It’s my fault he’s like this. The nurse said smoking, drinking, and abusing drugs can play a part in a baby’s health.”
“Don’t blame yourself.” Gabi began stripping the clothes off a still screaming Preston. “There are drug addicts and alcoholics that have healthy babies. There are also extremely healthy people who have unhealthy babies. Sometimes these things just happen.”
As soon as the outfit was off Preston, he stopped crying. Gabi stroked his babygrow of which he’d also had under the fluffy number. It was soaked in sweat. “Gina, he’s been boiling hot for days. No wonder he was crying. Has he been sleeping in this?”
She nodded meekly. “I didn’t want him to get cold.” She wiped her cheeks.
“You can’t put him in these types of clothes. It’s not even winter.”
Preston began gurgling, and moving his arms and legs. Gabi’s heart swelled with love. He was the cutest baby she’d ever seen. He looked perfect, and healthy in her eyes. She peeled off the babygrow. “Bring me his bathtub please, and some light clothes. Another babygrow, or a vest and shorts.”
“Okay.”
A few minutes later, Gina placed everything Gabi had asked for on the floor.
“Now, go and have a relaxing bath. I’ll take care of him.”
Gina paused in the doorway. “Thank you for helping me, Gabi.”
“I’d do anything for Darion,” she responded. “And I’d like to help make things a little easier for you if I can.”
“I really didn’t plan this. I lost Johnny and everything.”
“I believe you.”
“Thank you for not taking Darion away from Preston.”
“I’d never do that.”
When Gabi was left alone with Preston, she placed him in his Moses basket, and quickly filled his tub. She then spent the next hour bathing him, dressing him, feeding him, and rocking him to sleep. She had read and edited quite a few books on motherhood and enjoyed the odd self-help book here and there. She was pleasantly surprised how natural handling Preston came to her. She was broody as hell. Her heart tightened in her chest. How she wished it was her baby Darion had and not Gina’s.
Chapter Thirty
Darion
Darion drained his beer quickly, and ordered another. His legs almost gave way, and he had to grip hold of the bar to steady himself. Shit! He chuckled. Jasmine collected his empty glass and handed him another beer. She told him he’d had more than enough, and it was the last one she was serving him. He slapped the bar in frustration. Just because he didn’t own The Black Door anymore didn’t mean she had a right to refuse him another drink. He sighed heavily, and as he retrieved a silver tin from his pocket, his stare landed on the stage. Wendy and Lexi were seductively dancing, half-naked. Marnie was flirting with a customer. It was like old times. He liked it.
Popping the cigar in his mouth, he fiddled with the lighter to get it to work. He cursed under his breath. Rolling her eyes, Jasmine took a black strip of matches, decorated with the club’s gold logo, and lit one. He thanked her and took a long drag. As the nicotine filled his lungs, he exhaled on a smile. He’d had to get away from his now messy apartment, from Preston’s screaming, and from Gabi and Gina’s arguing. It was all too much for him to handle. He never seemed to be able to do anything right. He was just like his own dad: a shit one.
He winked when Lexi gave him a little wave. He could have had a drink at Retox, but he’d needed to see familiar friendly faces. The Black Door was like home, and he was more than comfortable there. Well, he was until he heard a sultry voice.
“Back so soon?”
Lifting his head, he took in the sight of Eva before him. Her long, black hair hung silkily down her back, like it always did. Her mouth curled at the corners, as if amused at the drunken sight of him. “Trouble in paradise?”
“Paradise,” he blurted out. “I wish.”
“What’s wrong?” Eva slid onto the stool next to him, and ordered Jasmine to fetch her a drink.
“Nothing that concerns you,” he mumbled, blowing out smoke.
“You know Carl doesn’t permit smoking in his club.”
Darion glared at her. “Don’t piss me off, Eva.”
“So.” She took a sip of her drink when she received it. “How’s parenthood treating you?”
“What do you think…Marnie!” he called out. “Can you get rid of this cigar, darlin’?”
“Sure.” She took it from his outstretched hand.
“That tough, huh?”
He didn’t respond. He wished Eva would leave him in peace to drown his sorrows. Taking another swig of his drink, he then slammed the glass on the bar, causing beer to spill. He shakily clambered to his feet, and grabbed the keys to his motorbike. He wanted the adrenaline rush the speed gave him. He was about to exit the club when Eva blocked his view. Placing her palms on his chest, she shook her head.
“You’re not driving in that state.”
“Watch me.” He pushed past her.
