by Loren
“It should be, but it’s not,” he said, following behind her. “I have things to say. This isn’t over.”
He was one chatty Cathy. Every time she turned around he had something else to say. She wanted to shake her head, but she was a bit dizzy and decided she would confront him in the morning. If she could get into the house, she would be safe from his blabbering. She wasn’t physically able to have any heavy conversations until the morning. “Liam. Come back in the morning.”
“So you can keep avoiding me?”
She wanted to have a great retort, but she was too drunk to think. She opened her mouth as a car’s bright headlights pulled into her driveway. She squinted, holding her hand up to the light.
“You expecting guests?” he asked behind her.
Her feet stopped before she realized she had stopped moving. “Not that I know of,” she said, frozen to the spot as the car came to a stop and her ex-husband climbed out.
20
“Hello Arnold,” Gene said, wondering how low she could fall in life. She giggled, hoping she wasn’t actually awake. “What are you doing on this side of town?”
“Is there no level you won’t sink to?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said, trying to figure out what he was talking about. His facial features were shrouded in darkness, but she could tell from his voice he was pissed.
“Don’t play like you don’t know what I’m talking about,” he said slamming the car door closed.
She stood there and let him talk. Eventually, he would explain himself.
“You got me to sell you those stocks under a fake name! You said you couldn’t afford them but you could and I want to know why. You tricked me. Is this some game to you?”
She snickered. “You came all this way to ask me that?”
He took a step forward, and it occurred to her he might hit her, but then Liam stepped in front of her.
“I didn’t trick you Arnold. I think of ways to get rid of you, not trick you and finally I’m free. You have no business here. You should leave.”
He took another step closer, stepping out of the headlight beams so his face was clear and the anger contorting his face was clear.
“It wasn’t enough that you tarnished my reputation by leaving me. You had to make a fool of me and my name by starting this ridiculous garage with my money.”
“I already told you and the judge, I used our money. What’s mine is yours when you’re married.”
“Then the garage should be mine!” He stomped his foot like a petulant child and it was then Gene realized what this was all about. Arnold hadn’t been being a jerk just to be a jerk. No, it was more than that. He had been holding onto those shares to hold on to her. He still was trying to control her. Even now, when they were legally separated and living apart, he wanted to own her and every decision she made.
“You don’t own me or Lady Parts Arnold. You don’t own anything I have anymore.”
He lunged forward and Liam pushed him back.
“She didn’t make a fake name,” he said.
Gene stuck her head out to see past Liam’s big shoulders. “And who are you?” Arnold scowled.
“Liam Thompson,” Liam said, sticking his hand out to shake. What a gentleman.
Arnold looked at the hand like it was a snake and his face contorted into strangely entertained. “Wait. You’re Liam Thompson?”
“That’s what I said,” Liam said calmly.
Arnold’s eyes darted to Gene. “So, what? You tricked this man into buying them for you? Some things never change.” Arnold shook his head. “What did she do? Promise you something? I know it wasn’t anything in between her legs, she’s an ice queen.”
Liam's hands balled into fists at his side. “You better watch your mouth,” he snarled, and Gene found her heart racing. His defending her was pretty sexy.
Arnold laughed, clearly antagonizing Liam. “You still haven’t told me who you are.”
“Does it matter? Gene didn’t trick me into anything. She didn’t even know I was buying the shares.”
“So, you weren’t promised anything? Maybe you were hoping to get something from her.” He was reaching, but he hit on a tiny chord. Liam tensed.
“Like I said, she didn’t know I was doing anything.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Arnold said, dismissing him. “You need to give them back.”
Gene laughed, loudly. “I didn’t know you had a comedy act.”
Arnold's mouth snapped closed so loudly, she heard his teeth clank together. “I’m not playing with you, Gene! Give them back.”
“I’m not giving you shit!” She hadn’t meant to let him get to her but having her company to herself for the first time ever was too good to give up.
“Legally I bought them, and I gave them to her. There’s nothing you can do about it, and you are out your mind if you think she would give them back to you,” Liam said. Arnold looked like he was thinking about fighting but decided against it.
“I don’t even understand why you’re here! You should have just stayed out of it. Gene doesn’t deserve any of this. I sold you those stocks with the agreement that you wouldn’t sell them to her.” Arnold was still scheming against her, even while he had his money, he wanted to guarantee Gene’s demise. “You will be hearing from my lawyers for breaking that agreement.”
“I didn’t,” Liam said, crossing his arms over his chest in a flippant stance. “I gave them to her.”
Arnold grabbed his hair and pulled it, growling before launching himself at Liam. Gene screamed, jumping back just as Liam swung, punching Arnold in his face. Arnold fell, stumbling on the ground and holding his face. “What the fuck!” he yelled. Gene was almost sure from the crunch and the way he was holding his face that Arnold had a broken nose.
