One Indecent Night

by Hargrove, A. M.

  My response was, “I honestly didn’t know about the antibiotic effect, seeing as I never got involved with women long enough to find that out after my ordeal. Not only that, I usually wore condoms, except for that one night. Jesus, why did I have to miss that one damn night? So I suppose this was my fault for being so fucking stupid.”

  “Are you saying you regret all of this?”

  “How could you possibly read that into what I just said?”

  “Your tone of voice and the fact that you said you were stupid. To me that just reiterates your regrets of getting involved with me.”

  My mouth snapped shut. That’s not what I meant, but she was upset and so was I. We needed to talk this out, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I was angry and she was misinterpreting what I said.

  “You know my past and what happened with Tiffany.”

  “Yes, and I’m trying to make this as easy as possible, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to do that.”

  “Yes, there is. I’m trying to figure out how to say this.”

  “And you’re putting me on her level after all.”

  “That’s not what I said. You keep putting words into my mouth. A baby wasn’t quite what I expected from you.”

  “And you think it’s what I expected from you?”

  “This isn’t the first time I’ve been around this block.”

  “There you go again, comparing me to your ex.”

  “I am not. Why do you keep saying that?”

  “Because you keep acting that way. What am I supposed to think? I knew you’d be angry and wouldn’t want this baby. But don’t worry, Evan. That’s fine by me. I won’t expect a single thing from you. Unlike Tiffany, I don’t plan on using this baby as a means to get your money. I’ve always been honest about that. But just be clear. I will have this baby and do not intend to get rid of it.” Her nostrils flared as her eyes sparked. Even though her eyes still dripped tears, I had touched her maternal nerve and her fists were up, ready to fight it out.

  “Calm down, Sylvie.”

  She squinted at me and then her pointer finger took aim at my chest. “Calm down? You know something? You just hit my nuclear reactive button, cowboy. The way I see it is this. I’m taking responsibility for my actions, but you’re not. You’re putting all the blame on me, and if you haven’t figured this out yet, it takes two to make a baby. I was drunk off my ass on tequila. Yes, I told you I was on the pill. What man in their right mind would take the word of a drunk woman? You should’ve worn a condom anyway. So this pregnancy is entirely your fault, pill or no pill. You told me you loved me. If that were remotely true, you wouldn’t be acting like a pouty little teenager who isn’t getting his way. I think you should leave.”

  “Leave?”

  “As in go back to the city.”

  “Are you serious?”

  She stood there with her arms crossed. If she could blow smoke out of her nose, she probably would.

  “Of course I’m serious. Have you even been listening to me?”

  “I can’t go home. Robert is gone and I don’t have a ride.”

  “Oh, my. Poor man. Haven’t you ever heard of Uber?” Sarcasm oozed out of every one of her pores. This was a side of her I’d never seen. She could definitely dish it out.

  “Of course I have.”

  “Order one. They’re great. They may not serve champagne and caviar, but they’ll get you home just fine.”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “Neither is comparing me to Tammie Lou.”

  I gritted my teeth. “Tiffany.”

  “Whatever.”

  “You really want me to leave?”

  “Do you really think I want someone in my home who puts me on the level of an old girlfriend who was a lying, cheating scoundrel? How would you feel? It certainly doesn’t seem anywhere close to love by my standards.”

  My brows pinched together. She was right and it was probably best we had time away from each other. I had to think. I needed to wrap my head around this. She’d made some valid points and I hadn’t connected all the dots. I did the only thing I knew. I punched in Pearson’s number.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?”

  “You busy?”

  “Nah. You need something?”

  “Can you pick me up? I’m at Sylvie’s. I’ll explain when you get here.”

  “Yeah, but where do you want to go?”

  “Anywhere. Hell, if you can get me there.”

  “I’m on the way.”

  Sylvie’s stare singed through my coat. Shame coiled within me at the way things turned out. I should’ve handled this better. And I would. I just needed a few hours to figure out how.

  Turning around, I said, “You probably hate me right now, but I honestly do love you. With everything I have. I just have to process this.”

  She didn’t budge an inch or respond. I had to wonder if she even heard me. I dipped my head and walked out the door. It about broke me to leave her like that, but there wasn’t anything else I could do at the moment. I knew one thing. I would figure something out to get back into her life and to put that beautiful smile back on her face.

  Thirty-Two

  Evan

  I waited in the parking lot. Pearson pulled up a few minutes later and I got in his car. He sat there and didn’t drive off.

  “Wanna tell me what this is all about?” he asked.

  “Man, I fucked up in the worst way.” I groaned. “What the fuck am I gonna do?”

  “Can we backtrack a bit? What exactly happened?”

  I rubbed my face, and my scruff scraped my hands. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

  “Try the beginning.”

  “Promise you won’t hate me?” Now I sounded exactly like Sylvie had. Only with me, it made me sound like a fucking pussy.

  “What the fuck did you do?”

  “Sylvie’s pregnant.”

  “Jesus. I think I know where this is headed. Please tell me she knew about Tiff.”

  “She did. But that doesn’t make this any better. I knee-jerked and you can pretty much put two and two together.”

  “You asshole,” he swore.

