Fighting For You (3 page)

Me
: Okay, you were right.

Cabs lined the crowded street of businesses. I slipped into the nearest one and recited Gabby’s address.  Just as the car slipped out, I got her response.

Gabby
: Told you. Chinese?

Me
: You certainly know the way to a pregnant girl’s heart.

I closed my phone with a smile and was once again reminded just how lucky I was to have Gabby in my life.

“Good call on the Chinese,” I said, shoving more sweet and sour chicken into my mouth. 

“Thank you.” Gabby took a bite of her eggroll as we both lounged on the floor with our backs against the couch. 

Gabby completely fulfilled her promise of Chinese, junk food and chick flicks.  We were able to relax together and watch one of our favorite
‘J’Lo’ movies featuring the gorgeous ‘Matthew McConaughey’.  It was during those moments of swooning and laughter that Gabby grabbed hold of my hand and looked at me.  When I turned to face her, I could see her eyes glistening with something more than happiness.

“What’s wrong?” I asked in a panic.

“It’s never going to be like this again, is it?”

“What do you mean?  Of course it will be!” I placed my arm around her shoulder.

She leaned her head against mine and let out a big sigh.

“No, it won’t.  Sure, we can visit each other and all that.  But there will always be a goodbye coming.  Then there will be many months until the next time I see you again.  You’ll be creating a new life, getting busy with work and then you’ll be a mom.  Not to mention once you and Corey hash things out you’ll be busy with that, too.  Things with us are never going to be the same.”

I couldn’t deny some of the things she said—we would both be busier.  Life would step in and never be as simple as it was right here in this moment.  No matter what I said to console her, the reality of the situation wouldn’t change.

“Well, then. Let’s promise each other that, no matter what, we will make time for one another.  We will always fit in nights like this. Thinking about goodbye will be banned from the evening.”  A stray tear rolled down her cheek and another quickly followed. 

“I promise.” She croaked out. 

My throat was burning with the added effort of trying to hold back my tears.  When I heard Gabby’s sob escape her chest, I broke down.  Together we wept and tried to hold onto the beautiful memory of the two of us—right here and now.

*~*~*~*~*

Work after my catastrophic dinner with Erik made the work environment less than enjoyable for the last three days I was at the office.  Wednesday was my last day at work and Friday was to be my last day in
New York.  During the last few days at the magazine, I wanted nothing more than to spend time with all the men and women that had become my family. Time did not allow for that.  Instead, I was saddled with the task of going through dozens of applications and interviewing people to take my spot.  I had to secure my accounts to ensure Empower would continue growing as impressively as it has thus far.  Truthfully, the workload I had piled up on my desk should have kept me working through the night—let alone lunch—but this was really the only chance I had to say goodbye. 

Erik just about had a heart attack when he walked in from an out-of-office meeting and saw about 99% of his staff leaving for lunch.  He couldn’t be heard over the chatter of everyone, so he eventually gave up and told us to make it quick.  This continued every day and, on Wednesday, the same group not only went to lunch but for dinner and drinks, too.  It was a great way to end my time in New York and the lively atmosphere kept me from being sad about the move.  Everything was perfect but, when I woke up Thursday morning and realized I didn’t have anywhere to go, I lost it.  I was only twelve weeks into my pregnancy and the hormones were already making me ridiculously emotional.

I cried while I showered. I cried while I vacuumed. And I absolutely cried while I packed.  By the time Gabby got home from work, my eyes were so red and swollen she was convinced I got into a fight with someone.  Lucky for me, Gabby was fantastic at helping me pack and packing for herself.  She planned to drive to Serenity Cove and stay with me for a little while until I was settled.  At least I wouldn’t have to worry about that goodbye until later.

*~*~*~*~*

Moving day was upon us.  The trunk and backseat were stuffed full of all the clothes, accessories and shoes I couldn’t leave behind.  With the little available room left, Gabby stuffed her around-the-world-sized bag and another bag for just shoes in the car.  We would drive together to Serenity Cove and then Gabby would use her one-way ticket and return home to New York.

