“Nope. It’s like someone’s fucking died in here. Get up.”
“How long am I going to have to put up with lectures from you?”
“When you start being a fucking adult, and act like a man.” He threw the cushion to my feet.
“She won’t answer me. What the fuck do you want me to do?” I stared at him for a second, “And what the fuck are you here with me for when your wife is in hospital?”
“Actually, she’s at home. She argued with the doctor to let her come home last night when all the pains had stopped and her BP had dropped to a more normal level. So, Nikki is with Paisley, and you have me.”I wanted to wipe that smug smile off his face.
I groaned.Great.
“Can I ask you a question?” Roman chewed on his lip, I sat up and nodded, “What made you think that when she saw Nikki in one of your T-shirts that she wouldn’t think the wrong thing? I mean, I know nothing happened…” he paused for a breath, “…did it?” his eyes narrowed. I was treating that question with the contempt it fucking deserved, and refused to answer.
“I didn’t expect her to turn up. The last time I saw her she told me to leave. How the fuck was I supposed to know. I didn’t expect Nik to turn up either, but as ever, she surprised me.”
“Women mate, don’t ever assume, because you’ll always be fucking wrong.” He breathed in deeply and stared at something over my head, I could see him thinking, I could hear his brain working. “Okay. then you need to see Holly. If she isn’t at home, find out where she is.”
“Easier said than done. She hates me.”
“Who, Karen? I don’t think she hates you really.”
“No, Holly. She fucking hates me, why would she help?”
“Because she loves her friend more, and if I upset Paisley, I know I’d have Nikki on my case and even Lesley, even thoughshe’s back in England. That girl would be on the first plane out and kicking my arse.” I smiled. He was right. He had the third degree when they finally came out as a couple.
“Fuck’s sake.” I covered my face, “I love her, Rome.” I blurted out. Not that he didn’t already think that, but at least I’d told him, finally. As my gaze lifted to his, the slow, know-it-all smile formed on his lips. “Fuck you.” I cursed. I didn’t need this today.
His loud laugh filled the room as he patted my shoulder firmly. “Then go fucking get her. Sort this shit out before you can’t make it back.” I nodded. I knew he was right. I had to swallow my pride and lay it all on the line. And I had to do it today.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Karen
Very tenderly, I dabbed my eyes with a tissue for the umpteenth time since I’d been here, they were so sore now. Pregnancy hormones and a broken heart didn’t mix. But just like Mom said she would, she made me tea and sat with me, then held me tight, just like she used to when I was young. I missed her so much. It’s weird how you turn back into that little girl again when you’re upset.
She listened to me as I explained everything. How we met, the instant attraction I felt to him, even his problems and how I stood by him. All the time I was talking, she nodded and comforted me, told me everything would work out for the best, I just had to wait and see. And that if we loved one another, then it would sort itself out. Then came the news about the baby. She wasn’t ready for that bombshell. Shocked didn’t really cut it.
With the TV remote clenched tightly in my fingers, I searched through cable and flicked through the movie channels. I hadn’t shifted my lazy ass from here all day, I got up out of my old bedand got on the couch, then stayed there, wrapped in a bright pink fleece blanket. Not that it was cold outside, far from it, but I needed comfort. I’d only eaten because mom made me, and she’d brought that to me.
As I focused on the telly, the peace surrounded me. In fact, I’d forgotten just how quiet it was here. Beverly Hills is hectic compared to Santa Monica. Or was that just the madness that was my life right now?
My thoughts faded as mom came into the room and perched herself on the edge of the seat. “Maybe you should get up and have a shower. You can’t lie here all day, baby.” She moved my hair from my eyes and stroked my head, just like mom’s do.
“Why not?” I mumbled feebly as I flicked back through the same channels. I switched it from the movie channels and put some music on instead, then tucked it beneath my cushion.
“Because it’s not healthy.” She added. I didn’t care.
Whether it was healthy or not, I didn’t have it in me to move, or shower, or even eat. I wanted to stay here and dwell in my own sadness. A familiar tune had me glancing away from my mother and to the telly. Hard habit to Break by Chicago played away, it brought even more tears to my eyes. It said everything I was feeling. Mom used to play a lot of sixties, seventies and eighties music when we were growing up, hearing this made me feel nostalgic. “I don’t think this will help,” she nodded at the sad love song on the telly. I shrugged and left it on.
The front door opened and closed again with a slight bang, I looked to my mom with wide eyes, “Your brother is here now.” She said with a tight smile.
“Did you tell him?” I asked, my voice high as I pulled myself up slightly to lean on my elbow.
“I may have mentioned something.”
“Mom.” I whined, and just as I was about to say don’t mention Gav, he walked in the room before I could get the words out.
“Sis. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming down?”
