Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:35 am
All right, all right! 
Here I am, with a new part...and I have to let you all know, it's a cliffy. Please keep in mind before anyone forms a lynch mob for my dear boy, that things are not always as they seem, all right?? Wait until I post the next chapter before you decide to kill him or let him live, lol.
Also, the next chapter will be the final one, so head's up. I'll probably be posting in the next few days, so keep an eye on this thread! Thanks guys, and enjoy...
hugs, Lindsay
<center>Chapter 11</center>
“I can’t believe you’re really going to do this.”
I ignore the disbelieving voice and glance around at the hundreds of pairs of eyes staring back at me. I try not to wince, feeling strangely like I’m on display. “Okay…which one of you lovely ladies wants to come home with me?” I murmur, rubbing my chin thoughtfully as I peruse the shelves.
“I think you’ve officially lost it, Nick,” Michael drawls, shaking his head in wonder. He looks into a pair of lifeless black eyes and shudders. “Dolls creep me out.”
I pause, turning to raise a brow at him. He colors slightly and mutters, “Haven’t you ever seen Chuckie? Those little bitches are just plain scary.”
“Only you, Guerin.”
“Let’s hurry this up, I have stuff to do.”
“You mean sitting on your ass and stuffing your face while watching Power Yoga on PayPerView?” I smirk, selecting a tiny blonde doll from the shelf. “Who do you think you’re fooling, Michael?”
“Hey, I watch it for the spirtual cleansing, all right?” he sniffs in mock outrage. “And for the leotards.”
“This one’s fine.” I tuck the curly blonde doll beneath my arm and stride down to the next aisle where trucks and tanks and other boy toys await.
“Oh yeah, now this is what I’m talking about,” Michael growls, reaching up and pulling down a classic GI Joe action figure. “Check it out, they have the paratrooper one now!”
“You do realize that is, in fact, a doll?” I manage to hide a smile as he turns the box over and eagerly scans the details on the back.
“No, Nick. It’s GI Joe, Real American Hero. The final defense against the deadly Cobra.”
“Oh my God,” I drawl. “You’re scarier than Chuckie any day.”
“Bite me.”
I snort, but motion for him to bring the action figure along with him to the counter. “Do you giftwrap?” I offer the young female clerk my best smile. Judging by the way her cheeks flush, I still have a bit of prowress left in me. Apparently only Tess is immune, or pretends to be anyway. Unfortunately for her, I plan to change that.
“We do,” the cashier answers with a hesitant smile. “Are these for a sibling?”
“Um, for my son, actually.” I don’t bat an eye before adding, “Or my daughter. We haven’t found out yet. Never hurts to be prepared, right?”
The cashier blinks. “Oh…well, congratulations.”
“Thanks,” I smile and a strange feeling passes through me at the simple words. A sense of pride, a sense of anticipation. I watch as she rings up the two toys and I find myself eager to rush home and present them to Tess, to share with her the excitement of her pregnancy. Our pregnancy.
“Do you have the Ninja Cobra Strike Team?” Michael inquires as the woman sets to work wrapping the gifts. “I noticed you had the Valor vs. Venom collection, but I didn’t notice the Ninja Cobra Strike Team.”
“No, we don’t,” the woman offers apologetically while I gape at Michael. He sighs and shrugs his shoulders.
“Ah well, obla di, obla dah.”
“Huh?” I frown.
“You know, life goes on.”
I nod, leaning forward to whisper to the woman, “He’s completely harmless.” She giggles and Michael shoots me an evil look while I rock back on my heels and smile innocently.
Fifteen minutes we’re on the way to the Crashdown, Power Yoga forgotten in the face of a Trekkie special and cherry cola. As we slide into a booth, Michael shouts across the room for Liz. I tap my fingers against the booth, sprawling back and nodding my head to the music playing overhead.
My wandering gaze falls and freezes on Tess as she pushes through the bathroom door, adjusting the bouncy antennae on her head. Her face is pale, eyes sunken and her hair is tied back in a simple ponytail, very un-Tess like. I immediately grow concerned as she heads towards the order window, stumbling slightly.
“Yeah, yeah hold your horses,” Liz’s voice snaps and I glance up to see her making her way towards our booth. She props a hand on her hip and cocks an irritated pose. “You know, Michael, I don’t come to your job and harass you needlessly.”
“Aw, don’t be that way Lizzie. Where’s the service?”
“Why is Tess here?” I break in before a very predictable sibling argument can progress. “She looks like she’s about to fall on her ass.”
