If Magic didn’t want to know, fine. I’d raise the kid myself, without any input from him. No visits, no child support, nothing. Magic wouldn’t exist. It would be me and bambino against the world. I’d make life worth living even if I worked two jobs.
“Honey, you’ll never be alone. Whatever happens, you’ll have me,” Aster said, surprising me before grinning. “You were speaking out loud.”
“Sorry. Anyway. Tell me about what’s happening with you and Jens or Kanon (meaning Gun), as he prefers?”
Aster blushed. She’d been dating a biker from Denmark who was vacationing over here. Kanon’s visa was due to expire soon, and he’d asked Aster to go home with him.
“I’m going with Kanon. You only live once, right?” Aster said. I squealed with happiness for her and reached out to hug her tightly. Simultaneously, my heart was breaking. Aster was moving on with her biker while I felt left behind. I couldn’t imagine life without my best friend.
“Magic will come around,” Aster murmured, rubbing my back.
“We’ll see,” I replied, but deep down, I believed Magic wouldn’t. Things were going to go badly for me—the sensation of losing him was permanent, and I should start accepting it.
???
“Magic, don’t forget I’ve got a doctor’s appointment today. I need you there,” I said as we ate breakfast.
“What time?”
“One. I scheduled it to coincide with your lunch break.”
“I’ll try to attend,” Magic replied, distracted.
“Magic, you really need to meet me there.”
Magic’s fist hit the table and made me jump. “For fuck’s sake, Jody! I said I’ll try.”
“Magic, this is important!”
“Okay. Text me the address and time,” Magic responded, but I could see he was preoccupied. He was tapping at his phone and not paying attention. Had he listened at all? I smashed my cup down on the table, and this time, Magic jumped.
“I need you to be there. If you’re absent, I’ll understand where I stand. Am I clear?” I ground out with rage. “You don’t even have the courtesy to look at me when I’m talking to you!”
“I’ve got shit going on…” Magic began, and I cut him off angrily.
“Lately, that’s all you say. Do you want to be here? Are you trying to break up?” I demanded.
“No! Not everything is about you, Jody,” Magic said cuttingly.
“No, it’s not. However, if you fail to attend, then I’ll know where I stand on your list of priorities. You’ve not even fuckin’ asked why I’m going to the doctor, or want you there,” I accused. Magic looked shocked and opened his mouth. But I was done. “One o’clock. If you miss this, then what happens next is on your head.”
Magic
I was furious. Couldn’t Jody see how stressed I was? I didn’t need petty demands for attention right now. Ever since she’d been sick, Jody had become a total bitch. I had the feeling something was happening, but I couldn’t concentrate on whatever that was. My plans to extract myself were going ahead, and I had the equipment I wanted. It had to be soon, as Salvos kept making veiled threats.
I wouldn’t bow to him or Mathews. If they thought I was under their thumb because of their threat to harm Jody, they were seriously mistaken. No fucker threatened my woman. Even if we were fighting, Jody remained that. I was doing this to keep her safe. All Jody needed to do was learn some patience. Like those demands today. What had that been about?
In another week, this would be over, and Jody could have my attention one hundred per cent. I just had to survive this, and then I could make amends. I’d let Jody down, and although I knew she wouldn’t blame me, how did I admit I’d put her in danger? No, not happening. Jody deserved to live in ignorance and bliss, even if she was being a total bitch right now.
Jody
“Here you go,” the sonographer said, handing me several pictures. I smiled weakly as Aster gripped my shoulder.
“Thanks. Can I get dressed?”
“Yes. When you’re ready, take a seat outside, and the doctor will call you.”
I nodded quietly, and she left.
