“Fuck.”
For the last ten years, since Cara died, I’ve campaigned for harsher penalties on drug dealers. I’ve donated to causes and given free legal aid for families who have lost someone to drugs.
How can I give my heart to someone who sits on the other side of that?
My clothes are on the floor where I left them last night, and I pull them on with a heavy heart. The bedsheets are crumpled, and I think back to our lovemaking last night. Only twelve hours ago I was the happiest man in the world. I had found Stella, and I finally felt anchored. Ready to bring her home and start our family.
Now I’m a man on his own again, on his one-man crusade against drugs.
I pull on my leather jacket and pick up the ring from the table.
No wonder she ran from Cleo’s. She knew I wouldn’t want to be with her when I learned the truth. And stupid fool that I am, I found her anyway.
I turn the ring over in my fingers. I can’t imagine the Stella I know doing all those things she told me about.
If she was a troubled youth off the rails, then she’s changed her life around. She works in a nursing home looking after vulnerable people. She volunteered for the War on Drugs street team.
People can change. She’s proven it.
Maybe some people do deserve a second chance. Maybe the answer isn’t tougher penalties but rehabilitation and education.
Stella made bad choices, and she’s paid for them. Does she need to keep paying for the rest of her life?
I take a steady breath as the emotions that have been fighting inside me settle into place.
There’s no excusing what Stella did. But there’s no denying my feelings for her. I love Stella, and I’m not giving up on her.
If she can change, I can change.
I grab my helmet and head for the door. I just hope I’m not too late to catch her this time.
20
STELLA
Icount out the money from my fanny pack one more time. There’s enough to pay rent for one more month, but I don’t know what I’ll do after that.
I swipe at tears.
I’ll have to go back to Cleo’s. Will doesn’t want me, and I don’t blame him. I don’t want to be a burden to Cleo, but maybe I can work at the club.
I’ll find a way. I always do.
The roar of a bike has me wiping my eyes and running to the window. My heart jumps in my throat when I see Will.
But he’s probably here for the baby. He won’t let his child be brought up by a criminal. He’ll probably want to take her when she’s born.
I hold my belly protectively. I’m not giving up my baby, even if she’ll have a better life with him.
Will knocks, and I open the door. “You’re not taking her.”
He looks confused. “What?”
“If you’ve come to tell me you’re taking the baby when she’s born, I’m telling you I won’t give her up.”
He shakes his head. “Can I come in?”
I pull open the door, and he steps inside. He seems too big for my tiny entryway that opens right into the kitchen.