Liz glances over and sighs. “She’s having problems with morning sickness lately. We thought it was over when she reached her second trimester, but somehow it’s only gotten worse. She tries to hide it, but I see her running for the bathroom every break she gets.”
I nod distractedly as I watch her lift a platter of food and walk towards a neary table. She manages a weak smile for the customers before turning and wiping a hand across her forehead. She closes her eyes and I tense as she teeters on her feet.
“I’m getting her out of here,” I decide. “Look at her, she can barely walk.”
“Nick—”
I ignore Liz’s voice as I stand up and stride towards Tess. When my hand closes around her elbow, her eyes flash open and she stares at me in shock as I start dragging her towards the exit.
“Nick! What are you…what—”
“We’re leaving,” I state grimly, dragging her towards the bathroom doors. “If you won’t take care of yourself, I damn well will.”
She doesn’t get angry by my comment, simply appears stunned and confused as she struggles to keep up with my fast, frustrated strides. I slam the door behind us and lock the door as she demands, “What are you talking about?”
I spin around, glaring at her as emotion races through me, heating my blood and making me want to lash out. “For God’s sake, Tess, what were you thinking coming to work like this? Have you been throwing up all morning?”
When she simply stares at me with wide eyes I mutter a curse, raking a hand through my hair. “You have,” I correctly assume. “And yet, here you are. Looking like death warmed over and catering to the whims of others, instead of sitting at home and taking care of yourself!”
“Now wait just a minute,” she answers crisply, color flooding her cheeks as the glazed look leaves her eyes. She yanks her arm away and pins me with a glare. “For your information, I’m not going to let a little case of morning sickness keep me from doing my job! It’s the damn vitamins, all right? It’ll wear off soon and then I’ll be fine.”
“Really,” I scoff. “And what happens if you push yourself too hard, Tess? What happens when you just run out of steam? I doubt the Crashdown patrons want a side of unconscious pregnant woman with their burgers!”
“Ohh…” she grinds her teeth together, stepping forward and shoving at my chest with a single finger. “What do you know? You’re not pregnant, Nick! I am! I know what I’m doing, okay? Butt out!”
“Not when you’re running yourself ragged!” I reply, my heart beating rapidly as I note the pained expression on her face. “God, baby, I saw you in there. You’re on the verge of collapsing. Just…just take a few days off before you make yourself sick. Liz and the others can handle the lunch crowd without—”
“I’m not taking time off,” she growls. “I need this money, Nick!”
“Is that all that’s important to you?” I exclaim in frustration. “What about our baby? What about the fact that whatever happens to you, happens to him? Or her? What about that?”
“How dare you!” she gasps, her eyes darkening to cobalt, lips wobbling. “How dare you come here and say this to me, after you left. You left Nick!”
“Damn it, when are you going to let that go! I told you why I left, and no it wasn’t right but dammit, Tess! You can’t keep punishing me for making a mistake!” I cry out. “I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry I wasn’t here for you when you found out. I don’t know how else to prove that to you!”
“You aren’t happy!” her voice breaks, and her angry expression is immediately transformed as her lips wobble and tears fill her eyes. “You still aren’t happy, Nick! Do you think I don’t know how you feel about this baby? I’ve seen your face anytime the subject comes up. You look, how did you put it, like death warmed over. You don’t want this baby, so don’t fucking tell me how to take care of myself or it because you. Don’t. Care—”
I cut her sobbing words off by crashing my lips down to hers, dragging her off her feet and against me as my hands frame her face. I pour every ounce of pain, frustration, anger and desire I feel for her into this kiss.
She stiffens against me, then she’s kissing me just as fiercely, just as passionately. Her teeth sink into my lower lip and we both moan, my hands sliding down to cup her butt. It’s hard to breathe through the haze of arousal that threatens to wrap me in its thick blanket.
Somehow I manage to pull away and whisper in a gutteral voice, “I care, dammit.”
She stares at me, chest rising and falling beneath the tight bodice of her uniform. “It’s just sex.” She licks her lips, eyes soft and filled with tempting desire even as the contradicting words spill from her lips.
“No,” I deny feverishly. “It’s never just been sex, and you know it.”
“Yes, it—”
“Shut up,” I whisper before lifting her legs around me and turning to set her on the counter, shoving up her skirt as she arches her neck in surrender. My teeth sink into the offered flesh as she works at my zipper. In seconds I feel the cool air brushing my erection and then her hands are filled with me.