He was yanked back around when she gripped hold of his t-shirt. “Darion, you’re drunk. You can’t drive,” she yelled. “Lennie!”
Darion sc
offed when Lennie marched over, and hooked his arm through his. “Come on, Daz. I can take you to the office, or to Retox. Whichever you fancy.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“He needs to stay here,” Eva agreed, snatching his keys. “Don’t let his new employees see him in this state. It doesn’t set a good example.”
“I’m going upstairs.” Darion yanked his arms back, freeing himself. “I want my VIP booth, champagne, the full fucking works.”
“It’s not a good idea, Daz,” Lennie warned him.
“Len, he’s drunk. He won’t listen. I’ll take him upstairs.”
Lennie sighed heavily. “Has anyone got Gabi or Gina’s number?”
“Don’t call them,” Darion spat. “I need to be here, where I belong…” he slurred.
He rubbed his palms up and down his face, exhaustion having kicked in. The beers were starting to take effect. Ascending the stairs on his shaky legs, he had to grip the rail to prevent from falling. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this drunk.
“Leave him to me,” he heard Eva sternly tell Lennie. Then she was helping him up the stairs.
“I wanna see what Carl’s done with the playrooms.” He hadn’t seen them since Carl had taken over. Curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn’t wait to see if there was anything new in store.
“I’ll show you.” Eva smirked, a twinkle appearing in her eye. “It will be just my pleasure.”
***
Gabi
It was a day later, and Gabi hadn’t heard a word from Darion. He hadn’t called or sent her a text. She had tried to ring him several times, but his mobile had been switched off. She had even rung the office to Retox, and had been told he hadn’t been seen. She silently prayed nothing bad had happened to him. Or that he hadn’t done anything stupid. He had taken his motorbike, and she always worried when he drove that thing. When her mobile vibrated on her desk, she snatched it up without even checking the caller ID.
“Hello.”
“Gabi.”
“Gina. Have you heard anything?”
“No. I’m really worried. I know what he’s capable of when he goes missing for days on end.”
“What do you mean?” She straightened her back, and inhaled air, fearing the worst.
“He used to go on benders. He would do nothing but drink, gamble…and use the playrooms.”
Oh no. Gabi tugged at her collar, feeling hot and claustrophobic. Perhaps Gina’s walk down memory lane had sent him running back to the playrooms. She cranked opened the window, and allowed a light breeze to enter the room. “Have you rung the club?”
“Yeah. Carl hasn’t seen him.”
Gabi tapped her heel-clad foot on the floor, and searched her brain for ideas on where he could be. “Do you think I should call the police? What if he’s had an accident or something?”
“I don’t know. Maybe try the club again.”
“I will.” Collapsing onto her chair, she said, “How’s Preston doing?”
“Really well. You’re a lifesaver, Gabi. He’s sleeping so much better. I honestly didn’t think his clothes were the problem. I feel terrible.”
“You were only doing what you thought was best. And other things probably played a part too.”
“Let me know if you hear anything.”
“You too. Bye, Gina.”
Gabi searched her mobile contact list for the number of the club. Her stomach somersaulted at what she would hear. If he was there, would she be relieved or terrified? When the tone filled her ears, she almost ended the call. Surely Darion wouldn’t have gotten so drunk as to not know what he was doing. Building up the courage with a mental pep talk, telling herself he wouldn’t betray her, she waited patiently for an answer.
“Hello,” a soft voice purred down the line.
Gabi tasted something sour in her mouth. “Hi, Eva. It’s Gabi.”
“Oh. I was wondering when you’d call.”
Her spine went rigid. “Why is that?”
“Your boyfriend has been here for almost two days.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’s been paralytic drunk. But he’s okay. He was having a bit of fun, that’s all.”
“What do you mean, fun?” she asked slowly.
“Before you get your knickers in a twist, it wasn’t with me.” She giggled. “As much as I wanted to fuck the life out of him, it was the hundred other girls in the playrooms you needed to worry about.”
Gabi’s lower lids filled with tears. “Is he still there now?”
“No. He left about an hour ago. You should thank me, by the way.”
Gabi remained silent, trying her hardest not to scream abuse down the phone.
“He wanted to drive in the state he was in.”
“Do you know where he was going?” She didn’t have time to make small talk with Eva Rhodes, the bitch ex-wife she despised. She could bet Eva had been in her element when she had the company of a drunken Darion. Had she made a move on him? More so, had Darion given into temptation? She trusted him when he was sober, but when intoxicated, she had no idea of how he’d behave. She couldn’t believe he had been in the playrooms without her. She instantly began thinking of the worst. He had been surrounded by many women, probably beautiful, daring, sexually adventurous women. She swallowed back vomit.
