Chapter Three. #2
Instead, I’d ignored her and arrogantly assumed that I had everything under control.
I’d been wrong. Now I had to devise an exit from what had become a mob enterprise.
Salvos would continue to keep pushing, and I had to send a message.
I had some contacts who’d help, and I was going to make good use of them.
That night, Jody rolled away from me, putting a barrier between us.
Jody
Anxiously, I blew out a deep breath. I’d just booked the doctor’s appointment for three days and was as nervous as a cat on hot bricks.
“Want me to come?” Aster asked.
“Well, as Magic’s not been conversational, please. I don’t want to do this alone,” I replied.
“Magic’s still being grumpy?”
“Yeah, and I think I’ve guessed why. At first, I thought it was work.
He’s been working overtime.” Polite way of saying Magic was doing illegal shit.
“And I’ve tried talking to him for a fortnight, but Magic keeps shutting me down.
But I realised, we’ve been having constant sex, surely, he’s noticed that I’ve not had a period. ”
“Oh. You think Magic’s guessed?”
“Yeah. And Magic doesn’t want the kid. I believe he’s trying to drive me away. Magic’s started coming home late and barely talks anymore. Hell, the only thing he wants to do is fuck me.”
“Oh, Jody.” Aster reached out and hugged me.
“It’s okay. It’s best I know sooner rather than later when the kid’s here. Right now, I have options.”
“What are you saying?” Aster asked carefully.
“I can give the child up for adoption, find some surrogate parents, or keep it.” I was undecided which route I’d take. Personally, abortion was off the cards. I respected women’s rights to choose, but that wasn’t an option for me.
“What are you leaning towards?”
“I’m not sure. I waver between the three. First, I need to nail Magic down.”
“Good luck,” Aster murmured, reaching out and hugging me. Aster had no idea how much I needed that.
Magic and I were drifting apart. There was a rift forming that I was scared would become too big to breach.
I felt like we were slowly bleeding out, and I was terrified of losing him.
While I had choices, I already knew what I would do.
This was a child made with love. Even if its father didn’t love me now, two people who were wrapped up in each other had created this baby.
If Magic didn’t want to know, fine. I’d raise the kid myself, without any input from him. No visits, no child support, nothing. Magic wouldn’t exist. It would be me and bambino against the world. I’d make life worth living even if I worked two jobs.
“Honey, you’ll never be alone. Whatever happens, you’ll have me,” Aster said, surprising me before grinning. “You were speaking out loud.”
“Sorry. Anyway. Tell me about what’s happening with you and Jens or Kanon (meaning Gun), as he prefers?”
Aster blushed. She’d been dating a biker from Denmark who was vacationing over here. Kanon’s visa was due to expire soon, and he’d asked Aster to go home with him.
“I’m going with Kanon. You only live once, right?” Aster said. I squealed with happiness for her and reached out to hug her tightly. Simultaneously, my heart was breaking. Aster was moving on with her biker while I felt left behind. I couldn’t imagine life without my best friend.
“Magic will come around,” Aster murmured, rubbing my back.
“We’ll see,” I replied, but deep down, I believed Magic wouldn’t. Things were going to go badly for me—the sensation of losing him was permanent, and I should start accepting it.
◆◆◆
“Magic, don’t forget I’ve got a doctor’s appointment today. I need you there,” I said as we ate breakfast.
“What time?”
“One. I scheduled it to coincide with your lunch break.”
“I’ll try to attend,” Magic replied, distracted.
“Magic, you really need to meet me there.”
Magic’s fist hit the table and made me jump. “For fuck’s sake, Jody! I said I’ll try.”
“Magic, this is important!”
“Okay. Text me the address and time,” Magic responded, but I could see he was preoccupied. He was tapping at his phone and not paying attention. Had he listened at all? I smashed my cup down on the table, and this time, Magic jumped.
“I need you to be there. If you’re absent, I’ll understand where I stand. Am I clear?” I ground out with rage. “You don’t even have the courtesy to look at me when I’m talking to you!”
“I’ve got shit going on…” Magic began, and I cut him off angrily.
“Lately, that’s all you say. Do you want to be here? Are you trying to break up?” I demanded.
“No! Not everything is about you, Jody,” Magic said cuttingly.
“No, it’s not. However, if you fail to attend, then I’ll know where I stand on your list of priorities.
You’ve not even fuckin’ asked why I’m going to the doctor, or want you there,” I accused.
Magic looked shocked and opened his mouth.
But I was done. “One o’clock. If you miss this, then what happens next is on your head. ”
Magic
I was furious. Couldn’t Jody see how stressed I was?
I didn’t need petty demands for attention right now.
Ever since she’d been sick, Jody had become a total bitch.
I had the feeling something was happening, but I couldn’t concentrate on whatever that was.
My plans to extract myself were going ahead, and I had the equipment I wanted.
It had to be soon, as Salvos kept making veiled threats.
I wouldn’t bow to him or Mathews. If they thought I was under their thumb because of their threat to harm Jody, they were seriously mistaken.
No fucker threatened my woman. Even if we were fighting, Jody remained that.
I was doing this to keep her safe. All Jody needed to do was learn some patience.
Like those demands today. What had that been about?
In another week, this would be over, and Jody could have my attention one hundred per cent.
I just had to survive this, and then I could make amends.
I’d let Jody down, and although I knew she wouldn’t blame me, how did I admit I’d put her in danger?
No, not happening. Jody deserved to live in ignorance and bliss, even if she was being a total bitch right now.
Jody
“Here you go,” the sonographer said, handing me several pictures. I smiled weakly as Aster gripped my shoulder.
“Thanks. Can I get dressed?”
“Yes. When you’re ready, take a seat outside, and the doctor will call you.”
I nodded quietly, and she left.
“Magic didn’t come,” I whispered.
“I’m sure there’s a reason,” Aster said. I grabbed my phone and punched in Magic’s number. It rang out, and I hit it again.
“What?” Magic demanded.
“Where are you?”
“At work. Jesus, Jody, you checking up on me now?” Magic growled.
“No. Nice to know you cared.”
“What now? Why are you being passive-aggressive? Jody, I’ve got shit to attend to. What do you want?”
“Nothing. This was a mistake. Take care, Magic,” I said, choking back tears. Magic didn’t even say goodbye. He just cut the line. Guess I had my answer.