She leads me towards her entrance and we both gasp as I slide inside of her silken heat. “Shit,” I hiss, swallowing hard as she wraps her legs tighter around my waist. “You feel so…”
“Fast,” she pants. “Do it.”
“Not until I hear you say it,” I growl, sweating as I hold myself back from thrusting. “Tell me it’s more.”
“I can’t, Nick. Don’t ask me to,” she pleads, rubbing herself against me. “Please, just…”
“No,” I answer brokenly. “This means something.”
“We’re in a bathroom, Nick! This is sex, nothing more.”
“Location doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “Just us. And we mean something.”
“Nick—”
“Tell me.”
“Argh, yes!” she cries out, digging her nails into my back beneath my shirt as she presses me closer. “Damn you, it means something! Are you happy?”
“Not yet, but I’m about to be. Both of us will.” I’m shaking as I pull out and drive myself back inside, a long groan filling my throat as she gasps. “Oh, baby…”
It’s hard, fast, and frantic, but the romance of it nearly brings me to my knees as she stares into my eyes. Her mouth falls open the second her orgasm takes hold and she grips me to her in a kiss as I follow.
Afterwards, the sounds of the air conditioner humming and the distant sounds of dishes rattling break into our sensual bubble and I rest my forehead against hers in repletion. I recall the time Max and Liz took a trip to this very bathroom and a laugh escapes my throat.
“What’s funny?” she mumbles in a thick voice.
“Nothing,” I smile. “Listen, I’m taking you home. For once, don’t argue.” She stiffens, but I simply rear back and brush a kiss across her cheek. “Please,” I whisper, curling my hand in her hair as I stare into her unreadable eyes. “We really need to talk.”
“About what?” She tries to appear indifferent, but the pulse pounding in her throat gives her away. She swallows and looks away.
“About what exactly I did while I was gone,” I state in a quiet voice. Her gaze flies towards me, eyes wary and slightly expectant.
“Maybe I don’t want to know,” she whispers.
“Yes you do,” I rub a strand of her hair between my fingers, lean forward and nuzzle her neck. “And I need you to know.”
She inhales sharply, but nods gently. “All right.”
We clean ourselves up as best as we can and she leaves the bathroom first as I wait a minute to follow. I see her talking to Liz as I exit, the two girls glancing my way as they speak in rapid voices. Liz wraps her arms around Tess and meets my gaze over her shoulder, her lips moving in easy to understand words.
Don’t fuck this up.
I incline my head in acknowledgement and walk forward, grasping Tess’s shoulder as I lead her out towards the parking lot. As we get in her car, she finally notices the bag hanging from my fingers.
“What’s in there?”
I pass her the gift and watch as she frowns. “Open it,” I suggest, leaning back against the seat and closing my eyes as she starts the car. Cool air hits my face as the AC comes on and I release a sigh of appreciation as the sweat begins to dry on my skin. I can hear her tearing at the paper and I resist the urge to glance her way as she makes a soft sound.
I open my eyes and see her staring at the doll that resembles her. She blinks and runs a hand down the corn silk hair and sniffs lightly. “She’s beautiful,” she manages, not looking up as I watch her silently.
“Yeah, she is,” I reply. “If we have a little girl, I hope she looks like you.” As soon as I say the words, I realize how lame and cliché they are, but they’re still true.
Her lips curve slightly and then she notices the second gift. She raises a brow at the GI Joe doll, but refrains from smiling. “Thank you, Nick,” she whispers.
“You’re welcome. I know it’s not much, but…I just wanted to do something…”
“Thank you.”
The rest of the ride is spent in awkward silence. It’s different from the last time we’d made love and Tess had pulled away from me. This time, the tension springs from the fact that I’m about to divulge something that will either make or break any possible relationship between me and the woman I love forever.
Thankfully, the house is empty when we walk inside. Joseph’s at school and Joe is off, probably spending time with Kathleen. Since the night of the PTA meeting, Joe’s been spending a lot of time with his former girlfriend.
I motion for Tess to follow me to the guest room where I’m currently staying and she jerkily sits down on the bed, watching me warily as I take a deep breath and shut the door. I wait a moment, hand on the door as I hang my head and exhale. When I turn around, I’m greeted with the familiar blank expression.
“Just tell me,” she spits out in annoyance, but I glimpse the pain and fear in her tone.
When I speak, my own voice is thick with trepidation and dread. This is the moment of truth.
“When I was in Miami, I met someone.”
