Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  I didn’t go into work this morning. Madalyn insisted I take the day off and got our other girls to go in and help her open the bakery. Mads dropped off Elijah with my parents on her way to work, and promised she’d call me if absolutely necessary.

  I went back to sleep for a couple of hours and just woke up again. I have no idea what time it is, since I turned off the ringer to my phone and dropped it in my purse. I crawl out of bed and cross the hall to the bathroom.

  My reflection in the mirror isn’t pretty. I look like I’ve been run over by an eighteen-wheeler. I decide to take a quick shower before facing the day. When I’m finished, I wrap a towel around myself and head back across the hall to the room. Jax must have heard I was awake, because he placed a pair of his sweats and a t-shirt at the end of the bed for me.

  I quickly dress and make my way to the kitchen. Jaxson turns, handing me a cup of coffee.

  “Thanks, Jax...for everything.”

  “Anytime, doll.”

  “I’m sure Mads told you what’s going on?”

  He puts his cup down on the counter and leans down on his elbows to get eye level with me, the counter between us.

  “She did, and you gotta know, babe, that I’m glad you came here to us instead of trying to deal with this on your own, but you can’t keep ignoring Drake.”

  “I know.” I hang my head for a few seconds before looking back up at him. “I don’t know what to do Jax. I told him I just needed some time.”

  “I get it, doll, but you always run when things get tough and that’s not fair to him, especially right now. Can you imagine how he’s feeling? He just found out that he may or may not be a father, and the one person that’s supposed to be there for him is being too goddamn selfish to offer the love and support he needs.” His voice raises with every word he speaks.

  I gasp, tears filling my eyes.

  Jaxson just called me selfish.

  He’s never raised his voice to me. I’m surprised, but I understand that he’s upset with me. Drake is his best friend, and his loyalty is torn at the moment.

  He’s absolutely right. I’m being selfish.

  “Have you talked to him?”

  “Not yet. I figure that call is coming.”

  I nod. “I’m being selfish, and Drake doesn’t deserve that. He’s been there with me through everything, and here I am being a complete bitch for running away when he needed me the most.”

  “You’re not a bitch, Hails. You’re scared, and I understand. I’m sure Drake does, too, but he needs you right now. Not me. Not Mads. You.”

  “I know. I really just wanted some time to think. My mind was going crazy. I wanted to process everything and get my head right.”

  Jaxson just looks at me, saying nothing.

  “I couldn’t have been there for him last night in the state that I was in. You saw me, Jax. I was a fucking disaster.”

  He nods. “He’ll understand that. You know he will.”

  “I hope I haven’t ruined things between us.”

  He walks around the counter and pulls me into his arms.

  “I seriously doubt it, Hails. He loves you. You’re everything to him.”

  I nod against his chest before pulling away. “Thanks for the kick in the ass, Jax.”

  A grin spreads on his face. “That’s what I’m here for. Call him.”

  I raise my coffee mug and nod toward their back door.

  “I’m going to wake up just a bit more first, but I will.”

  I head to the door and step outside into the cool morning air. It’s a bit chilly, but it helps to wake me up.

  I can always count on Madalyn to give it to me to straight, but Jaxson is definitely good at giving me that extra push I need to see when I’m being completely stupid. I’m lucky to have friends that honestly care.

  DRAKE

  I pull into the house early the next morning.

  I passed my load off to another driver and told dispatch that I had a family emergency. Hailee is more important than any load, and I’ll be damned if I lose her over this shit.

  I park my truck and jump out, heading straight for the house. I unlock the door and go in.

  “Hails, you here, baby?”

  Silence.

  I walk through the house, checking every room. I get to hers, stopping at the door when I see clothes strewn across the bed and the floor.

  She must have packed in a hurry. Damn it!

  I don’t even think. I turn and punch the wall, my fist going right through it. I pull back to assess the damage, but I only look at my knuckles for a second before my phone rings.

  I pull it out of my pocket, hoping it’s Hailee, but knowing that it’s not. She has a special ringtone, and the song playing isn’t it.

  I look at the screen before answering.

  “What’s up, Jax?”

  I know I sound dejected, but my girl left me, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to get her back this time.

  “How ya holding up, man?”

  “Of course, you know.” I sigh. “I don’t even know. I just got home, hoping to talk this shit through with my girl, but she’s not here.”

  “She wouldn’t have been there regardless, man, it’s a work day.”

  “Yeah, I guess I didn’t even think about that. Too distracted. She come to your place last night?”

  “She did. She was a mess, man. Completely devastated.”

  “Fuck. Fucking Angie. I don’t know what her deal is, but I swear this shit isn’t true. I’ll find a way to prove it. I have to get Hailee back. I can’t live without her.”

  Jaxson chuckles. “So dramatic.”

  “What the hell, man?”

  “You’ve got nothin’ to worry about, Drake. Have some faith in your girl. What did she tell you last night?”

  “She said she needed some time to think.”

  “I know you’re trying to deal with this shit but give her that time. This is a lot for her. Hell, it would be a lot for anyone, but you know how Hailee is.”