One-way—the idea brought a tear to my eye and a pain in my heart, so I tried not to think about it.

“This feels oddly familiar,” Gabby said, looking in at the filled-to-the-brink car. 

“Yeah, except for last time I was sweating my tits off,” I said with a smile, desperately trying to make light of the situation.  Gabby let out a single laugh and looked at me, a tear sliding down her cheek.

“I’m really going to miss you.”  I closed the space between us and wiped the tear away.

“You can’t cry now, Gabriella, or the tears will freeze to your face.” 

“Good point. How ridiculous would I look then?” She asked with a laugh, wiping away the next few tears that slid down.

“Super ridiculous!” I smiled and pointed to the driver’s seat. “You’re taking the first shift, so you better wipe those tears and be ready to navigate through this crazy traffic.”

“You’re right; I’m driving with some pretty precious cargo.”

I rolled my eyes. “Your shoes can be replaced, Gabriella.”

“I’m talking about my best friend and future niece or nephew.” Her words tugged at my heart strings, reminding me why Gabby was taking the first shift.  My emotional ass would be a total wreck during the first part of the drive. 

“You can’t say stuff like that to me.  You’ll make me start crying.” Gabby playfully rolled her eyes.

“Oh, is that supposed to be a big deal?  Dani, when have you stopped crying?” I let out a much needed laugh and nodded.

“Okay. Touché.”

With that we both took one last look at Gabriella’s apartment building and held onto this moment.  This was our home, in our city that represented our lives together.  All of it was going to change and from this moment forward—nothing would ever be the same.  We smiled at one another, ready to brave the unknown.  I never wanted this to end, but I couldn’t pretend as if life was going to stand still.  My baby was growing, life was changing and my heart was in desperate need of one incredible man. 

We climbed into the car, ready for whatever came next. 

*~*~*~*~*

The drive was long, but we made it fun.  Once we were far enough away that I wasn’t worried about seeing something that sparked some sort of nostalgic memory, we actually enjoyed it.  We played the alphabet game, took pictures, blasted some music and laughed a lot.  One thing was certain—my soul needed this.  Truthfully, I think Gabby’s did, too.  I was almost sad when we pulled into Serenity Cove. Almost.  I pointed out every little thing that had some meaning in my life as we drove past it.  Lucky for me, Gabby listened and seemed halfway excited about what I had to say.  It felt great to show her where I came from, even if I had been afraid of it all along.

When we pulled up to my house—my very beautiful house—there were two surprises awaiting me.  The first thing was the sidewalks and driveway had been cleared of all the snow.  I had been dreading that mess the whole ride home.  The second was my Grandfather’s truck was parked on one side of the driveway.  During the beginning of the drive, I left a message on his voicemail saying I was on my way home and would call later.  I never expected him to be waiting for me when I showed up.  I had barely put my car into park when I jumped out and ran to the front door.  It wasn’t until I saw his vehicle that I realized how terribly I had missed my Gramps.

Gabby followed close behind and waited just as anxiously as I tried to unlock the door.  Once I did, we just about fell in the front door. We looked up to find my wonderful Grandfather sitting in my living room.  He wore a beaming smile on his face that warmed me up despite the cold March air.  I ran to his arms as he stood and was quickly enveloped into his large figure.  My six-foot-six Gramps always had a way of making me feel like the timid little child I used to be.  I loved the way I felt safe and protected every time he was near. 

Before I even had a chance to comprehend everything, there were even more tears in my eyes.  I was beginning to hate myself for crying so damn much.

“How’s my Dolly?” He asked after a few moments of rocking me from side-to-side.

“I’m okay,” I answered honestly.  There was plenty left unsaid but, for now, this would have to do.