Here I am, with a new part...and I have to let you all know, it's a cliffy. Please keep in mind before anyone forms a lynch mob for my dear boy, that things are not always as they seem, all right?? Wait until I post the next chapter before you decide to kill him or let him live, lol.Also, the next chapter will be the final one, so head's up. I'll probably be posting in the next few days, so keep an eye on this thread! Thanks guys, and enjoy...
hugs, Lindsay
<center>Chapter 11</center>
“I can’t believe you’re really going to do this.”
I ignore the disbelieving voice and glance around at the hundreds of pairs of eyes staring back at me. I try not to wince, feeling strangely like I’m on display. “Okay…which one of you lovely ladies wants to come home with me?” I murmur, rubbing my chin thoughtfully as I peruse the shelves.
“I think you’ve officially lost it, Nick,” Michael drawls, shaking his head in wonder. He looks into a pair of lifeless black eyes and shudders. “Dolls creep me out.”
I pause, turning to raise a brow at him. He colors slightly and mutters, “Haven’t you ever seen Chuckie? Those little bitches are just plain scary.”
“Only you, Guerin.”
“Let’s hurry this up, I have stuff to do.”
“You mean sitting on your ass and stuffing your face while watching Power Yoga on PayPerView?” I smirk, selecting a tiny blonde doll from the shelf. “Who do you think you’re fooling, Michael?”
“Hey, I watch it for the spirtual cleansing, all right?” he sniffs in mock outrage. “And for the leotards.”
“This one’s fine.” I tuck the curly blonde doll beneath my arm and stride down to the next aisle where trucks and tanks and other boy toys await.
“Oh yeah, now this is what I’m talking about,” Michael growls, reaching up and pulling down a classic GI Joe action figure. “Check it out, they have the paratrooper one now!”
“You do realize that is, in fact, a doll?” I manage to hide a smile as he turns the box over and eagerly scans the details on the back.
“No, Nick. It’s GI Joe, Real American Hero. The final defense against the deadly Cobra.”
“Oh my God,” I drawl. “You’re scarier than Chuckie any day.”
“Bite me.”
I snort, but motion for him to bring the action figure along with him to the counter. “Do you giftwrap?” I offer the young female clerk my best smile. Judging by the way her cheeks flush, I still have a bit of prowress left in me. Apparently only Tess is immune, or pretends to be anyway. Unfortunately for her, I plan to change that.
“We do,” the cashier answers with a hesitant smile. “Are these for a sibling?”
“Um, for my son, actually.” I don’t bat an eye before adding, “Or my daughter. We haven’t found out yet. Never hurts to be prepared, right?”
The cashier blinks. “Oh…well, congratulations.”
“Thanks,” I smile and a strange feeling passes through me at the simple words. A sense of pride, a sense of anticipation. I watch as she rings up the two toys and I find myself eager to rush home and present them to Tess, to share with her the excitement of her pregnancy. Our pregnancy.
“Do you have the Ninja Cobra Strike Team?” Michael inquires as the woman sets to work wrapping the gifts. “I noticed you had the Valor vs. Venom collection, but I didn’t notice the Ninja Cobra Strike Team.”
“No, we don’t,” the woman offers apologetically while I gape at Michael. He sighs and shrugs his shoulders.
“Ah well, obla di, obla dah.”
“Huh?” I frown.
“You know, life goes on.”
I nod, leaning forward to whisper to the woman, “He’s completely harmless.” She giggles and Michael shoots me an evil look while I rock back on my heels and smile innocently.
Fifteen minutes we’re on the way to the Crashdown, Power Yoga forgotten in the face of a Trekkie special and cherry cola. As we slide into a booth, Michael shouts across the room for Liz. I tap my fingers against the booth, sprawling back and nodding my head to the music playing overhead.
My wandering gaze falls and freezes on Tess as she pushes through the bathroom door, adjusting the bouncy antennae on her head. Her face is pale, eyes sunken and her hair is tied back in a simple ponytail, very un-Tess like. I immediately grow concerned as she heads towards the order window, stumbling slightly.
“Yeah, yeah hold your horses,” Liz’s voice snaps and I glance up to see her making her way towards our booth. She props a hand on her hip and cocks an irritated pose. “You know, Michael, I don’t come to your job and harass you needlessly.”
“Aw, don’t be that way Lizzie. Where’s the service?”
“Why is Tess here?” I break in before a very predictable sibling argument can progress. “She looks like she’s about to fall on her ass.”
Liz glances over and sighs. “She’s having problems with morning sickness lately. We thought it was over when she reached her second trimester, but somehow it’s only gotten worse. She tries to hide it, but I see her running for the bathroom every break she gets.”
