by S. Valentine
When a glass of white wine was placed before her, she picked it up and crossed the room. As soon as she was before Darion, she questioned the surprise.
“If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise,” he responded, his pupils lacking the usual playful twinkle.
Gabi failed to notice she was tapping the top of her glass repeatedly as nervousness crept in. When Darion returned to playing pool, she perched on a stool. She willed herself to stop overanalysing and worrying about what Darion had in store. Surely after everything they’d been through together, nothing could shock her now.
Chapter
Thirty-Seven
The working week flew by, along with Gabi’s dance class. It was Saturday morning, and Darion’s apartment was unrecognisable. Everywhere she looked she saw blue banners, balloons, and gifts. A large buffet had been spread out in the kitchen, complete with a huge cake. Gina was holding a baby shower for Preston.
Gabi helped herself to a crisp and peered out of the window. She spotted a few guests arriving, laden with presents. Returning to the living room, she smiled at Gina, who was bottle feeding Preston. Gina’s blonde hair hung silkily down her back, and her make-up consisting of dark eyes and nude lips, made her appear like the old, confident Gina. Her vest was low cut, and her tight, black jeans complemented her figure. Gabi was pleased to see she was also finding it easier to handle Preston. He rarely ever cried these days, and when he did, it was only when he was hungry or tired.
The nights Gabi had stopped over at Darion’s apartment, she had witnessed him feeding Preston more and putting him to sleep. It was unfamiliar seeing Darion in daddy-mode, but wonderful seeing the baby bring out emotions in him he usually tried to hide. The admiration and love on his face was visible every time he looked at his son. Gabi didn’t think it was possible to fall for Darion any more, but she did.
“Everything set?” Darion entered the room, yanking a grey V-neck t-shirt over his head. It exposed the top of his chest.
“Yeah.” Gina placed Preston carefully in his Moses basket. “I…um…invited Johnny. I hope you don’t mind.”
“You can invite whoever you want, G.”
“I messaged him. I don’t even know if he’ll show up.”
Gabi threw Gina a sympathetic look. She hoped Johnny did appear. Gina had found a new apartment, and if things went to plan, she’d be moving out in a couple of weeks. Gabi knew Darion would worry about her if she was alone. Although Darion had informed Gabi that Johnny was a tad possessive, he adored Gina. He’d been with her in London, and helped out with her mother. Hopefully the fact he wasn’t Preston’s father had now sunk in, and he was ready to rekindle their relationship.
The doorbell ringing broke the silence, and Gina rushed to answer it. As she greeted them with a hug, Gabi guessed they were relatives of hers. As expected, they hurried over to see Preston, praising him and stating how cute, but small he was. Half an hour passed of guests arriving. When the living room was full, and steady conversations were flowing everywhere, Gabi observed the scene before her. Darion was now holding Preston, whilst Gina was excitedly opening gifts.
Picking up a slice of sponge cake covered in blue icing, she took a bite. As Gina gushed over another gift, and showed it to Darion, Gabi couldn’t help but feel like the odd one out at a party. It was as if she were looking in on someone else’s life. She wondered if she’d always feel insecure and a tiny bit envious when it came to this aspect of Darion’s life. Would he even notice if she wasn’t there? Would it always be like that? After all, next would come the christening, Preston’s birthdays, Christmases, and every other celebration that occurred.
Before she could feel sorry for herself, the doorbell rang. Neither Gina nor Darion noticed. Gabi went to answer it, and came face to face with Darion’s mom and dad. Her shoulders dropped. They weren’t exactly the friendliest of people.
“Hi,” she greeted them, manufacturing a grin.
“Hmmm…” his dad mumbled, passing her.
“Hi, Gabi.” His mom smiled tightly, and Gabi was surprised she had remembered her name.
“Gabi!” Dion appeared and pulled her into a brief hug. “How are you?”
“I’m okay, thanks. How about you?”
Dropping several presents on the counter, she informed her she was fine. Odelia waved at Gabi shyly. She looked adorable in a little pink dress, matching bows in her plaits, and white knee-high socks.