  “I don’t wanna lose her. I’m afraid the more time she has to think, she’ll decide I’m not worth it and walk away for good.”

  “Nah, don’t think like that. I’ve already talked to her. I’m pretty sure you’ll be fine.”

  “Pretty sure? That’s reassuring. Thanks.” I don’t bother to reel in the sarcasm.

  “Just give her time and let her come to you. In the meantime, what are you doing about Angie?”

  “I guess I gotta call her. I’m not doing shit until I talk to Hailee, though. I need her.”

  “I get it, man.”

  “She’s at the bakery with Mads, then?”

  This asshole has the nerve to laugh at me. “Man, what did I just tell you? Give her time.”

  “I just need to see her.”

  “I hear you, but she’s not working today.”

  “But you said—”

  “No. I said today is a work day, not that she’s at work.”

  “I’m not in the mood for games.”

  “She’s here. Madalyn made her take the day off. She’s out back having coffee right now. I just finished talking to her right before I called you.”

  “Always looking out for my girl.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Someone has to give it to y’all straight. She said she was gonna call you, so give her the chance to come to you before you come charging over here.”

  “Fair enough. Hopefully she actually calls. I’ve been trying to get through to her since last night.”

  I lost count of how many messages I left for her, but I don’t even care. She needs to know that I can’t do any of this without her.

  “I gotta head to the bar to get some shit done for the party tomorrow. If you need a distraction, feel free to drop by and help out.”

  “I’ll drop by in a bit. I’m sure I’ll need to find something to occupy myself if I can’t convince Hailee to come home.”

  “Good luck, bro. See you later.”

  “Later, man
.”

  I put my phone back in my pocket and head for the garage.

  Might as well make myself useful and patch the hole in the wall before Hailee sees it.

  Maybe it’ll keep my mind off of shit until she calls.

  HAILEE

  After a long, emotional conversation with Drake, we decided that I would spend another night with Jaxson and Madalyn.

  I apologized for hanging up and avoiding him the way I did. It was immature, and not the ideal way to handle the situation. I know that, but it’s an ingrained habit to shy away when there’s a conflict and figure out how to handle it myself. I’m still not used to having such a supportive boyfriend. I’m lucky that he’s so forgiving, and that he understands that I need time to process things in my own way. That’s exactly why he suggested that I take one more night to process everything, so that we could talk about it with clear heads.

  Madalyn and I spent the night finishing up our Halloween costumes and entertaining Elijah, while Jaxson went over to spend some time with Drake. I missed him, and part of me really wanted to go home to him, but I knew it was better that I have a bit more time.

  Angie and her pregnancy were the main topics of conversation for the night. Mads was a huge help in making me more comfortable and accepting of the situation. She offered her point of view on everything, especially Angie herself, since she knows her a lot better than I do. We talked and talked, until I was completely exhausted with the conversation.

  When all was said and done, my head was clear, allowing me to make decisions about how to go forward. I would have to wait and see how Drake wanted to handle things, but at least I had my own shit figured out.

  I decided that I’m with Drake, no matter what. He has my unconditional love and support. Drake is one of the best people I’ve ever met, and he’s done nothing but support me from day one. He treats me better than any guy ever has, even treating my son like his own. I’m not willing to give that up easily. As long as I’m still what he wants, I will fight for our relationship with everything I have.

  As for the pregnancy, there’s absolutely nothing I can do. Angie either is or isn’t pregnant with his baby. Either way, I’ll be by his side offering love and support in whatever way he needs. If I have to put up with Angie for the rest of my life...well, I won’t like it, but I’ll do it. I can be the bigger person and be civil with her for Drake’s sake.

  I don’t get home from Madalyn’s house until early evening on Halloween.

  We took care of some last-minute things at the bakery before closing up early for the night. We had a blast passing out goodie bags full of Halloween treats to all the kids that stopped in throughout the day. Once we closed up, we delivered all the cupcakes, brownies, and candies to the bar, so the guys could get everything set up before the party.

  Drake is waiting for me when I get home with Elijah.

  I’m not even fully out of the car before he pulls me into his arms. I can hear his breath of relief as I’m releasing my own. There’s no place I’d rather be right now than in his arms. He hugs me tighter before releasing me to cup both of my cheeks in his hands.

  “I missed you so fucking much, baby.”

  I don’t get the chance to speak before his mouth crashes against mine. There’s so much need and desperation in his kiss. A tear streaks down my cheek, knowing that I put him through hell the past couple of days.

  He breaks away, both of us panting, his hands still holding my cheeks.

  “I thought I was going to lose you, Hailee. Don’t you know how much I need you?”

  His thumb brushes the tear from my cheek.

  “I do know. I’m so sorry, honey. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

  “Thank fuck.”

  He wraps his arms around me again and kisses the top of my head.

  The moment is interrupted by Elijah yelling from the car. “Daddy!”

  Our heads whip to the side. I’m sure our faces both convey the shock at hearing that word from my little boy’s lips.