I nod distractedly as I watch her lift a platter of food and walk towards a neary table. She manages a weak smile for the customers before turning and wiping a hand across her forehead. She closes her eyes and I tense as she teeters on her feet.
“I’m getting her out of here,” I decide. “Look at her, she can barely walk.”
“Nick—”
I ignore Liz’s voice as I stand up and stride towards Tess. When my hand closes around her elbow, her eyes flash open and she stares at me in shock as I start dragging her towards the exit.
“Nick! What are you…what—”
“We’re leaving,” I state grimly, dragging her towards the bathroom doors. “If you won’t take care of yourself, I damn well will.”
She doesn’t get angry by my comment, simply appears stunned and confused as she struggles to keep up with my fast, frustrated strides. I slam the door behind us and lock the door as she demands, “What are you talking about?”
I spin around, glaring at her as emotion races through me, heating my blood and making me want to lash out. “For God’s sake, Tess, what were you thinking coming to work like this? Have you been throwing up all morning?”
When she simply stares at me with wide eyes I mutter a curse, raking a hand through my hair. “You have,” I correctly assume. “And yet, here you are. Looking like death warmed over and catering to the whims of others, instead of sitting at home and taking care of yourself!”
“Now wait just a minute,” she answers crisply, color flooding her cheeks as the glazed look leaves her eyes. She yanks her arm away and pins me with a glare. “For your information, I’m not going to let a little case of morning sickness keep me from doing my job! It’s the damn vitamins, all right? It’ll wear off soon and then I’ll be fine.”
“Really,” I scoff. “And what happens if you push yourself too hard, Tess? What happens when you just run out of steam? I doubt the Crashdown patrons want a side of unconscious pregnant woman with their burgers!”
“Ohh…” she grinds her teeth together, stepping forward and shoving at my chest with a single finger. “What do you know? You’re not pregnant, Nick! I am! I know what I’m doing, okay? Butt out!”
“Not when you’re running yourself ragged!” I reply, my heart beating rapidly as I note the pained expression on her face. “God, baby, I saw you in there. You’re on the verge of collapsing. Just…just take a few days off before you make yourself sick. Liz and the others can handle the lunch crowd without—”
“I’m not taking time off,” she growls. “I need this money, Nick!”
“Is that all that’s important to you?” I exclaim in frustration. “What about our baby? What about the fact that whatever happens to you, happens to him? Or her? What about that?”
“How dare you!” she gasps, her eyes darkening to cobalt, lips wobbling. “How dare you come here and say this to me, after you left. You left Nick!”
“Damn it, when are you going to let that go! I told you why I left, and no it wasn’t right but dammit, Tess! You can’t keep punishing me for making a mistake!” I cry out. “I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry I wasn’t here for you when you found out. I don’t know how else to prove that to you!”
“You aren’t happy!” her voice breaks, and her angry expression is immediately transformed as her lips wobble and tears fill her eyes. “You still aren’t happy, Nick! Do you think I don’t know how you feel about this baby? I’ve seen your face anytime the subject comes up. You look, how did you put it, like death warmed over. You don’t want this baby, so don’t fucking tell me how to take care of myself or it because you. Don’t. Care—”
I cut her sobbing words off by crashing my lips down to hers, dragging her off her feet and against me as my hands frame her face. I pour every ounce of pain, frustration, anger and desire I feel for her into this kiss.
She stiffens against me, then she’s kissing me just as fiercely, just as passionately. Her teeth sink into my lower lip and we both moan, my hands sliding down to cup her butt. It’s hard to breathe through the haze of arousal that threatens to wrap me in its thick blanket.
Somehow I manage to pull away and whisper in a gutteral voice, “I care, dammit.”
She stares at me, chest rising and falling beneath the tight bodice of her uniform. “It’s just sex.” She licks her lips, eyes soft and filled with tempting desire even as the contradicting words spill from her lips.
“No,” I deny feverishly. “It’s never just been sex, and you know it.”
“Yes, it—”
“Shut up,” I whisper before lifting her legs around me and turning to set her on the counter, shoving up her skirt as she arches her neck in surrender. My teeth sink into the offered flesh as she works at my zipper. In seconds I feel the cool air brushing my erection and then her hands are filled with me.
She leads me towards her entrance and we both gasp as I slide inside of her silken heat. “Shit,” I hiss, swallowing hard as she wraps her legs tighter around my waist. “You feel so…”
“Fast,” she pants. “Do it.”
