“Just leave me alone.” The crackling pain in her voice made him feel even worse. There was a knock at the door. Regina attempted to walk past him.
He squeezed her shoulders. “Listen, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“I have to answer the door.”
“Please, just hear me out.”
“Move.” She thrusted past him.
Simon reached for a beer and leaned against the counter. He’d bungled things badly. Normally, he knew exactly what to say to get back into Regina’s good graces. Now, he was at a loss as his turbulent emotions overtook his ability to be calm and charming.
“Hey, girl.” Toni’s voice wafted from the hall. Regina’s head fell on her best friend’s shoulders as soon as the petite woman entered. Sobs sprung from her shaking body. Toni rubbed her sister-in-law’s back and shared a confused glance with Marcus. “Gina? What’s wrong? What’s going on?”
Marcus hung their coats. Fists clenched, he stormed straight up to Simon. “Yo, man.” He scanned him from head to toe.
“Hey.” Simon managed to keep a calm tone despite his thumping heart. The chances of him getting out of this encounter unscathed didn’t look promising. Considering how he treated Regina, he certainly deserved a good thrashing.
Marcus relaxed his hands and stepped back. “You got another one of those?”
Simon passed a green glass bottle to his friend while Toni walked Regina into the bedroom. He took a few steps towards them. “Gina, please.” Toni raised her hand and scowled at him over Regina’s hair. Simon bent his head and re-settled his backside on the counter.
Marcus balanced his muscular frame on a stool and glanced over his shoulder as the bedroom door muffled Regina’s cries. He pressed the bottle to his tight lips and took a drink. “What the hell, man? I came here to eat, not beat your ass.”
Simon released a derisive snort and scratched his shoulder. “I fucked up, bro. I found out Regina is pregnant, and didn’t react well.”
“She finally told you, huh?” Marcus kept looking at Simon as he tilted the bottle at his mouth.
“Of course, you know.”
“Look man, my wife and sister are best friends. There are things I wish I didn’t know.”
“Well, she didn’t tell me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I found the pregnancy test jammed in a sink drawer and flipped out.”
Marcus descended the stool and erected to his full height. “Describe flipped out.”
Simon surveyed Marcus’s stance. They were at one of those perilous moments Marcus warned about when he found out that his sister and best friends were involved. Usually, it was Marcus who Simon would talk to about situations like this, but how much could he disclose without the Marcus’s big brother instincts kicking in? “I confronted her with it.”
Marcus scoffed. “Dumb-ass move, man.” He placed his arms akimbo. “She’s pregnant, which means she’s all hormonal and emotional. Never confront or argue with an emotional woman. She’ll destroy you.”
“Yeah.” At least he doesn’t want to kick my ass anymore.
“What else?”
“When she told me how long she knew,” Simon took a swig of beer and braced himself on the counter. “I accused her of thinking about getting rid of it.”
Marcus slapped his thighs and paced along the kitchen island. “Enough. For real, man? What a fuckin’ idiot.”
“I know. I tried to apologize.”
Guttural laughter echoed off the walls. “How did that work out for you? You accused her of hiding her pregnancy just in case she wants to get an abortion behind your back.”
Simon tilted his head and looked at the floor. “Well?”
Marcus got right into his face. “No. You don’t compare my sister with that harpy you warmed your bed with, you understand? Regina loves and has battled the world for you. Start appreciating that.”
“I do, it’s just that when I saw that test, I didn’t know what to think. I drew the worst conclusions even though I knew deep down they were wrong."
“You’re letting that bullshit Samantha put you through affect things between you and Gina,” he spat while backing away, “and it’s costing you a chance at a good life with a good woman.” He strode to the bedroom door and knocked gently. “Toni? We need to let Simon and Gina talk.”
Marcus returned to the counter and slammed back the rest of his beer. “Look man, I wouldn’t be in your business like this, but you chose to have a relationship with my baby sister.”