“I’m so glad you are home, Danielle.  When I got your message, I went to the grocery for you.  Then I came over here and cleaned for you so you didn’t come home to a mess.” 

More tears spilled out. 

“You didn’t have to do all that.” I choked out past my enflamed throat. 

“Of course I did.”

“Thank you for shoveling, too.  That was one thing I was dreading having to deal with.”  Grandpa grabbed hold of my arms and held me away from his chest.  His soft, caring eyes looked down into mine.

“Dolly, that wasn’t me.”

“Oh?”

There was no way my Gram did it.  Not that she was a bad person, but I doubted if she shoveled her own walkway.  Gramps cast a glance around the room and noticed Gabriella standing back by the front door.  His face lit up with a smile.

“Hello there! I’m Clayton. You must be Danielle’s friend.”

“Yes, Sir.  I’m Gabriella, but you can just call me Gabby.”  I heard her walking forward and her hand extended out to shake his.  He took it with a smile.

“Great to meet you, Dear.  I hope you both had a nice drive in.”

“It was very nice.  Not too much traffic and the roads were pretty clear.”

“Excellent.” Gramps answered with a smile.

I wanted to add more into the conversation but my mind was still elsewhere.  I tried to let it go—but I couldn’t.

“Grandpa?”

“Yes, Dolly?” He asked, walking around the room to collect his scarf and gloves.

“If you didn’t shovel, who did?” He stopped what he was doing and turned my way.  For a minute, he just watched my face to see if I really didn’t know and then decided I truly had no clue.

“Corey shoveled it. He has all winter, actually.”  My heart lurched into my throat.  Lord—I so did not deserve that man and his unfailing love.

“Oh.” I replied, but had to bite on my lip to hold back the waterfall.  Gabby gave my arm a tight reassuring squeeze.  I was thankful that she didn’t start saying anything in front of my Grandpa; that was one thing I didn’t want to share. 

“Well, I’ll be out of your hair.  Just give me a call if you need anything.” I bobbed my head up and down.

“Of course.”

He placed a kiss to my forehead, gave Gabby another handshake and then he left.  Before I could sink to my knees and wail, Gabby tugged me towards the kitchen.

“Give me a tour of this gorgeous house!” Her enthusiasm was a nice try to keep my mind occupied, but I knew exactly what she was doing.

“Alright. What about some hot chocolate, too?”

Gabby let out a squeal. “Now you’re talking!”

*~*~*~*~*

After an evening of unpacking, getting settled in and grubbing out in front of the fantastic fireplace that my Grandpa had lit for us—my mind was still elsewhere.  Okay, that’s a lie.  There was really only one thing on my mind and there was nothing I could do to remedy it.  Well, there was something. 

“Gabby?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” She asked, only half paying attention while one of our chick flicks played on TV. 

“I think we need to go see him.”

That got her attention.

“Go see who?” Her brown eyes looked as if they were about to bug right out of her face.

“Corey.”

“Oh, my. Are you sure?  You want to tell him already?!” Before she could continue, I was viciously shook my head.

“No, no!  I don’t want to tell him, I just want to see him—know that he’s okay.”

Gabby’s worried expression softened as she understood. 

“Okay. We will go visit from afar.” 

“Well, I sort of have a plan.”

She watched my face for a few moments before letting out a big sigh.

“Why does that terrify me?”

I coyly shrugged my shoulders. “Because you know me well.”

“What’s the plan?”

I tried to take a moment to find the best way to phrase the bizarre plan brewing in my brain.  Really, there was no ‘good’ way to say it—I was going to sound nuts regardless of how I painted this picture, 

“So, I know he’s been taking care of my sidewalk and such but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t moved on.  Maybe he’s doing it as a favor to my Grandma, right?” I asked to make sure she was following along.

“We both know that’s not true. But continue.”

“I want you to go in there and flirt with him.  Just to see what he does.” 

“You want me to seduce him?” Gabby practically screamed at me.  Yep—it sounded mental.