“What did Xavier say?” I asked, ignoring her question.
“What did he say about what?” Sunny replied absently, flipping through a fashion magazine.
“The baby,” I answered. “What did he say when you told him?”
“Oh,” Sunny said. “He doesn’t give a shit.”
Then she looked at me. “Please don’t say anything to him, Aiden. I know you always want to come to my rescue but please, just let me deal with this on my own. I can handle this.”
She’s not handling it well, obviously. The sadness in Sunny’s eyes proved it.
“Aiden, seriously,” Sunny said, “who told you to come here?”
“No one. I haven’t heard from you in weeks and I wanted to see you.”
Sunny looked like she didn’t believe me.
“Then where are your bags? Did Aunt Kat call you?”
“No. I just found out that Delilah and Paulie are dating and that totally fucked my head up. I figured I’d come and hang with you to clear my head.” I glanced at her belly again. “I see that’s not going to happen.”
“Sorry,” Sunny mumbled.
I got up from the couch and joined her on the loveseat. I put my arm around her shoulders. She sighed when she leaned against me.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Sunny? You don’t have to go through this alone, you know.”
“I don’t know, Aiden. I’m not proud of the fact that I’m having some loser’s baby. Honestly, I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do. I’m not ready to be a mom.”
That’s the damn truth, I wanted to say but I’m positive that Sunny would not be happy if I agreed with her.
“Don’t say that.” I held her a little closer, a little tighter. I placed my hand lightly on her belly. Underneath my palm, I could feel slight movements. It felt strange.
“That’s...weird,” I chuckled. Sunny didn’t say anything. She leaned her head against my chest and began to cry.
“Don’t cry, Sunny. You’re not going to have to do this by yourself. I’ll help you any way I can,” I promised.
“You don’t have to do anything,” Sunny cried. “I’m not keeping this baby. I’m giving it up for adoption.”
“What? Why?”
Being adopted herself, Sunny is always talking about how strange it is to walk down the street knowing that any stranger could be her biological mother or father. She loves her adoptive parents, but I don’t think she’s ever gotten over the fact that her real parents didn’t want her.
“I just told you,” she answered. “I’m not ready to be a mother.”
“Sunny, you hate that you’re adopted,” I reminded her. “You’d do that to your child?”
“This is different.”
“Your situation is very different but it’s better. You have a nice place to live, a good career, and friends and family to help you,” I pointed out. “Who cares if Xavier is being a bitch? Your baby doesn’t need him. Between me, Joey, Paulie, Mike, and Eddie, it’ll have more fathers than it can handle. Trust me, Sunny, you don’t really want to do that.”
“We’ll see,” was all she said.
But the adoption idea stayed with me. Somehow or another, I’ll have to make her see that I’m right. She will regret doing it. I know she will, and I’ll have to deal with her and her bad decision for the rest of our lives.
****
My surprise visit to Atlanta for the weekend wasn’t very relaxing. I kind of think that Sunny deliberately made it difficult because she didn’t want me there. I understand being depressed because she’s having some jackass’s kid, but she spent the entire weekend either in bed or snapping at me. She didn’t even want to leave the house.
I think I’ve made progress on the adoption front though. Last week she even agreed to let me take her baby shopping. After all the money I’ve spent on baby stuff, Sunny better not give her child up for adoption!
I’m excited that Sunny is having a baby. I finally get to be an uncle since Sarah refuses to get pregnant any time soon. I guess when she decided not to be a surgeon, “The Plan” changed too. According to her plan, she should have been pregnant a year ago.
“Aiden, what the hell is all this shit?” Delilah yelled. She probably tripped over all of the boxes that were tossed haphazardly in my foyer. She came into the kitchen where I was eating.
“What are you talking about?”
“The boxes. Are you moving?” Delilah asked.
“No. I need you to send that stuff to Sunny. I forgot to change the shipping address again.”
Delilah sat down and sipped her bottle of Voss Water.
“You bought her more stuff? You’ve bought practically everything that kid is ever going to need in life,” Delilah complained.
“Look who made the cover of Us Weekly.” Delilah whipped the gossip magazine out of her purse. “Sunny is going to have a fit. You know she hates this.”
I took the magazine out of her hand and read the caption under a photo of me and Sunny leaving Ashley Furniture in Atlanta.
New Arrival: Aiden & Sunny prepare for the birth of their child
I laughed. Ever since we got caught having dinner in Atlanta, people have been insinuating that I’m the father of Sunny’s baby, no matter how often we deny it. Xavier’s a professional basketball player but since I’m more famous, it’s a better story. Every single time there’s a picture online or in a magazine, Sunny gets mad at me like I’m the one with the camera.
“I don’t want everyone in my business!” is what she always yells at me.
I don’t like leaving Sunny alone in Atlanta. That’s why it’s easy for the paparazzi to snap pictures of us together. If I’m not around, she’ll probably end up doing something completely stupid, like putting her baby up for adoption.