“Hello, Odelia.” She bent down and took hold of her hand. “Do you remember me?”
She giggled with a little nod.
“Jane,” Darion called out, rising to his feet.
Odelia raced toward him, hooking her arms around his legs. Darion crouched to the floor, and introduced her to Preston. Odelia jumped up and down, squealing in excitement. Darion instructed her to sit on the sofa, and then he placed the baby on her lap, positioning a cushion for support under her arm. Odelia, wide-eyed and in awe, began stroking Preston’s head.
“Watch her with him, G,” he said, before approaching his parents. “Mom, Dad.” He nodded at them. “I wasn’t sure whether you’d come.”
“We almost didn’t,” his mom responded drily. “It’s not so easy getting a day off when you don’t own the company.”
Gabi watched as Darion rubbed at the stubble on his jaw, clearly uncomfortable at his mother’s dig.
“I don’t own that type of bar anymore,” he informed her quietly. “It’s a normal bar. You should both come. I think you’d like it.”
“I’ll definitely come,” Dion said, before pulling him into a tight embrace. “As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I need to go and cuddle this baby of yours.”
“So…I see you’re not with Preston’s mother,” his dad said. “What happened there?”
They weren’t suited, but they had the guts to go their separate ways, unlike you pair, Gabi wanted to say. Whitney and Luca had remained together for the sake of Darion and Dion, but they didn’t make one another happy. Whitney worked two stressful jobs, hating what her life had become, and Luca was always getting drunk in bars, and gallivanting with other women, making up for lost time.
“We weren’t right together,” Darion told them. “We decided it’d be best to give Preston a good childhood, rather than stay together, and make it miserable.”
Gabi was immensely proud of Darion for putting that out there. He usually kept silent about the emotional baggage and bad stuff, not placing the blame on them. It wasn’t because he feared their reaction, but more about not wanting to upset them. No matter how badly they treated him, he always wanted them to be happy.
“Your childhood would have been happier if your dad had gotten off his arse and made an effort,” his mother remarked.
“Here we go.” Luca sighed heavily.
“Let’s not dwell on the past,” Darion said, and offered them a drink. “Today is for Preston. And believe it or not, I’m glad you’re here.”
When they both had a drink in their hands, they pushed themselves through the crowd, and joined Gina. The ice-queen’s heart must have melted, for Gabi spotted the merriment in Whitney’s eyes.
“Sorry if I’ve neglected you a little today,” Darion said softly, sliding his hands around her waist. Goosebumps prickled along her skin, and she suddenly wished they were alone. When his groin pressed against her, her temperature rose. She hooked her arms around his neck, and met his stare. It drifted to his full lips, his most compelling feature other than his eyes.
“It’s fine,” she lied, not wanting to appear needy, or selfish at feeling a little left out.
“I can’t wait until everyone leaves so I can have my wicked way with you.” He winked, a slow smirk surfacing. His hands landed on her buttocks and he pulled her into him.
“I can’t wait until we’ve got this whole place to ourselves again.” She tiptoed and planted a kiss on his mouth. His tongue parted her lips and he deepened the kiss. It became firm and possessive, and he pinned her against the counter. H
er moans were muffled, and a heavy, hot pressure settled in her pelvic region. Her nipples strained against the fabric of her dress. She wanted him urgently. He was hardening with arousal, his erection skimming between her legs. Feeling self-conscious that people were watching, Gabi reluctantly tore herself away.
Darion slowly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. His irises were glowing with passion. Straightening his posture, he picked up his drink. “I’m glad Gina will be only a walking distance away.”
“Do you think Johnny will show up?”
They turned to watch Gina. She must have been thinking the same for she was focused on the door. The disappointment was apparent, even through her forced smile, when she looked back at the baby.
“I have no idea.”
