Chapter 23
Gabriella
Walking into Vic’s work has me on edge. Things have been going well this week, so I thought I would bring the shop lunch.
I haven’t met everyone yet, so I figured it would be good to introduce myself.
I left work a little early to take a long lunch in order to bring sandwiches from the bakery downtown.
Now here I am in a pink pencil skirt, a white satin cowl neck blouse, and nude pumps, carrying two large brown bags up to a mechanic shop in a less-than-reputable part of town.
This is stupid. I’m so stupid. Maybe I should turn around before someone sees me.
Before I can chicken out, I’m stopped by a very tall, bulky bald man. “Excuse me, miss, can I help you?” His voice sounds like a foghorn. He’s wiping his hands on a well-used rag as he talks to me, similar to what Vic does in the garage; maybe it’s a mechanic thing.
“Hi, I’m Gabbi, I’m…”
“You’re Kid’s wife!” I smile at the man’s use of Vic’s nickname. “I’m Tony. This is my place.” He jerks his thumb over his shoulder at the garage. “You need some help?” Tony motions to the bags in my hand.
“Sure. Thanks, Tony, it’s nice to meet you. I have to head back to work soon, but I wanted to bring you all some lunch.” Tony grabs one of the bags and starts heading toward the customer service section of the shop.
“Wow, that’s…that’s really nice of you, Gabbi. We appreciate it.” He sounds shocked.
“Of course. Vic told me what you do here, you know, giving people second chances and such. I work with kids in the juvenile system, and what you do gives me hope for them.”
“I didn’t know you did that for work. Maybe you and I should talk business sometime.” Tony smiles at me as we walk together. “I think Vic is in the storage room, grabbing some brakes. Come on, I’ll take you to him.”
Tony opens the heavy-looking glass door for me, and the small bell over the door jingles as we enter the shop.
“Here, I can take the other bag and set this up in the breakroom.” As Tony walks away with both bags, a door behind the counter opens abruptly, and my husband walks out with a look of rage in his icy blues.
Before I can say hello, a young blonde steps out from behind him.
Her face is flushed, and she looks like she just got done working out.
..or getting fucked. My heart somersaults, and I immediately regret my decision to come here today.
“Gabbi, hi. What are you doing here?” Vic seems in control but off.
This is not how I saw today going. I just stand there searching for my words.
I’m not sure what to think, but the negative thoughts are slowly rolling in.
She’s beautiful. Her flat stomach and round ass, toned legs, fuck, what the hell was he doing with her?
Is that vanilla? Is it him or her that smells like that?
I look over at the girl, and she lifts the corner of her mouth and winks at me. She fucking winks at me.
Rage.
Full-on rage floods my entire body, and Vic sees exactly when it happens.
“Gabbi, let’s talk outside.” Vic walks around the counter, setting down the box he’s been holding. My hands curl into fists at my sides. I feel Vic standing next to me now, but can’t tear my eyes away from little-miss-fuck-around-and-find-out. Vic grabs my upper arm, “G!”
“WHAT!” My response explodes out of my mouth.
Vic motions to the door but says nothing.
I let him guide me outside by my arm. His grip is firm, but gentle.
We don’t say a word until we get to my car.
Once there, Vic walks me to the passenger side of my car so our conversation is blocked from any prying eyes.
“G, tell me why you’re mad. I can feel the rage coming off you.
” Vic stands in front of me, looking down at my face, but I don’t meet his eyes.
Instead, I stare at the oil grease stain in the middle of his chest, hearing my mom’s voice in my head.
Hold your shit together, Gabriella. Play it off.
Be indifferent. Don’t be crazy. Men don’t like crazy. Contain your emotions, Gabriella.
“G! Damn it, talk to me.” I remain silent. Vic gently grabs my chin and lifts it to meet his eyes. “Use your words, baby.” Flashbacks of our 72 hours hit me like a ton of bricks. Tears of anger flood my eyes. Fuck it.