“You better consider yourself lucky. You come to her home uninvited,” he paused, turning to Gene, as if checking his statement was factual and seeing she didn’t stop him continued, “offend the woman I love, and try to assault me. I am going to give you ten seconds to get the fuck off her property or so help me God, I will beat you like you stole something and then call the police and make sure you get arrested.” He took a menacing step towards Arnold. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. I don’t know where you came from but out here, money won’t save you.”
Gene was standing still stunned as Liam walked back to her side. “Come on, Gene. Let’s get you in the house.” She nodded and walked with him to her front door. “Where’s your key?”
“It’s open.”
She had left it open, not anticipating taking longer than a few minutes when she went to thank Liam. He turned the knob and walked in, turning back to watch Arnold hobble back to his car and drive off.
“Good. He’s gone.”
With her door closed, he sat her down on the couch and held her hand. “Are you okay?”
“You love me?” Gene’s mind was stuck on the words he yelled to Arnold. He loved her. Hearing Laura say it was one thing but hearing it come out of his mouth was different. He probably hadn’t even noticed.
“What?” He looked concerned and confused.
“You love me. That’s what you said. You called me the woman you love. Is that true?” She needed to know. What if he really meant it. If he did, did she love him back?
He put a hand on both sides of her face, preventing her from looking at her lap or biting her nails. “Yes.” His eyes were wide, terrified but clear. He was telling the truth. “I love you, Gene, and I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. If you could find it in your heart to forgive me, I want to give us another chance.”
Gene’s mouth dropped open.
“I don’t know if you heard,” he said, turning bashful, looking away, “but I’m officially a single man.”
She gulped loudly.
“I don’t know what Laura told you, but I’m ready. I have never met anyone like you before. You’ve shown me things ... made me feel things I didn�
�t know I could feel. Please. You have to know that’s the truth.”
“I believe you,” she said, watching moisture well up in his eyes, though no tear fell.
“You do?”
“Yeah,” she said, processing everything quickly. “And I love you too.”
Epilogue
Gene hadn’t seen it coming. She wasn’t sure it would all work out, and she was dedicated to being a Negative Nancy, but Liam turned things around for her. He seemed good at that.
“I think that’s the last box,” he said, dropping a medium-sized box in their living room. He was shirtless, sweating, and overall looking edible.
“Are you sure?” she said from the kitchen. “I can find a few more things for you to move.” He came around the kitchen counter, slowly advancing on her. “Don’t even think about it. You’re sweaty,” she said, backing up from him.
“Then you can take a shower with me,” he said before grabbing her and hugging her to his wet body.
“Liam!” she squealed. He chuckled, not caring. Instead, he rubbed his face against her neck and kissed her. “Yuck!” She was still trying to pull away and going nowhere. He was too strong.
“You love it.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. She did love it, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. “Maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment. I let you move into my house, maybe I should have rethought that.”
“Too late,” he said proudly. “My house sold yesterday. I guess you’re stuck with me.”
She giggled. “I guess.”
“Then we’re all set. Come, my fair lady,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’ve got a hot shower waiting for you.”
“And then food? Because I’m hungry.”
“Whatever the lady wants,” he consented.
The shower wasn’t long, mainly since they spent more time getting dirty than they did getting clean. As soon as Liam brought her to a climax a second time against the glass wall, she groaned. “I can’t continue in these conditions. I’m hungry.”
“Okay, okay,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender. “Let’s get some clothes on.”
She followed him out of the bathroom to their bedroom and grabbed a t-shirt from his top drawer. “There. I’m dressed,” she said, pulling one of his shirts over her head. It swallowed her, ending just below her knees.
He pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt of his own. “I like your fashion sense.”
Gene did a twirl, pulling out the edge of the t-shirt as if she’d curtsy. “I could go on the runway with this.”
He kissed her on the nose. “Anywhere you are, I’ll be in attendance.”
They stood before his newly moved-in dresser. It had taken days of shopping to find the perfect dresser that matched her décor, wouldn’t take up too much space, and gave him enough room for his clothes. She wrapped her arms around his waist and turned her head to the side, looking at their reflection in the dresser mirror.
“We look good together,” he said, picking a bottle of cologne from the many that lined the top.
“I agree,” she said, watching him go through his ritual. He chose a different cologne every day, depending on his mood and the season. He sprayed his shirt and Gene took one whiff before running to the bathroom on autopilot.
“Gene,” she heard somewhere behind her as she sought the refuge of her toilet. Her stomach contracted so violently, she just barely had time to brace herself against the toilet back before the remnants of her breakfast came back up. It wasn’t much, coffee mixed with an omelet and toast but the regurgitation was so painful and shocking that she sank to her knees in fatigue. “Baby. What’s wrong?”
She closed her eyes, leaning her head against the cool porcelain and sighed. “Please go away. I’m gross. I’ll let you know when I’m done.”
She could hear him rummaging around behind her but couldn’t bring herself to get up. There was a rush of water and then a cool rag wiping her face.
“I told you to wait outside.” She opened her eyes to find him crouched in front of her.
“Since when have I ever listened to you,” he said, wiping her mouth. “You need to take a deep breath.”