“I know.”
“Well, you need to come clean with her about Samantha and beg her to forgive you. Trust me, knowing my sister, it’s gonna take a lot of begging. She’s not used to and will not tolerate being treated like shit. I won’t allow it either. You got me?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” Marcus shrugged on his coat and filled the entryway with his large frame. “The woman you love is in there crying. Fix it.”
Toni emerged from the bedroom smoothing the front of her tear-stained shirt. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and walked towards Simon like a lioness. “Tell me something, Simon. Just how self-destructive do you plan on continuing to be?”
“Toni.” Marcus suspended his wife’s open coat in front of himself. “Let’s go eat. They’ll work this out.”
Simon crossed his arms. He wasn’t accustomed to so much accountability in a relationship. Regina’s tight family meant that he had to hear criticism from a line of people, all of whom he respected. Censure from Marcus and now Toni dug deep and set in his mind just how badly he wrecked things this time. “Yeah. “Listen, Toni, I love Regina.”
“You’ve got a funny way of showing it.” She wrenched her neck and frowned up at him while pointing a finger behind her. “She was fragile about this pregnancy before. Now she’s falling apart because of your thoughtless accusation.”
“Toni. Let’s go. Don’t worry, he’s gonna handle it.” The future in-laws left, and the apartment went silent.
Handle it? How the hell am I supposed to do that? Simon stared at the closed bedroom door. Everything I’ve done so far has been wrong, wrong, wrong. There was so much to lose by making things worse. Regina was his life, carrying a new life created from their love, and he allowed his past to taint it. Beg. Marcus said to beg. He squared his shoulders and walked to the bedroom. “Gina? Please, let’s talk.”
Regina opened the door. The streaks from her eyes left Simon mute. Her tears did that to him. She barreled out of the bedroom. “I think you’ve said quite enough.” She went back to unpacking the groceries. “Do you know where I was earlier today? I went to the doctor’s office to confirm that I was pregnant because I couldn’t believe it.”
He approached but stayed on the opposite side of the island when She scowled at him. The level of anger on her face was unprecedented.
The cabinet slams got louder as she continued to speak. “Something must’ve been wrong with the test, and I didn’t want to worry my loving fiancé unnecessarily.” Regina paused and bore into Simon’s soul with her stricken eyes. “The doctor told me that not only was I pregnant but I’m just entering my second trimester, so the rest of the afternoon involved a bunch of tests. Do you know what I was thinking of when they came at me with needles and cold torture devices to thrust into every orifice of my body?” She closed the distance between them until her breath sprayed his lip. “How will tell Simon? He needs to know he’s about to be a father.”
Simon remained still on the stool. Never confront or argue with an emotional woman. She’ll destroy you. Her countenance made it clear that she was ready to annihilate him with prejudice.
“All I thought about was you. Your feelings were the main thing on my mind all these weeks. From the time I saw the lines on that test, every time I tried to play down how sick and tired I felt and even in the doctor’s office—Simon, Simon, Simon was all that ran through my mind. As a matter of fact, do you know where I went right after I lef
t the doctor?” She disappeared behind the counter. “I trekked across town to a specialty baby store and got this.” The white tissue paper sticking out of the shiny black gift bag shook on the counter.
Simon closed his eyes and dipped his head. Guilt choked at his throat. Regina was wonderful, and he’d treated horribly. He brought his gaze back to hers. Instead of laughing and celebrating about their baby, she was holding back tears of anger. “Gina.”
“Open it.”
Simon tilted the bag in his hands. Its lightness contrasted the heaviness in his heart. He pulled out and unfolded the tiny white short-sleeved body suit and let it fall across his large palms. The colorful words my daddy is a lawyer branded the chest. Scum was not the proper word to describe him at that moment. “Oh, Babe.”
She stormed to the entryway and snatched her coat off the hook. “I’ve only thought about you all this time. Now I need to concentrate on the baby and me.”
