AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No,” I say truthfully.
“If his mother spent years telling him he’s dangerous, then he needs someone he loves and trusts to tell him he’s not. And maybe the way you tell him that, is by asking him to stay and showing him that you trust him.”
Two hours later, Shay’s words were still floating in my head. I understand what she said. Gabriel just needs to know that I trust him, and I have faith in him. But there is a part of me that’s afraid to ask. What if I ask him to stay and he still says no. I don’t think I can take that kind of rejection.
“Well, hello, stranger.” The deep voice has me looking up from my seat at the table.
“Hi, Andrew.”
After leaving Shay, I had to drop off some jewelry at one of the boutiques that happens to be two stores down from Books and More. And whenever we are near Books and More, we have to come by, even if Malia is on a leave of absence. I glance over to the fireplace to find Gabe engrossed in the new book I just bought him.
Andrew pulls out the chair across from me and sits down as if I invited him. “My last few phone calls have gone to voicemail. Is everything okay?”
I honestly have been meaning to have a conversation with Andrew. However, it seems every time he’s called Gabriel was standing right beside me and it didn’t seem like a good time to answer.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” I straighten in my seat. “You’re a great guy. I mean, I had a lot of fun with you, but right now is not a really good time for me to date. With Gabe and the business…”
Andrew cuts me off with a dry chuckle that doesn’t sound friendly at all.
“Let me guess,” he says leaning back in his seat. “You’re getting back with your deadbeat baby daddy.”
To say his words shocked me is an understatement. Never has anyone ever accused Gabriel of being deadbeat. Absentee, sure. But not deadbeat.
“Excuse me?” I ask rolling my neck.
He gives one of those fake ass laughs again. “You know what kills me about girls like you. You swear you want the good guy. The guy with his shit together. But the moment one of us shows you any attention, you run right back to the abusive asshole bad boy.”
“Wow,” I say astonished by his arrogance. I’m definitely seeing a new side of Andrew today. “You know nothing about me or my child’s father. And fun fact, calling yourself a ‘good guy’ usually means you’re not.”
“Says the ex-junkie.”
His words sting a little, but nothing more than I’ve heard before. My sister and mother have said much worse.
“This conversation is over.” I stand from my seat and grab my purse. Andrew leaps up also blocking my way. I try to go around him, but he grabs my arm.
“Let me go,” I grit out as I snatch away from him.
“I had no real intentions of going back out with you after that first date. I don’t lower my standards to date single mother drug addicts. But while I was in that bathroom, I thought about it. The least I could get out of this farce is an easy fuck. Because let’s be honest, what else are you good for? I know you didn’t think I was really interested in you.”
Part of me is screaming in my head that he’s only saying those words to hurt me. He’s lashing out because I didn’t choose him. But I can’t lie as if they don’t hurt like hell.
“Fuck you, Andrew.”
I walk past him, heading for my son before he can see the glimmer in my eyes from the tears I’m holding back.
“He’s going to leave too, Summer.” His words stop me in my tracks even though I don’t turn to face him. “As soon as baby daddy gets done using your body, he’s going to leave you too. No one keeps trash.”
I walk away from Andrew. No matter how much I tell myself to ignore his hurtful words, my heart is not trying to hear it. Old thoughts run through my head. The desire to escape, to run away to that dull place where emotions can’t reach me, is so loud I can almost taste the relief on my tongue. After five long years, my demons have made a reappearance.
Beast
Sliding the back patio door open, my heart races with excitement to see her. I now know what the feeling is. As soon as I step into the house, I know something is wrong.
The living room is dark, and the television is off. Glancing at my watch, I notice it’s only a little after ten. No way Summer is in bed.
I drop my black duffle by the door and lock up before heading upstairs. I first check on Gabe. He’s fast asleep in his bed. I close his door back and head to Summer’s work room. The lights are off and she’s not there.
A strange feeling takes over me. It causes me to stop in my tracks. I shut my eyes and place a hand over my racing heart. Something is wrong. Opening my eyes, I rush to Summer’s room.