  “Oh, yeah. I didn’t exactly act like her knight in shining armor.” I leaned my head against the headrest, but I knew he wouldn’t let me off easy, especially since it was Sylvie we were discussing.

  “I want the details, man. You promised you wouldn’t hurt her.”

  “And I had no intention of doing so. Swear to God.”

  “Oaths like that mean shit if you don’t keep them, Evan.” My hands plowed through my hair, nearly yanking it out.

  “This is what happened. It took me completely by surprise. She was sick, nausea, throwing up, and we both thought it was a bug. But no, it’s a baby instead.”

  I explained everything from the way I found out to how she misinterpreted everything I said. “The thing is, she was right. I could see why and everything that came out of my damn mouth sounded fucked up. I was pissed and lost control. Then when she got pissed—which I don’t blame her at all for—everything went downhill. She kicked me out, man. Got very sarcastic with me. I’d never seen that side of her, but she unleashed on me and gave me a tongue-lashing I won’t soon forget.”

  “You’ve just been treated to the West family temper, my friend. And she has inherited a healthy dose of it. So what do you want me to do?”

  “I need your advice.”

  “My first inclination is to tell you to go back in there and get on your hands and knees and beg. But knowing Sylvie, she’s going to have to cool off. Do you want to go home? Come to our place? What?”

  “Do you mind calling me an Uber? I don’t know how.”

  Laughter exploded out of him.

  “Shut the fuck up.”

  “Mr. Rich Boy doesn’t know how to call an Uber.”

  I wanted to kick Pearson’s ass right now. “And how do you know about this magical car ride?”

  “Dude, I was so fucked up
most of the time, I lived in Ubers.”

  “Sorry.”

  “No apologies necessary. But I’ll be happy to get you one.” I watched him closely as he tapped an app on his phone and with a couple more taps, he said, “It’ll be here in about four minutes.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Yep.”

  “No wonder everyone raves about them.”

  “Getting to the city will be pricey. You’ll owe me.”

  “No worries. How much?” I pulled out my wallet.

  He shook his head. “I don’t want money. I just want you to fix what’s between you and Sylvie. You made me a promise and you’d better damn well keep it. Can I let you in on something?”

  “Please.”

  “Other than Rose, she’s super tight with her sister, Piper. I mean she’s close to Reynolds too, but Piper is the one I’d place my money on that she’s going to call because her mom is going to shit over this.”

  “And?”

  “Call Piper and ask for her help.”

  “I don’t know, man. She doesn’t really know me.”

  “Take it from me. Aunt Cindy is over the top for you, and Piper thinks it’s hilarious. Call her because she’s on Team Evan. If anyone can help, it’s Pipe.”

  A car pulled up behind us and Pearson said, “Your ride’s here. Keep me posted on what happens.”

  “Yeah and thanks. Text me Piper’s number please and I’ll call her tonight.”

  He nodded as I got out. The ride into the city wasn’t bad but the damn driver wouldn’t keep his mouth shut. He was a big talker and yammered all the way home. All I wanted to do was lay my head back because it was about to explode. By the time I got out of the car, I was sure it had leveled up to migraine status, even though I’d never had a true migraine before. A large stiff drink was in order and then maybe I’d have the balls to call Piper. I wondered if Sylvie had called her yet, because I didn’t want to tell her the news before Sylvie had a chance.

  There was a note from Rita on the island with instructions for dinner, but I was not even close to being hungry. I guzzled three fingers of my favorite scotch and made that call to Piper. It went to her voicemail, which didn’t surprise me. I didn’t answer a lot of calls from numbers I didn’t recognize.

  About an hour later, after my second drink, the phone rang. I answered it because it was Piper.

  “Piper?”

  “Yeah, hi Evan. I suppose you’re calling about Sylvie.”

  “Well, yeah, I hope you listened to my message.”

  “I’m outside her place, getting ready to go in.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “When she called, I thought her place had burned down. I could barely understand her she was crying so hard.”

  “Shit.”

  “You can say that again. She’s about as dandy as a pregnant lady who’s pissed off at her boyfriend.”

  “Yeah, about that. I need your help.”

  “My help? How?”

  “You see, I totally fucked up. And I need to make it up to her. She really took me by surprise and my reaction was the worst. I love her, Piper, and would never want her to be alone or have this baby alone. I’m not sure what she thinks right now. Other than she probably hates me.”

  “Yeah, you’re not high on her list at the moment.”

  “Didn’t think so. This is where you come in.”

  “If you give me some ideas, I’ll try, but I’m not sure she’ll listen. All she cares about right now is the baby.”

  “What is she going to tell your parents?”

  “Nothing yet. But I’ll find out more when I see her.”

  “Can you call me later?”

  “Tomorrow, because I’m spending the night.”

  “Good. I’m happy knowing she won’t be alone.”

  “I can tell you one thing. You’re really going to have to grovel after this.”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes. I swear. I can’t stand the thought of her being alone through this?”

  “Hey, what am I? I’ll be there, you know.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I’m just tightening that chain around your neck.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be waiting for your call, but in the meantime, I’ll try calling her too. Try and talk her into answering, will you?”