She did and gagged. “Ugh. Get out of the way,” she said, coughing up the acidic residue as tears streaked down her face. As she leaned forward, the last of it dribbled from her lips, and her stomach turned once more though there was nothing left to throw up.
“Gene. What is happening? I don’t understand.”
“It’s you. I think. Your cologne. Go away.”
He left quickly and when he returned he was shirtless. She was still clutching the edge of the toilet on her knees, arms shaking and watching him wearily. He didn’t come any closer; instead, he lathered his washcloth with soap and wiped his neck and chest. Satisfied whatever he had on was off, he dried his chest and approached her. “Better?”
She took a tentative breath and shuddered in gratitude, collapsing in his arms. “Yes.”
“What is going on with you?” he asked, cradling her on the floor. She didn’t want to talk with acid breath, but when she tried to stand, he held her tighter.
“Let me go. I can’t talk to you with vomit breath.”
He turned her head with his finger. “You think I care anything about that? I want to know you’re okay.”
She sighed but then smiled a watery smile. “I was trying to think of a way to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” Her finger found its way to her mouth, and she nibbled the skin edge before he pulled her hand away. “Gene. You know you can tell me anything.”
“Okay.” She took a deep breath to calm the butterflies in her stomach and the buzzing of her thoughts in overdrive. “I’m pregnant.”
The buzzing in her head stopped, and she focused on the shock on his face. He stared at her, clearly struggling for comprehension. “You’re pregnant?” His face was tight with confusion.
“I’m pregnant,” she said, shaking her head.
His big hand covered her still flat belly. “There’s a baby in there?” His childlike wonder caused her to laugh, and a grin stretched across of his face.
“Yeah. That’s what the doctor said.”
“Wait. You went to the doctor? When?”
“Yesterday,” she admitted, a bit embarrassed. “I took an extended lunch break.”
“You went without me? Why?” He looked upset, and she didn’t blame him.
“I just ... wanted to be sure. You know? I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure. I just ...”
“Just what?”
“I just didn’t want to get your hopes up,” she finally admitted and tensed, waiting for him to be angry or blame her. Her fingers became the most interesting thing in the room.
“I understand.”
Her eyes shot from her lap to his face. “You do?”
“Yes. Pregnancy hasn’t been easy for you and you’re allowed to be afraid. I was the first time around. What did the doctor say?”
“She said we have a beautiful, healthy baby and so far, so good.”
He laughed in amazement. “A healthy baby?”
“Yup,” she said, suddenly very proud of herself.
“We’re going to have a baby.”
She laughed. “Are you going to keep repeating that?”
“Yes!” he said, standing and pulling her to her feet. “We’re going to have a baby!”
He hugged her tightly, swinging her around in excitement and when he put her down, he started walking away talking to himself. “Oh my god there’s so much to do. We have to build a crib, the guest room can be a nursery, I bet your friends will want to plan a baby shower,” he mumbled so quickly Gene had to catch up before she stopped him at the top of the stairs.
“Liam, wait!”
“What?” he said turning. “I thought you said you were hungry. I need to cook. You’re eating for two now.”
“We can’t tell everybody just yet,” she said, and her nail found its way into her
mouth again.
“Why?” he said, still poised to jog downstairs.
“Because... what if it doesn’t work out?”
“Wait. What?”
She bit too deep, cutting the skin of her finger, and winced but continued on. “What if the doctor is wrong? What if the baby doesn’t stay again? What if ... we shouldn’t get our hopes up? What if I’m still broken?” The last words were just a whisper, but he heard them and wrapped her in his arms.
“Gene. Listen to me. Are you listening?” he said, pulling her finger from her mouth and pushed her chin up, forcing her to look him in the eyes.
“Yes?”
“If you want to wait, we can wait. I would never make you do something you’re not comfortable with but don’t do it for any reason other than you want to keep this happiness to yourself. Doctors don’t lie, babe. Our baby is fine. Remember what I told you before? You are not broken, and it never happened before because it wasn’t the right time. But this? Me and you,” he said, gesturing between them, “I am sure. This was meant to be.”
She couldn’t keep the tears from falling.
“You are not broken, and this will work out. Do I have expectations? Yes. I expect we will have a healthy baby boy or girl that has your brain and my good looks. But I don’t expect you’ll do anything you don’t already do on your own. You’ll be great and strong like you always are, and whatever happens, we’ll get through together.” He wiped under both her eyes and smiled. “Do you trust me?”
She nodded and sniffed.
“Then believe what I say. You are the mother of my baby, and I have confidence in you. You amaze me, you always have, from the moment I met you, and this time, watch, you’ll amaze yourself.” He ran his hands through her hair to hold her face in his hands. “You hear me?”
She could only nod.
“Good. Now go brush your teeth,” he said, placing a peck on her lips. “Lunch will be ready in twenty minutes.”
He got down about three stairs before she called his name. “Hey, Liam?”
“Yes, love of my life, mother of my future child?” he said turning.