Lexi, Marnie, Tiana, Wendy, Lennie, Travis, and Darion’s aunt however, attended. After Gabi had exchanged pleasantries with them all, she took the rest of her cake and crossed the room. She settled in front of the window, not wanting to get in the way. The whole room applauded and cooed when Gina dressed Preston into a gifted outfit. He was wearing a white t-shirt with blue dungarees over the top. The front was emblazoned with the words, ‘Daddy’s Boy.’ Him and Gina exchanged a glance, both appearing as if they’d burst with pride.
“He’s the double of you, Darion,” someone gushed.
“No. He’s definitely got Gina’s features.”
“He’ll be breaking hearts when he’s older.”
The happiness she’d had with Darion a moment ago slipped away. Gabi shoved another slice of cake into her mouth, hoping the sugar rush would lift her spirits. Had she been foolish in believing everything could work out? Her mobile bleeped in her pocket, and she placed her bowl on the side. She clicked onto her inbox. As she read it, her stomach rolled and bile rose in her throat. She took in the words again, ensuring she was reading it right. She was.
Unknown number: Still playing happy families? You’ll always be second best. In fact, make that third. Gina will replace you. Don’t fool yourself, Gabi. Come home.
She spun around and peered out of the window. Was Lawrence following her again? How had he gotten her number? Lawrence only wanted what he couldn’t have, like it was some sort of competition to take her away from Darion. He couldn’t have cared about her. He hadn’t shown her love for a long time during the last months of their relationship. He was miserable and so he wanted to ensure she was too.
She clenched her lids shut for a second, and then blinked back the tears. Why couldn’t he leave her alone? The spiteful digs were torturing her. How could she move on and adapt to Darion’s life, have a future with him when Lawrence was always in the background telling her it wouldn’t last?
She contemplated responding to him, but knowing he wasn’t worth it, she stuffed the mobile into her pocket. Specks of rain began hitting the window. Dark clouds loomed ominously overhead. Then it began pouring down, drenching everything in sight. Gabi watched as a bolt of lightning shot through the sky. She remained rooted to the spot, taking in the depressing weather.
After a few minutes passed, she told herself not to let Lawrence win. Like Eva, he was poison. She couldn’t allow him to ruin her happiness. She needed to file harassment charges for certain, or worse, confide in Darion. She knew how protective he could be over her, and hoped for Lawrence’s sake it was the last she heard from him.
Arranging her features into one of glee, she re-joined the party. Gina was about to open the gift she had bought for Preston. She hoped it was something she would cherish forever. It was a photo album to store his first of everything: his hospital band, a lock of hair, when he grew and eventually lost a tooth, his first birthday photographs, and so on. And now a photograph of his first and only baby shower.
When one of the guests held up a camera, everyone huddled together. Gabi was standing at the back, blocked by a tall man. Clasping her hands together, she looked down at her fingers. She saw the faint white line of where she’d once worn the engagement ring from Lawrence. How unpredictable life could be. In one particular moment, when you thought you had everything mapped out, it changed. Circumstances changed. People changed. As she took in Darion’s stunning smile, she hoped this time nothing would change. As the light from the camera began flashing, she realised it already had. She wasn’t in the picture, and soon, she bet she’d be cut out of it completely, just as she’d feared.
Chapter
Thirty-Eight
Gabi rolled over, stretching out her legs. She immediately felt for Darion. A feeling of emptiness made her stomach ache when she found he wasn’t there. Sitting up, she grabbed a band from the side and tied her hair up. The clock displayed it was early morning. The sun was yet to show.
A few hours into the baby shower, Gabi had snuck off to watch a movie in bed. The guests had stayed longer than she’d anticipated. There was only so much she could talk about with Dion, Darion’s parents, Lexi, Marnie, and Gina until she became knackered. Darion had promised he’d join her as soon as he could. He obviously hadn’t. Whatever happened to having his wicked way with her? Not that she particularly cared about that. She would have preferred a cuddle, anything to be reminded he hadn’t forgotten about her.
The apartment was silent and the only sound was the rain pelting on the window. She didn’t need to see the doom and gloom of the sky, for she could feel it. The weather reflected her mood.
