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Scott shook his head.
“It’s not your fault, Gaby, it’s mine. I knew you were dating Brock, and I pursued you anyway,” Scott began. “And I’m sorry that Brock was hurt, but I don’t regret being with you this weekend, Gaby. It was better than I’d ever imagined, and I’m not willing to let you go, now that I know how amazing things are between us.”
“Scott.” I clenched my hands at my sides, because when his words registered in my brain, I wanted nothing more than to launch myself into his arms. “I can’t go any further with you until I’ve talked to Brock and worked things out.”
Scott stilled and asked, “What do you mean, work things out? Have you decided you want to continue to date him?”
“No,” I responded, almost smiling when he visibly relaxed. “But I can’t begin a relationship with you when things are unresolved with Brock. I know, that probably sounds ridiculous after everything that’s happened this weekend, but now that I know how I hurt Brock with my actions, I can’t move forward until I’ve at least tried to make things right with him. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I hope you can understand that.”
“I do,” Scott answered. “And I’ll back off while you do what you need to do, but, Gabs … I’m not letting you go this time.”
My heart pounded, and this time, I did smile at him.
“I’m counting on it,” I replied, before I turned to go help the girls with the food.
Chapter 21 – Scott
I tried to give Gaby space, while keeping her aware that I was there for her if she needed me. I grabbed her a beer when I noticed hers was low, threw away her plate when she stopped eating, and brushed the hair off her cheek when I passed by to grab the barbecue sauce. I could tell she was still upset, and working through how she could make it up to Brock, and I hated that being with me this weekend was making her feel so guilty, but that was one of the things I loved most about Gaby. Her compassion. And the love she had for her friends.
So, I spent the day chatting with my friends and trying to ease the tension that had descended on the group after Brock’s visit.
In addition to Gaby, TJ also had a hard time dealing with what he was viewing as a betrayal of his friendship with Brock.
“TJ, I’m sorry that I put you in this position; you have to know that I never would have intentionally done so.” We’d finished eating and cleaning up, and were sitting outside watching the sun go down. The girls were inside playing a game, while Cal, TJ, and I sat back and let our food digest.
“I know, man,” TJ said, his voice full of regret. “And, believe me, I’m all about you and Gaby being together. I think the two of you make each other happy, happier than I’ve ever seen either of you, but Brock was right … Once I saw how things were progressing with the two of you, I should have given him a head’s up. He’s my friend too.”
I knew there was nothing I could say to make TJ feel better, but I realized that I would
probably have to man up and have a conversation with Brock myself. I’d let Gaby have her say with him first, and let him get over his initial hurt, but I needed to let go of the bad blood between us and make this right. For my friends, and for my relationship with Gaby.
“Brock’s pissed right now,” Cal added, even though he hadn’t seen what transpired. He was good friends with Brock too, and knew him well. “But he’s a good dude, as loyal as they come … He’ll come around. He’s liked Gaby for a while, so this is gonna sting, but he won’t hold a grudge against us.”
“I hope you’re right,” TJ muttered. “I’m not sure I’d be so forgiving.”
I flinched noticeably at TJ’s words, causing him to say, “Sorry, Scott, but it’s true.”
“It’ll all work out,” Cal said again, always the optimist. I wished I could have the same outlook on life that Cal did, but, in my experience, shit never worked out the way I wanted it to.
I looked into the window, and I could barely make out Gaby sitting at the table with the girls. Her hair was up, and it looked like she was laughing. If anyone could help lift her spirit, it was her friends. The sight of her made me breathe a little easier and I hoped my luck was turning around.
“So,” I began, wanting to change the subject to something more positive, “is everything on track for the grand opening?”
Cal grinned at my words and nodded his head enthusiastically, “Yup, less than two weeks. I can’t believe it’s almost here already!”
TJ sat forward in his chair, leaning his elbows on his thighs as his face brightened. “I’ve made headway on Brady’s Malibu, so I will definitely have it on display for the opening, along with my Camino. Sasha put in an order with Bee Sweet, and they’re gonna cater the desserts, but I think Shelly was going to handle the food stuff.”
He looked over at Cal for affirmation.
“Yup,” Cal agreed. “Shelly’s got it covered. She’s doing stuff like meatballs, wings, etcetera … I’m letting her run with it. She’s pretty excited. And I know whatever Kat and Gaby come up with for the desserts will be awesome. I went around to local businesses and talked with the owners to get their help advertising, and the response has been great. Brock even sent out emails to his clients offering them a free oil change for first-time customers.”
“Sounds like you’re on the right track,” I responded with a smile. I was proud of my friends and the fact that they were opening a business and doing what they loved to do. “I’ll talk to Mr. Brandt and see if there is something we can do for our employees or clients.”
“Things are going so good right now, it scares me,” TJ admitted softly. He ran his hand through his sandy hair, making it stick up all over the place. “I feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
Cal was an optimist, I was a realist, and TJ was a pessimist. He had every reason to be. I never met a man who’d been dealt so much shit in his life, and didn’t turn to a life of drugs or crime. TJ kept landing on his feet, but he had to struggle to get there. I was thrilled to hear that he was happy, and things were going well, but it pained me that being happy scared him.
He deserved happiness more than anyone I’d ever met.