“What are you doing here?” I asked my sister.
“What do you mean? I still work for you. It’s my job to be where you are. Even though I don’t have anything to do since you spend all of your time in the studio with Joey or in Atlanta with Sunny. I never thought being your assistant would get boring, but it really is getting there.”
“You have plenty to do,” I laughed. “Just because I’m in Atlanta a lot doesn’t mean you get to slack off. What’s going on with the fan appreciation event you and Roxy are supposed to be planning?”
“Oh yeah, it’s coming along!” Delilah grinned.
“After Sunny has the baby, things will get back to normal,” I promised. I’m itching to get back to work but I’ve learned not to be so selfish when other people need me. And Sunny definitely needs me. She doesn’t know a thing about being a single parent and I promised her she wouldn’t have to go through her pregnancy alone. She only has a few more months left.
I haven’t been on the scene in a long time but I don’t want my fans to feel abandoned or worse yet, forget about me. That’s why I asked my sister and Roxy to put together something huge for the fans, some type of fan appreciation event. I have no idea what they’re planning but I’m sure the fans will love it. Delilah adores my fans, mainly because they adore her.
I finished eating and headed to see my divorce lawyer. I don’t even know why we’re meeting. Nothing’s changed. Our court date is in two months. Let the judge decide how much of my money Ramey gets.
I walked into the conference room at the law firm, surprised that Ramey and her lawyer were on time. I looked at my watch. I am fifteen minutes late but who cares. I’m always waiting for them. I sat down across from Ramey.
“What is this about now?” I asked. “Do you want more of my shit?”
Ramey rolled her eyes but didn’t answer. She nudged her lawyer who spoke at her command.
“My client wishes to review the terms of your settlement offer once more.”
“No,” I spoke up. “Every time we’ve met, we have gone over that damn offer. She knows the terms and this is a waste of fucking time.”
“My client is right,” Richard added. “What is this really about?”
“I’ll take the settlement,” Ramey said softly. “I just really want this to be over.”
Of course she wants to take the settlement. The “wine king of California” supposedly wants to marry her. She can’t do anything until our divorce is final. She’s desperate, and I hold all of the cards now.
“I think I’d like to change the offer,” I smiled at Ramey.
“What?”
“Six months of alimony instead of twelve,” I replied. “I’m not paying for your next wedding.” Ramey looked pissed.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know exactly what you’re up to,” I told her. “Take it or leave it, Ramey. I’m sure the Wine King will love another delay.”
“Fine,” Ramey mumbled. She knows I have her in a corner. She only has two options; fight the change and risk her relationship or take what I offer.
Richard slid the papers to me for my signature. I signed and passed them across the table to Ramey. She glared at me, but signed them anyway. With that, this long, drawn out, waste of time is over. Richard will have the judge review our settlement and sign the divorce papers. Ramey and I are done. Thank God.
I shook Richard’s hand and left. Ramey followed me out of the room, all the way to the elevator.
“Aiden,” she called when she didn’t have to. I heard her three-inch stilettos behind me.
“What?” I said when she approached the elevator.
“I have to know,” she said, looking down at the floor.
“Know what?”
“Is it true?” she asked. “Is Sunny having your baby?”
I shook my head at her ridiculous question. “I’m not the father of her child,” I answered. “Don’t believe everything you read.”
Still looking down, Ramey mumbled something I could barely make out.
“What did you say?”
“Did you ever really love me, Aiden?” she mumbled again.
Something about the way she said it and the look in her ice blue eyes told me that she needed to hear me say that I didn’t really love her so that she could feel better about what she’s done to me and our marriage. I decided to tell her the truth.
“I loved you more than anything.”
A quick gasp left Ramey’s lips. She looked like she was in pain. Good.
“Don’t be surprised. I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t love you. I would have never put up with the shit you did if I didn’t love you. None of that matters now, though, right? You wanted the divorce. Now you got it. Don’t pretend to be sad about it now.”
I left the elevator and decided to take the stairs. I have a plane to catch.
Chapter 48
I woke up to the sound of water running in the bathroom down the hall. I looked at my phone. 2:30 a.m.
I got out of bed and walked to Sunny’s room. She was coming back from the bathroom.
Sunny’s belly led the way. A week after her due date, the pink Victoria Secret yoga pants wouldn’t even go over her belly.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Still pregnant,” Sunny snapped and climbed into bed. “I’ve pretty much resigned myself to the fact that she’s never coming out.”
“Yes, she is.”
“Whatever. If she doesn’t come out today, I’m going to make them induce me.”
“Go back to sleep, Sunny.” I went back into the guest room and fell back to sleep myself. An hour later an ear piercing scream jolted me out of my sleep.
“Aiden!” Sunny called. I sprinted down the hall.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I yelled. “Why are you screaming like that? I thought the Manson family was in here murdering you!”
“My water broke!” Sunny cried hysterically. She was standing in the middle of a dark wet spot on the carpet. “This is the grossest shit ever!”