Simon dropped the garment and jumped off the stool. “No, don’t go.” He dashed between her and the door.
Regina buttoned her coat and threw her purse straps over her shoulders. “Get out of my way.” She wasn’t teary any more. Her countenance was blank. Her cold eyes peered through him. “I need to be away from you.”
He drew her unbending body in his arms. She can’t be leaving. We love each other. This can be fixed. “Gina, give me a chance to apologize and explain.”
“You apologized. I’m just not accepting it, and I don’t want to hear any explanations. I’m not focusing any more energy on what you think, feel, or want to do. I’m going home to take care of myself and my baby.”
“Our baby, Gina. Stay, and let’s talk about this.”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. Let me go.”
“Please, babe, please, just stay.” He grasped her shoulders and covered her lips with his. Her body remained rigid and lips limp. He searched her eyes for the spark of love and desire that flashed whenever he was near. Nothing. Just emptiness and pain.
“Are you finished?”
Simon dropped his hands to his sides. Regina bolted to the door. It was as if the passion and tenderness between them never existed. No, she’s just angry. She still loves me. “Gina. When can I call you?”
She gripped the jamb of the open door and looked back at him over her shoulder. “I need space. Don’t try to contact me.”
“What if you need something?”
“The only thing I needed was for the father of my unborn child not to be a jackass.” The door softly closed.
Simon sat at the counter. He opened a fresh beer, took a long deep swig and set it down. Despair built in the pit of his stomach. He repeatedly slammed his fist on the counter. The beer bottle teetered and fell with a clank. Amber liquid spilled from the small opening and splashed on the body suit. “Great.” Simon brought it to the sink, squeezed a few drops of dish soap on the stain and held the small garment under the faucet until it was clean. “This isn’t over. I can’t let Regina walk out of my life with our baby. I’m gonna get her back.”
Chapter 32
Regina and Jeremy
Regina waltzed to her brother’s desk and pirouetted in her silver ballerina shoes. The royal-blue chiffon of her empire waist gown wisped around her ankles. “I believe I’m presentable, dear brother.”
“I love it.” Toni slid her hands down Regina’s arms, stopping at the end of the lace middle sleeves. “You’re stunning.”
“As are you, my queen.” Marcus came from around his desk and stood between wife and sister. He wrapped one arm around each woman and gently kissed Toni’s cheek. “I’m a lucky man to have the honor of escorting such a beauty.” He looked at Regina mischievously, “and my sister.”
Regina jabbed him in the side. “Very funny.”
“Come on, you two.” Toni straightened Marcus’s bow tie. “Behave, and act like you’ve been somewhere. This is a big night.” Tonight’s fundraising gala was an annual event that brought out important donors who made it possible for the center to stay open. Everyone vested in keeping things running dressed to impress and charm money out of some heavy wallets, Marcus was usually that most successful.
Toni passed her hand over the front of Regina’s dress. “See, I told you that cut would keep your condition a secret. Although, I don’t know how much longer you think you’ll be able to hide it.”
Regina clasped her hands and looked down at the folds of her dress, relieved that it covered the bulging abdomen underneath it. She was not ready to answer questions about her pregnancy, especially since she wasn’t sure what was happening between her and the father. It’d been over three weeks since she left Simon’s apartment after their last argument. It seemed like forever. “Yeah. I can barely fit anything, and remember when I was sick all the time? Now I’m hungry day and night.”
“That is to be expected when you’re expecting.” Toni fell back against Marcus’s chest and laughed at her own whit. “We’ll have to go shopping.”
Marcus rolled his eyes. “Oh, Lord.”
“You can zip it, Marc.” Toni smiled with excitement and stretched out her hand. “Did you bring the sonogram? I can’t wait to see my little niece or nephew.”
Regina slid the picture out of her evening bag. “The doctor said the baby is healthy.” She used to be hesitant about discussing her pregnancy with Toni, considering the fertility issues her friend was struggling with, but Toni insisted on being supportive and loving. “The right size and with all fingers and toes accounted for.”
