Chapter 25 Gabi #2
The two of us stare at each other, because this is the last place I ever thought I’d run into my ex-husband. I haven’t seen him since the last divorce mediation when the final agreements were set in stone and I walked out a free woman.
Since then, I’ve wondered a few times what he was up to. Not in a “want him back” way. But in a curiosity way. I assumed he and his secretary were off living their new fabulous life.
Turns out I was wrong. Because the woman standing next to him—who I guarantee is younger than Maddox and is clearly more pregnant than I am—is not his secretary.
“What are you doing here?”
Is he confused? Does he not know what store he walked into? Judging by his tone, I feel like he’s confused. And of course mad, because it’s my ex and that’s his default mode.
“I think the same thing you’re doing,” I say, nodding to the woman’s belly as she drapes herself onto him. “I guess congratulations are in order.”
“Thanks,” she says happily, clearly having no idea who I am. “Daddy and I are so excited.”
“Oh I can tell,” I say, eyeing Justin, whose face is the polar opposite of happy. “Daddy.”
His eyes narrow at me, my sarcasm already getting to him.
Mediocre men… so sensitive.
“I’m Gabi by the way,” I say, extending my hand to…
“Kaila. With an I,” she says, like that makes any difference to me.
“Good to know.”
We awkwardly shake hands, and Justin’s face is becoming increasingly red by the second.
“You okay over there? You look a little upset? Having a baby is supposed to be a happy time!”
I don’t know if it’s my sarcasm or nonchalance that’s getting to him, but I must admit, it’s fun.
“How far along are you?” he asks with a bite.
I put my hand over my stomach and act as if I’m offended by his question.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.
I’m not sure if they covered this in medical school, but I haven’t had sex with you in over two years, and a baby’s gestation is only nine months.
Now I know you’ve never been as good at math as I am, but you don’t have to worry, it’s not yours. ”
“You two had sex!” Kaila cries out. Does she seriously think she’s the only woman he’s ever slept with? Now that’s hilarious. “Who are you?”
“Oh. My apologies. I’m his ex-wife.”
She snaps her head to glare at Justin, who looks like he wants to murder me right now. And honestly? I can’t stop smiling. This is the best fucking day ever.
“Is she for real, Daddy? Were you married to her?”
Before I can hear his answer, Maddox steps up next to me. Impeccable timing.
“There you are gorgeous. Everything okay here?”
I’m not sure how much Maddox overheard or saw before he walked up, but I’m guessing by his dramatic arm over my shoulder, the twinkle in his eye, and the way he made sure to call me gorgeous, he heard enough.
Oh this is about to be so much fun.
“Oh my God! You’re Maddox Gallagher!”
I have to swallow my laughter as Kaila’s mouth drops to the floor.
“I am. Nice to meet a fan.”
“She’s not a fan.” Justin scowls as he pushes back the hand Kaila tries to extend.
“But I am! I saved every one of his photos from his Men’s Health shoot last year.”
“Weren’t they so hot?” I say to Kaila, because she’s clearly oblivious, and this might be the last time I’ll ever get to piss off my ex. “And guess what, not a thing was Photoshopped, if you know what I mean.”
“For real?” Kaila-with-an-I decides to take that moment to eye my boyfriend up and down. She even bites her bottom lip as she stops at his crotch. I know I basically egged her on to do this, but no one stares at that dick but me.
“Sorry,” I say, stepping in front of Maddox. “You can’t have this one. You just get my leftovers.”
I hear a low growl coming from Maddox’s throat before Justin rudely interrupts it.
“Seriously, Gabi! What the fuck!” Justin’s voice carries through the store, and I’m not sure how many other people are shopping now, but they have to know there’s something happening in Aisle 10.
“Oh Justin, calm down,” I say. “We’re adults. I’ve moved on. So have you. Apparently a few times. We’re both where we want to be.”
“Really, Gabi? You’re with him? The dumb jock? And you’re having his baby!?”
“Damn right she is,” Maddox says. “I’m sorry, who are you? I didn’t get your name. And since you know mine, it’s only right.”
“You fucking know who I am.”
“I promise you I don’t.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen my ex so mad. “I’m Justin.”
I glance up to Maddox, and based on his smirk, I know he’s about to have a lot of fun fucking with my ex-husband.
“Hi, Justin. And how do you know Gabi?”
Yup. Maddox is totally fucking with him. If I didn’t love him before, I sure as shit do now.
“I’m her ex-husband.” Justin spits out.
“Oh! Justin!” Maddox says dramatically. “My apologies. I did know your name. We just don’t talk about you, and Gabi never thinks of you, so you were easy to forget.”
My eyes go wide. Kaila’s jaw drops. And Justin? I’m pretty sure he wants to punch Maddox. He won’t, because he’s smart enough to know he’d lose, but oh man does he want to. Instead, he turns his eyes to me, trying to intimidate me.
“This is who you want?”
I look up to Maddox, the three words I haven’t said yet ringing loud in my head. “He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I hear Kaila let out a romantic sigh as Maddox kisses my forehead. Justin is trying to grab her hand to pull her away, but not before Maddox speaks up.
“Hey man, you know, I’m glad we ran into you, because I’ve always wanted to thank you.”
This seems to throw Justin for a loop. “Thank me?”
“Yes. Actually, this is all because of you,” he says, taking my hand in his and giving me a quick wink.
“Gabi was in Vegas because you cheated on her. She was there celebrating her divorce from you, and frankly, I’m glad she made that decision.
Because even if she didn’t end up with me, she clearly deserves better than you.
But because you’re a piece of shit and don’t know how to treat women, I met the love of my life.
I met the woman who’s going to have my child.
And it would’ve never happened if you weren’t a complete and total fucking failure as a man. So, thanks. I owe you one.”
I’m not sure if this is real, but I’m pretty sure I hear a slow clap from somewhere in the store. Maddox looks down at me, the smirk on his face so fucking sexy. “You ready to get out of here, gorgeous? I couldn’t find the stroller.”
“Please.” And without a look back to Justin or Kaila, Maddox and I walk out of the store hand in hand.
Our chins are held high, and I’m on cloud nine.
Because not only do I know for a fact that I made the best decision of my life by leaving Justin, I truly picked the best man to truly be with for the rest of my life.
Because if I didn’t know it before, I know it now: I’m one hundred percent, head over heels, in love with Maddox Gallagher.