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"I get it, Gabi. It's not just the baby, is it?"
I sigh, shaking my head. "No, it's everything. Every time I step outside, there's a camera flashing in my face. The paparazzi are relentless, Lex! I can't even get groceries without someone asking me invasive questions. And don't get me started on social media. So many fans think I'm ruining Jacob's career—as if his personal life is any of their business!"
Lexi squeezes my hand. "I had no idea it was this bad."
I try to chuckle, but it's more of a defeated exhale. "It's like dating a celebrity comes with a giant, glowing neon sign that says, 'No Privacy Allowed'. I can handle Baby Blades' midnight soccer matches, but dealing with the constant scrutiny and criticism? It's exhausting."
Lexi's determination only seems to grow stronger. "Well, then it's even more crucial that we get you some peace and quiet. We're talking no phones, no social media, and definitely no paparazzi." She pauses a beat. "And maybe in the meantime, no Jacob?"
I frown. "What do you mean 'no Jacob'? He's the father of my child."
"Exactly. You need to focus on you and Baby Blades right now. Jacob...clearly has other priorities right now. My thoughts? He can wait."
The thought of not seeing Jacob for any more time than I already have is a pang, but Lexi's right. I need to focus on my own well-being and the well-being of my baby. And if that means cutting out any unnecessary distractions, then so be it.
"Fine. No Jacob," I concede with a sigh. "You're right. I need to take care of myself and my baby first."
"Damn straight you do. And if anyone asks, we'll just tell them that Gabi is taking a well-deserved break from all this drama."
"Well, if anyone can get me some much-needed peace and quiet, it's you," I say, giving her a hug.
"It's what best friends are for," Lexi replies with a smile.
As we leave the doctor's office and make our way back to the car, I try not to think about Jacob's response to my sudden disappearance.
It's already been three days.
Three long days without his touch, his presence, his laughter. And I'm already going crazy.
But I can't let him or anyone else distract me from taking care of myself and my baby.
This is just temporary, and once everything settles down, we can figure out where we stand.
At least, that's what I tell myself as I settle into the passenger seat of Lexi's car and let her drive me home.
Chapter 19
Jacob
Igrip the steering wheel tightly as I navigate the streets of Chicago, my mind racing faster than the car.
The playoffs are going up in flames.
Two losses. Two gut-wrenching defeats that I can't even drown with Halstead's annoying laugh.
No amount of team pep talking can extinguish the glaring truth hitting me like a puck to the gut...
I can't fucking do this without Gabi.
The morning of Game Two, I woke up to an empty bed and a text.
"Gone for a few days. Need some space."
Space? What the hell did that even mean?
I've called her multiple times, but she hasn't picked up. Did she really think I wouldn't go looking for her?
Later, I drive aimlessly around the city. Doesn't take me long to realize there's only one place Gabi would go when she needs space: her best friend Lexi's house.