“Not until I hear you say it,” I growl, sweating as I hold myself back from thrusting. “Tell me it’s more.”
“I can’t, Nick. Don’t ask me to,” she pleads, rubbing herself against me. “Please, just…”
“No,” I answer brokenly. “This means something.”
“We’re in a bathroom, Nick! This is sex, nothing more.”
“Location doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “Just us. And we mean something.”
“Nick—”
“Tell me.”
“Argh, yes!” she cries out, digging her nails into my back beneath my shirt as she presses me closer. “Damn you, it means something! Are you happy?”
“Not yet, but I’m about to be. Both of us will.” I’m shaking as I pull out and drive myself back inside, a long groan filling my throat as she gasps. “Oh, baby…”
It’s hard, fast, and frantic, but the romance of it nearly brings me to my knees as she stares into my eyes. Her mouth falls open the second her orgasm takes hold and she grips me to her in a kiss as I follow.
Afterwards, the sounds of the air conditioner humming and the distant sounds of dishes rattling break into our sensual bubble and I rest my forehead against hers in repletion. I recall the time Max and Liz took a trip to this very bathroom and a laugh escapes my throat.
“What’s funny?” she mumbles in a thick voice.
“Nothing,” I smile. “Listen, I’m taking you home. For once, don’t argue.” She stiffens, but I simply rear back and brush a kiss across her cheek. “Please,” I whisper, curling my hand in her hair as I stare into her unreadable eyes. “We really need to talk.”
“About what?” She tries to appear indifferent, but the pulse pounding in her throat gives her away. She swallows and looks away.
“About what exactly I did while I was gone,” I state in a quiet voice. Her gaze flies towards me, eyes wary and slightly expectant.
“Maybe I don’t want to know,” she whispers.
“Yes you do,” I rub a strand of her hair between my fingers, lean forward and nuzzle her neck. “And I need you to know.”
She inhales sharply, but nods gently. “All right.”
We clean ourselves up as best as we can and she leaves the bathroom first as I wait a minute to follow. I see her talking to Liz as I exit, the two girls glancing my way as they speak in rapid voices. Liz wraps her arms around Tess and meets my gaze over her shoulder, her lips moving in easy to understand words.
Don’t fuck this up.
I incline my head in acknowledgement and walk forward, grasping Tess’s shoulder as I lead her out towards the parking lot. As we get in her car, she finally notices the bag hanging from my fingers.
“What’s in there?”
I pass her the gift and watch as she frowns. “Open it,” I suggest, leaning back against the seat and closing my eyes as she starts the car. Cool air hits my face as the AC comes on and I release a sigh of appreciation as the sweat begins to dry on my skin. I can hear her tearing at the paper and I resist the urge to glance her way as she makes a soft sound.
I open my eyes and see her staring at the doll that resembles her. She blinks and runs a hand down the corn silk hair and sniffs lightly. “She’s beautiful,” she manages, not looking up as I watch her silently.
“Yeah, she is,” I reply. “If we have a little girl, I hope she looks like you.” As soon as I say the words, I realize how lame and cliché they are, but they’re still true.
Her lips curve slightly and then she notices the second gift. She raises a brow at the GI Joe doll, but refrains from smiling. “Thank you, Nick,” she whispers.
“You’re welcome. I know it’s not much, but…I just wanted to do something…”
“Thank you.”
The rest of the ride is spent in awkward silence. It’s different from the last time we’d made love and Tess had pulled away from me. This time, the tension springs from the fact that I’m about to divulge something that will either make or break any possible relationship between me and the woman I love forever.
Thankfully, the house is empty when we walk inside. Joseph’s at school and Joe is off, probably spending time with Kathleen. Since the night of the PTA meeting, Joe’s been spending a lot of time with his former girlfriend.
I motion for Tess to follow me to the guest room where I’m currently staying and she jerkily sits down on the bed, watching me warily as I take a deep breath and shut the door. I wait a moment, hand on the door as I hang my head and exhale. When I turn around, I’m greeted with the familiar blank expression.
“Just tell me,” she spits out in annoyance, but I glimpse the pain and fear in her tone.
When I speak, my own voice is thick with trepidation and dread. This is the moment of truth.
“When I was in Miami, I met someone.”
After all, Max and Liz have yet to be married and there's always little Caitlyn, what exactly will she get into? And...look at me looking for reasons to keep this saga going, lol. I better stop while I'm still ahead. 
Hope you all enjoy, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone who read and left feedback. I love you all!