“You’re the one who wanted to go into labor,” I reminded her. “Don’t bitch about it now.”
“Shut up and call my parents. Tell them to meet us at the hospital.”
“You call your parents. I’ll get the car.”
I grabbed the bag Kat had packed for Sunny on my way out of the room. Actually, I’m really excited. Sunny’s about to have a baby. This is going to be funny as hell.
****
It didn’t take long for Sunny to kick me out of her hospital room, replaced by her parents who would not laugh every time she had a contraction. Her water broke eight hours ago and still no baby. I’m so bored! Delilah and Paulie actually had enough time to fly from L.A to Atlanta, rent a car, check into a hotel, get food, and come to the hospital...still, no baby.
“She kicked you out again?” Paulie laughed when I walked into the waiting room. He may have been laughing, but sitting in the swank waiting room of Atlanta’s most expensive hospital, Paulie looked just as bored as me.
“How much longer anyway?” he asked impatiently.
I shrugged my shoulders. “No clue, dude. This shit is taking forever.”
“How many centimeters is she dilated?” Kat asked.
“Huh?”
“You heard me.”
“I don’t know. What the hell does that mean?”
“OMG!” Delilah groaned. “You are useless. You’ve been with her all day! How do you not know this?”
“It’s none of my business,” I answered. “I’m going out to smoke.”
“I’m coming with you.” Paulie jumped out of his chair quickly. This waiting game is boring enough to drive any man crazy.
Paulie hasn’t touched a cigarette since high school, but I’m glad he came outside to the “designated smoking area” with me. I’ve had something to ask him for a few days but with Sunny always lingering in the background, I couldn’t.
“How’s Sunny holding up?” Paulie asked. “Did she call her ex?”
“She says she’s not calling him. He hasn’t called her once since she told him she was pregnant. She says she doesn’t even want him to know she had the baby.”
“Damn, that’s messed up,” Paulie shook his head.
“She’ll be alright.”
I took a long drag on my Marlboro light.
“What do you think about Sunny and the baby moving out to L.A with me?” I asked after a brief silence. “You think I should ask her?”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because,” I hesitated. “She’s doesn’t need to be alone with a kid in Atlanta.”
“Yeah, but why would you want Sunny and her kid to live with you? Please don’t tell me you’re still hanging on to what went down in New Orleans, man?”
“I’m not hanging-”
“Yes, you are,” Paulie interrupted, laughing. “That was a fluke. She doesn’t want you, Aiden. She’s told you that a hundred times.”
“She’s lying,” I argued. “We’ve talked about our feelings for each other. She’s just scared to admit it.”
“Your divorce just became final last month,” Paulie reminded me. “Now you want to jump right into another dysfunctional relationship, with Sunny of all people. Are you a glutton for punishment?”
“Sunny’s the one,” I filled him in on what I’ve been thinking since New Orleans.
Paulie burst out laughing again. “You’re kidding me, right? Please say you’re joking.”
“I’m serious. She’s just scared. But I know her and I know we’re supposed to be together. And don’t talk to me about dysfunctional. You’re screwing my little sister, remember?”
“At least Delilah admits how she feels about me. Even if Sunny does love you, she’s not admitting to anything. Sunny doesn’t want to play house with you, man. She wants to live her life and be left alone to deal with her issues. You should let her do that.”
“She doesn’t need a man, Aiden,” Paulie advised. “Sunny needs a friend and a therapist. Don’t set yourself up for that.”
I thought about that for a few more hours while we waited for news about the baby. There is the possibility
that Sunny will freak out – again – if I mention us being together. Maybe I’ll give her some time to get used to being a new mom before I bring it up.
Twelve hours after her water broke, Sunny gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her hazel eyes sparkled with flecks of green, just like her mother’s. Summer Skye is the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen. She looks just like her mother.
“Life is about making running changes. You can’t stop to fix things. You have to mend the sail while you’re still at sea.”
John Mayer, musician
Chapter 49
I woke up to girlish giggles coming out of my bathroom. I looked around. The familiarity of my bedroom was actually a little unsettling.
How in the hell did I get here?
Even though last night is mostly an alcohol and Ecstasy induced blur, I do remember that I was not in Los Angeles. I remember hanging out with Cody and Liam and deciding to drive down to Laguna Beach. I remember the beach, lots of drinks, and girls in skimpy bikinis. I have no idea how I ended up in my house with – judging by the giggles in the bathroom – not one, but two girls. We were in no condition to drive.
What the hell happened?
I heard splashing water and was about to find out who’s in the bathroom and what they’re doing, but my phone ringing on the floor stopped me in my tracks.
I didn’t even get a chance to say “Hello” before Tracy started screaming.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Aiden? You have got to be the most reckless celebrity I’ve ever worked for! Do you consciously go out of your way to make my job more difficult or are you really this damn careless?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I spent months cleaning up that mess from February, and now this! My God,” she yelled. “What is wrong with you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. What the hell happened?”
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