“He didn’t say where he was going. Sorry.” With that the line disconnected.
Gabi stared at her mobile, her eyes wide. Then the shock turned to rage. Eva was purposely trying to rile her up. She decided to contact Lexi and see if she could get some sense out of her.
“Hey, pretty lady,” she answered cheerily. “Long time, no speak.”
“Hi, Lex. Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Everything’s great. Did you give your devilish boyfriend a couple of nights off? He was causing all kinds of havoc at the club.” She laughed.
“I haven’t heard from him in two days. I’m calling because me and Gina have been sick with worry.”
“Oh.”
“I rang Carl and he hadn’t seen him.”
“He wouldn’t have. Carl’s been cooped up in his office for the past week.”
“Do you know where Darion is now?”
“I don’t.”
Gabi licked her dry lips to moisten them. She mustered up the courage to ask what was niggling away at her, “Did he do anything stupid?”
“I wouldn’t know. I was downstairs working.”
“Okay, thanks, Lex. I need to find him.” Gabi stood up. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Sure. Let me know when he’s found safe and sound.”
“I will do. Bye.”
Gabi strode out of her office, past Mallory’s desk, and the elevators. She entered the bathroom and splashed cold water on her heated face. If Darion had sent her a text message stating he was safe, but needed time out, she wouldn’t have minded. It was being kept in the dark which hurt and worried her. Was it she, Gina, or Preston he was trying to get away from, or all three of them? What happened to facing his responsibilities?
What if he had let loose in the playrooms, and betrayed her? Had he tried to get one over on her by punishing her for the time she had kissed Lawrence? She hoped he wasn’t that petty.
Back in the office she glanced at the wall clock. She’d really been looking forward to dance class that evening. Now her high spirits had plummeted. If Darion wasn’t around to be there for Gina and Preston, then she’d have to step in. Seeing Gina unrecognisable, and in that state had broken her heart. Johnny, the man she loved, had left her, Darion had now left her, and she was struggling with motherhood. Gabi knew sometimes in life you had to do the right thing, not necessarily the easiest thing.
Chapter
Thirty-One
“Hi, Gina.” Gabi smiled when Gina opened the door. She was pleased to see Gina was looking more her usual self. Her blonde waves tumbled down her back. Her make-up consisted of smoky eyes and pink lips, which accentuated her features,
and her impressive cleavage was peeping out through her vest top. Her body was still petite, but curvaceous, and one would never guess she had been pregnant. “How are you?”
“I’m good.” She bent down and picked up a few toys, tossing them into a basket. “I managed to do a bit of cleaning today.” She placed her hand on her hip. “Preston has been sleeping for a few hours straight.”
“Oh, good.” Gabi scanned the room. It was much tidier. She peered into the Moses basket to see Preston asleep. He was dressed in a blue babygrow, and had matching mitts on his hands. The blanket was only covering his legs. His colouring looked better. He appeared to have even put on weight. Gabi had an urge to reach out and stroke him, but she stopped herself, not wanting to wake him. “Fancy a coffee?” she asked Gina, heading for the kitchen.
“I would love a coffee,” she groaned in delight.
Gabi switched on the kettle, and took two cups, along with coffee out of the cupboard. She found it weird being in Darion’s apartment without him being there. “I can’t believe Darion isn’t home yet.”
“Yeah.” Gina sighed. “But as I said, this isn’t out of character for Darion.”
“Eva told me he was in the playrooms, with hundreds of beautiful women.”
Gina rolled her eyes. “Eva would say anything if she believed it would put a strain on your relationship.”
“Why else would he go to the club?” Gabi spooned coffee granules into the cups.
“Maybe to visit everyone.” She shrugged a shoulder. “Unless…”
“What is it?” Gabi swivelled around to face her.
“I’m sorry, Gabi.” She crossed her arms over her chest, causing her breasts to rise. “I brought up the times at The Black Door with Darion. I was just thinking of the old days.” She threw her a sympathetic look. “I shouldn’t have done that. I was comforting myself, trying to remember before I had Preston I at least had a good time.”
Gabi tried to keep a straight face, and not reveal she’d heard the conversation. She rubbed her forehead. “Did it sound like he wanted to return to that lifestyle?” Would his dark desires ever be a thing of the past?