Making her way to the living room, she stepped over burst balloons, and took in the mess of plates and empty cups scattered on the counter. She cursed quietly when she stepped onto a balled up piece of wrapping paper. The room looked like a bomb had hit it.
The sound of gentle snores made her creep further into the dark room. She could make out figures on a blanket on the floor. She wished she didn’t see Darion and Gina sprawled out across the floor, sleeping together. When she opened the curtain a little and allowed the light of the moon to gently sweep in, she viewed the scene before her. She almost melted on the spot.
Darion was lying on his back, his legs covered in a sheet and his top half completely bare. A small, naked Preston was sleeping on his chest. Darion’s features weren’t scrunched up from a bad dream, as she’d seen many times. He appeared relaxed, and his lips lifted slightly at the corners, as if he were smiling. It was the most stunning thing she had ever seen.
She was about to leave the room when Preston blinked his eyes open. Instead she froze to the spot, not wanting to disturb him. When he moved his arms and legs, and his gaze met hers, she expected him to cry. Her breath held tight inside her. He gurgled and the tiniest grin crossed his face. Gabi’s shoulders relaxed and she slowly crouched down. She was desperate to reach out and take hold of his hand. His big, curious eyes remained on her.
“Hey,” Darion’s croaky voice made her jump.
“Oh.” She clasped her chest. “I didn’t realise you were awake.”
“I only planned to get him to sleep, and then I was gonna put him in his basket,” he explained the reason for leaving her alone, his expression one of guilt.
“It’s okay.”
“Come here.” He lifted the sheet up.
Gabi crawled beneath it. Together they watched Preston in silence. When Darion’s lips pressed against her temple, she rested her head on his chest too. He hooked his arm around her tightly, and for the first time, she really felt like she was part of his family. Maybe she had been wrong. Maybe she would be there for Preston’s first of everything too.
***
Sunday afternoon Gabi, Darion, Gina, and Preston were at a restaurant having breakfast when Gina’s mobile rang. She answered the unidentified number warily. When she finished the call, she squealed in delight.
“Guess what?”
Darion shrugged a shoulder.
Gina tapped his arm playfully, narrowing her eyes at him for being no fun. “They finished the bathroom early, and I can move into the new apartment.”
“That’s great news, G.”
“I can collect the ke
ys anytime.”
Darion rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Are you sure you’ll be okay living on your own? You know you’re welcome to stay at my apartment. I just thought you’d prefer your own space.”
“I need my own space, Darion. And I’ll be fine.” She peered into the pram to check Preston was okay. Satisfied he was, she continued, “I’m only around the corner.”
Darion pushed his empty plate away. “Promise me you’ll call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
“So, when do you want to move?”
Gina laughed. “I’m excited, Daz. I wouldn’t mind getting the keys today. The place is fully furnished too.”
“If you want to move some of your stuff, then I’ll help you do it.”
“Gabi.” Gina grabbed hold of her hand. “Will you do me a small favour?”
“Sure,” she responded, hoping it was something she could handle.
“Will you watch Preston for a few hours?”
“Um…” She smiled, swelling with confidence, ecstatic Gina trusted her to look after Preston. “I’d love to.”
An hour later Gina and Darion were going back and forth from Darion’s apartment, to Gina’s new apartment, moving her belongings. Gabi was sat before the television, cartoons playing, and entertaining Preston. He cried at first, probably unsure of who she was. After she’d fed and changed him, he began to accept her. He lay across her lap, moving his limbs frantically, and mumbling incoherently. She bowed her head and kissed him tenderly on the forehead. She lingered longer than necessary, inhaling his sweet, fresh baby smell. She stroked his tiny palm, and allowed him to wrap his fingers around her thumb. He was Darion all over. His eyes were the exact same, his lips had the fullness of Darion’s, and his hair was dark. She could just imagine how cute he’d looked when it grew down his neck, and was styled the same. Preston may not be her baby, but she strongly cared for him. It was impossible not to.