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There’s a strange feeling I can’t quite put my finger on, the fact that he was here, in my home. Of course, I don’t recall anything, and Coco isn’t giving anything away either.
The last thing I remember is getting up on stage and singing to P!nk. I created this terrible habit of using alcohol to avoid reality, and once again, I’m paying the price.
The more I think about last night, the more my head throbs in pain. Not only was the whole party a surprise, I had to deal with both Julian and Lex being there, fucking Lex in the restroom, arguing with Lex in the restroom, dealing with an angry Julian who just upped and left, then the emotions of the gift that Lex gave me which is still sitting heavy on my chest.
Reaching for the pendant, I play with it between my fingers, wondering if I have pushed him away. I recall, once upon a time, being in his exact same position. Praying and wishing he’d leave her just like he’s begging me now. The humiliation of being the person on the side isn’t something that can easily be ignored. It stays with you for almost a lifetime.
His desperation ran deep, begging me to talk to him. If only it were that easy, if only I could bare my entire soul to him without the aftermath of my emotions driving me to a dark place I refuse to return to.
My phone buzzes beside me, startling a relaxed Coco.
Nikki: Rocky is dragging me to the Yankees game tonight. Since your so-called ‘friend’ organized this, you better be at my place at six on the dot.
Six o’clock on the dot, and I’m knocking on the door dressed in my jeans, hoodie, and Converse. The door opens, and an excited Will wraps his small arms around my waist, hugging me real tight. He talks a mile a minute and all I hear are the words ‘Yankees,’ ‘shark project,’ and ‘rocky road ice cream.’ I have no idea how all three of those are linked, but I have a whole night to figure it out.
“Great, Charlie is here. Come on, woman. Let’s go.” Rocky shoves us out the door impatiently.
Stepping out onto the pavement, my breathing becomes rapid and shallow. My pulse is pounding within my temples, nervous to face Lex again. I have this unwelcoming feeling I said or did something wrong last night. And once again, the only person who can answer that is him.
The black SUV pulls up beside the curb. Rocky jumps in first, much to Nikki’s disapproval, ignoring the ‘ladies first’ rule. Will climbs into the back with Nikki, leaving me to sit beside Lex. As soon as our eyes meet, something pulls me in a different direction. With a welcoming smile, my shoulders relax, releasing the nervous tension I have been carrying.
“Hi.” He grins, keeping his hands to himself for once.
He’s dressed casually in a pair of jeans, white sneakers, and tee. On his head, he’s wearing a Yankees cap. I didn’t know he’s a fan, but it doesn’t surprise me either. Lex has always been athletic and loved all types of sports.
“Hi, yourself.”
“Hey, aren’t you the guy we ran into at the park? Charlie’s friend?” Will questions behind us.
“Yes, you’re right,” Lex answers politely. “Nice to see you again. Excited about the game, buddy?”
“I am,” Rocky roars at the front, twisting the cap on a Budweiser he brought with him.
Everyone laughs, and at times, Will acts more mature than his dad. We talk baseball all the way there, each opinion varying, and the conversation becoming more passionate the closer we get to the stadium.
“Since when did you take an interest in sports? You hated all that.” Lex raises his brow, curious.
“Since I was forced to attend every game in college, thanks to Miss Stalker over here.”
“There’s nothing hotter than watching your man play sports,” Nikki quips.
“Mom, what does that mean?”
Rocky laughs, attempting to answer Will. “It means your dad totally rocked the field, and that’s why Mommy married me.”
“Oh, I thought it was because she got knocked-up,” he blurts.
“Will!” the three of us yell, in shock.
“What?” Will lifts his hands, shrugging his shoulders. “Remember that time you and Mommy were fighting because that pretty lady in the coffee shop that used to go to college with you gave you a piece of paper with her phone number? When you were fighting, I heard Mommy say that if she weren’t knocked-up, you wouldn’t have gotten married. What does knocked-up mean, anyway?”
Lex and I glance at each other wondering how Nikki and Rocky are going to worm their way out of this one.
“You see, Mommy and Daddy were incredibly angry at each other that day and said some mean things. Afterward, we talked and apologized to each other,” Nikki says, trying keep her smile pleasant. “I’m sorry you heard that because it was a very silly fight.”
Will nods like he understands. “But that doesn’t explain the knocked-up part?”
“Look, we’re here,” Lex announces, pointing to the stadium.