“Who the fuck is that, Vic?!? You didn’t mention that you work with a fucking Playboy pin-up every day.
Guess you conveniently forgot.” The words are nasty coming out, but I can’t stop the anger.
The tears start spilling over. It’s not that I don’t trust him, but everyone has needs, and it’s been so long since we…
I just, I don’t know. I can’t even think straight.
When I look back at Vic’s face, a shiver runs through me; his pupils have doubled in size.
Is that a smile on his face? “Are you fucking kidding me, Vic? You’re fucking laughing at me?
I walk into your work to bring you all lunch, and I see what looks like you playing fuck fuck games with live action Barbie.
Then you laugh in my face?” I huff out and go to walk away, but am stopped by Vic’s hand on my stomach.
Now he’s rocking a full-blown, shit-eating grin.
“Fuck you, Vic,” I whisper, embarrassed by his reaction.
Vic steps toward me, pushing me against the side of my car, his hand spread wide across my stomach.
His smile is gone now. My breath catches, and my heart starts trying to jump out of my chest. “You misunderstand my reaction, G. I’m not laughing at you.
” Vic’s tone is dry and deep. He slides his hand lower and tugs the bottom of my blouse from my skirt.
His fingers are running back up my hip with the tips grazing my stomach.
Goosebumps break out over my entire body, and my nipples harden at the small touch.
“You’re jealous.” I roll my eyes. “Don’t sass me, Gabriella.
I want you to admit what you’re feeling. Out. Loud.”
I just stare at him, feeling his fingertips running across my soft belly, his eyes boring holes into mine, his heat causing my body to warm. I’m vibrating. “I…” I stop. This is ridiculous.
“Words, Gabriella.” Vic reaches up and quickly pinches my nipple to punctuate his command.
I gasp and feel a gush between my legs. Holy fuck.
What is happening right now? Vic leans in close, his spicy mechanic smell overwhelming the rest of my senses.
Next to my ear, he speaks low and slow, “Tell. Me. What. You. Are. Feeling.”
“Fuck. Vic.” He hums, his mouth still next to my ear. “Fine.” I breathe, relenting. “I’m jealous. I don’t know why. I feel stupid. I just hate that you don’t want me anymore. I’m sorry I’m not what and who I used to be.” The last sentence comes out so soft, I’m not sure he heard it.
All the emotions mixed with the physical touch are breaking me down. I feel desperate and defeated. So embarrassed that I made my confession with my eyes closed.
When I open my eyes and look directly into his, I see a look of confusion. His hands have stopped moving, one on my bare stomach, the other on the roof of the car. Vic’s mouth is partially open in a subdued look of shock.
He finally licks his bottom lip, his eyes go soft, and he moves his hand slowly from the car to my shoulder. Running his hand up the side of my neck so it spans my jawline.
The vibrations are back. My body is so racked with tension and longing, the past three years weighing so heavily. Vic moves his thumb against my jaw, his eyes searching my face for permission.
My heart is hammering as he leans in closer. Then, I finally close my eyes and softly nod once, giving silent consent.
The kiss is slow, but explosive. My whole body convulses as Vic’s lips desperately move against mine. Our tongues dancing like old friends.
A moan escapes my lips, and a growl from his. Vic’s hand moves from my stomach to my lower back, pulling me in as he dives further into my mouth. I can feel tears stream down my cheeks in relief or maybe in release. I miss him so much. I miss this. I miss us.
Vic pulls away slowly. A look of adoration on his face.
“I need you to hear me, Gabbi.” Both of his hands are on my jawline, fingers reaching into my hair at my nape.
“First, don’t you ever apologize for being who you are, baby.
Second, I never stopped wanting you.” He pauses, shifting his eyes back and forth between mine, “I love everything about you. I want every part of you, the soft parts, the complex parts, the funny and awkward parts, all of it. You’re mine, Gabriella Scott, you have been since we met in the fifth grade.
You will always be mine, just like I’m yours. ”