  “Do you want to correct him?” Drake whispers.

  “It’s up to you, honestly.”

  Drake opens the rear door of my car, leaning in to get Elijah out of his car seat.

  “Hey, buddy!” He hugs him, Elijah nuzzling into his neck.

  “Miss you, daddy.”

  Tears well up in my eyes again, my heart melting into a puddle in my chest.

  Drake looks at me over the top of Elijah’s head. There are tears in his eyes, too.

  “I missed you, too, Eli. So much.”

  I walk over, wrapping my arms around both of them.

  Drake and I still need to talk, but deep down...I know everything is going to work out.

  We have dinner and get into our costumes. Elijah looks adorable in his little Mickey ears, and he’s so excited to go get candy. Drake is completely cheating. He’s wearing his normal jeans with a red t-shirt that has the top half of a skull with horns and the word ‘horny’ above it. My costume is...something else. I didn’t miss the look in Drake’s eyes when I came out of my bedroom. He said nothing, but the grin and wink he sent my way spoke volumes.

  We pile into Drake’s truck and head over to my parents’ apartment complex. It’s the easiest place to go trick-or-treating, especially since we’re leaving Elijah there for the night when we’re finished. Their apartment is our first stop, and my mom gushes over how adorable he looks.

  We go around to all the apartments in their building and half of another before Elijah starts getting tired. Drake carries him back to my parents’ apartment while I walk beside them. I’m glad I was smart enough to put on a pair of plain white sneakers for this little adventure or I’m sure my feet would be killing me right about now.

  We drop Elijah off and head home. We’re supposed to be going to the Halloween party at the Brewhouse, but we decided to get our conversation out of the way first. I think we’ll both be able to have fun and relax if we talk before we go out.

  DRAKE

  We’ve pretty much cleared the air between us, but I know that there’s more to discuss about the whole pregnancy situation. I still don’t believe a word of it’s true, but aside from a paternity test, I can’t think of a way to prove that Angie is lying.

  I met Hailee almost four months ago. I broke up with Angie almost two months before that. Factor in the three or so weeks that I was on the road before I came home and caught her cheating. That makes it about seven months since the last time I slept with her.

  Holy shit. That’s it!

  “Hails, when Angie stopped by and showed you that shit...did she look pregnant?”

  I guess that question isn’t really the way to start this conversation, but it’s something I need to know to figure this out.

  “Not really, no. I figured she just wasn’t showing yet.”

  I chuckle, making Hailee give me a weird look. “Sorry, but baby...the last time I slept with Angie was like seven months ago.”

  Her eyes widen as she understands my meaning.

  “She’d have a huge stomach by now!”

  ‘Exactly. She may be pregnant, but there’s no way in hell it’s mine. I fucking knew it.”

  Hailee wraps her arms around my waist. “I’m so sorry I didn’t believe you. I just couldn’t avoid the fact that she showed me that test and the pictures.”

  “You don’t need to apologize, love.”

  “Can I be honest with you?” She asks, looking up at me.

  “I’d be mad if you weren’t.”

  “I had already decided that as long as you still wanted me, I would stand by your side and support you no matter what, but I’m really fucking happy that I don’t have to deal with Angie for the rest of our lives.”

  I burst out in laughter before planting a kiss on her lips.

  “Me too, baby. Me too.”

  We’re both laughing when Hailee’s phone goes off. Recognizing the song, we both know it’s Madalyn, so she ignores the call.

  “She’s proba
bly just wondering why we’re late. I probably should have told her that we were going to come home and talk first.”

  “She’ll figure—“ My words are interrupted by the phone ringing again.

  Hailee grabs her phone to answer it because Mads wouldn’t call twice in a row unless it was something important. She answers the call, putting it on speaker.

  “Mads, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

  “Can Drake hear me?”

  “Yeah, you’re on speaker. What’s going on?”

  “Bitch is busted!”

  I speak up, “What are you talking about, Mads?”

  She lets out a laugh. “Guess who is currently sitting inside the Blackwood Brewhouse drinking with a bunch of random guys?”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?! That bitch has a lot of nerve!” If this was a cartoon, steam would be shooting from my ears right about now.

  “I was going to have Jax throw her out, but I figured this is the perfect chance for you to bust her ass in her lies.”

  “Is she really that stupid? How can you claim to be pregnant and still go drink at a bar owned by the alleged baby’s father’s best friend?” Hailee asks.

  Both of them laugh, but Madalyn responds first. “That was exactly what I thought, too. She’s either already drunk, or just stupid for thinking that she wouldn’t get caught. Y’all hurry and get your asses down here before she ends up leaving or something.”

  “We’re on our way. If she tries to leave, find a way to distract her and keep her there.” I demand. “Also, tell Jax that I apologize in advance for the shit that’s about to go down in his bar.”

  Mads cracks up before telling us she’ll see us soon.

  Hailee slides her phone into her purse and her heels on her feet before turning for the door. She must realize that I haven’t moved, because she turns to find me watching her.