“I’m so glad.” Toni scanned the black and white image while Regina examined her friend for signs of pain. “Beautiful. When are you showing Simon?” Toni held the picture in front of Marcus, who looked at it quizzically then his sister. “He should be at the gala,” she continued, “and he’ll want to see it.”
“I haven’t thought about it.” Regina purposefully avoided eye contact. Simon was the only thing on her mind lately.
“Mmm-hmm.” Toni crossed her arms. “I can’t believe you’re still being so pigheaded. The poor guy’s been bugging Marcus and me every day, asking how you’re doing and if you need anything. Just call him already.” Marcus sighed and closed the office door.
Regina tucked the sonogram back in her clutch and laid it on the desk. “I don’t know how to, okay.” She began to fiddle with a tab sticking out of one of her brother’s law books on the huge book case against the wall. “I was so mad, and now I’m not, and I can’t even think of what to say if I’m in the same room as him.”
Marcus sniggered. “You got that right. You two were pathetic at the last advisory board meeting.”
Toni glared at her husband and stood next to Regina. “You know I’m always in your corner, but you’re being plain foolish right now. Simon is hopelessly in love with you and that baby, and you just have him dangling.”
“I do not.”
“Oh, yes you do, my dear sister-in-law. I was on your side the first week that you wouldn’t talk to him. What he said was hurtful, but you have to think past that and to the future.” She caressed the distension in Regina’s abdomen. “He’ll come running if you asked.”
Regina laid her hand on top of her friend’s. “I guess.”
“Simon committed himself to you before the baby. Do you really think he’s going to just walk away? No. It’s you who’s pushing him away, and you better get your act together before he’s gone.” The two women turned in Marcus’s direction.
He chortled. “Yeah, right. Like either of you is really interested in what I have to say about this.” He rested Toni’s coat on her shoulders.
“Come on, Marc.” Toni turned and looked at him. “You’re a man.”
“Nope. You’re always telling me that Gina is a grown woman, not my little sister.” He began typing on his phone. “Well, let her work it out with the father of her kid. We gotta go.” He stopped in the doorway. “Damn it. We need more pledge forms, but I can’t be late. Gina, can yo
u make copies and meet us there?”
“Sure. Where’s the original?”
“Right on my desk. Thanks, sis.” Marcus placed his hand on the small of Toni’s back and guided his wife out of the office.
“Call the man,” Toni commanded over her shoulder.
Regina took the pledge form off her brother’s desk and wobbled to the copy room. Soon, she was following the small light peaking under the lid of the machine back and forth with her eyes. The whirring sound cut through the silence of the empty office and lulled her into deep thought. Now in her second trimester, there was so much she was experiencing alone. Her heart hurt yesterday when she looked at the baby fidgeting on the ultrasound screen and Simon wasn’t there holding her hand. She wanted him so badly, but for some reason, she was stuck as to what to do to get him back in her life.
She was so cold to him that night, and refused to even return a text message. Toni is right. I’m being a fool. I should just call him. A little flurry of movement inside her made Regina smile. She circled the belly bump with the palm of her hand. Simon had the makings to be a great father; he was loving, kind, patient, and strong. The little person growing inside her needed him. She needed him too. No matter how mad she was before, her love for him did not fade one bit. He was still hers. She peeked down at the blue front of her dress. “Let’s get daddy.”
Regina grasped the door jamb and swung out of the copy room. She threw her hands in front of her and let out a small shriek as she slammed into a bony chest. “Oh, Jeremy. I’m sorry. What are you doing here?”
“I never left.” Jeremy held Regina arms. A white evening scarf swung from his neck. “I was in my office. I’m just about to leave for the gala. What are you doing?”
“Marcus asked me to make more copies of the pledge forms. Can you keep an eye on them?”
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 23