  “Oh, brother, do you have a lot to learn where my sister’s concerned.”

  “I’m just figuring that out. And Piper? Thanks.”

  There was a hollow feeling in my gut. At the time, I hadn’t thought what I’d done was too damn awful, but for me to put her on the level of Tiffany, spelled distrust and that was terrible. I can’t even imagine what my reaction would’ve been had the shoe been on the other foot. I’m sure I would’ve gone ballistic.

  Even if it took all year, I’d fix this. I’d use every trick up my sleeve if I had to.

  Thirty-Three

  Sylvie

  Piper came through the door and hugged me. “This will be fine soon. You’ll wonder why you cried this hard.”

  “How can you say that? My heart has just been completely crushed.”

  “It can’t be that bad.”

  “Not only that, when Mom finds out, she’s going to send me to a nunnery somewhere.” I sniffed.

  “Are you getting snot in my hair and on my jacket? If you are, I’m going to kill you, even if you are desperate right now.”

  I stepped away from her with my lower lip poked out and trembling. “I can’t believe you. I’m broken and pregnant and may end up on the streets and you’re more concerned about your hair.”

  She was taking her coat off, inspecting it, when she stopped and gave me a once-over, right before a most ungodly sound came out of her. At first, I thought she’d passed gas. But then when she put her hand over her mouth, slapped her knee, and stumbled to the couch, I knew she was making fun of me in my time of dire need.

  “I don’t believe you. Here I am in mortal distress and you’re laughing.”

  One hand flew up in the air, waved around and she rolled on the couch, yelling, “Stop, you’re killing me.”

  Killing her? What the hell was I doing?

  I growled at her and stomped into the kitchen to do what? I couldn’t get a glass of wine or even a shot of liquor for that matter. Being pregnant sucked balls. And this was day one. What the fuck was I going to do for the next thirty plus weeks?

  Footsteps clicked on the floor behind me. “I’m sorry, Syllie.”

  “Don’t call me that in my time of need.”

  “Okay. Sorry.” She squeaked those two words out, so I knew she was on the edge of laughing again.

  “What is so fucking funny, Pipe?”

  “Oh, gawwwd. First, when you said you’d be on the streets.” Her tone hit that high pitched level that a voice sometimes did when one was trying not to laugh.

  “Yeah, what about it?”

  “Why would you even think that? You’re gainfully employed, have a family who loves and cares about you, friends who adore you, and you also have a baby daddy.”

  “Don’t you dare go there.” My finger was dangerously close to her nose.

  “Sylvie, put your finger down, hon. I value my eyes and nose. Another thing, you’re thirty years old. Stop letting Mom push you around. A nunnery. Sister Mary Sylvie.” She actually snorted at that.

  “How dare you steal my snorts. You never snort.”

  She looked as surprised as I was.

  “Oh, God. I hope that was a temporary miscalculation of my soft palate.” She massaged her throat.

  “Was that it? Anything else make you laugh at me in my delicate condition?”

  She snickered then she scanned me. “You don’t look any different from the last time I saw you and you weren’t delicate then.”

  “Well, I am now. Try being this upset and not being able to drink a glass of wine or down a shot of liquor or two.”

  “Okay, I’ll give you that one.”

  Before I coul
d make a snarky comeback, my phone buzzed. I checked it out and gasped. “Shit, it’s Evan.”

  “Answer it.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t want to talk to him just yet.”

  Piper shrugged. “You’re gonna have to do it sooner or later.”

  My phone dinged this time with a text: Sylvie, please talk to me. I know I screwed up. Give me a chance to make it right. I love you.

  “What did he say?” Piper wanted to know, reaching for my phone. “It sounds like he wants to apologize.

  “I’m not ready for that.”

  “Why don’t you at least give him a chance and talk to him?”

  “I just can’t right now.” I broke into a sob on the last word. This crying was ridiculous. I was sick and tired of it and didn’t think it would ever stop.

  All of a sudden, I found my head being squished between Piper’s ample breasts as she hugged me. Piper was taller than me and much more endowed. No one could figure out where she’d gotten her large Ds from, but they were spectacular, except now they were suffocating me.

  “Pipe, I can’t breathe,” I mumbled into her chest.

  “Oh, sorry.” She released me and asked, “Are you ever going to give me the full story?”

  “Yeah, but not today. I’m so raw inside, I just can’t deal.”

  “Can you at least tell me what happened at the wedding?”

  We sat down and I spilled my guts.

  “I can’t believe you kept that to yourself. After the reception too. Of all things, Sylvie. I saw you two together and you were hilarious the way you were—”

  “Please stop, Pipe. I can’t deal with anything that has to do with him right now.”

  She put her arms around me again, but gently this time. “What are you going to tell Mom and Dad? Christmas is coming up and the family will be there. Will you tell everyone then?”

  I practically yelled, “Are you out of your mind? What do you suggest? Just as everyone is getting ready to take a bite of turkey I announce I’m going to have a baby? Can you imagine the havoc it would create?”

  Instead of looking appalled as I expected, Piper cracked up. “Oh my God. That would be awesome. Mom’s face would crash right into her mashed potatoes.”