Books and More

Summer

I came awake abruptly, my jaw stinging. Gabe's hand is across my face. I imagine that is why my cheek hurts so bad. The kid sleeps like he's fighting villains in his dreams.

Gently, I push his hand down to his side. It took a while to get him to calm down and fall asleep.

The events of last night play through my mind. I didn't get much detail out of Gabriel after he dropped that bombshell on me. I think I was too terrified to even ask the right questions. I quickly ushered Gabe back in the house and out of the rain. I eventually fell asleep in his bed trying to get him to sleep.

But this morning I need answers, and the only person that can give them to me is somewhere in my house.

Sitting up in my son's twin size bed, I nearly jump out of my skin when I spot Gabriel in the room. He's sitting on the floor in the corner. His back is against the wall, his head is tilted back, and one knee is bent. From his position he can see the entire room along with a perfect view of me and Gabe.

"Did you sleep there all night?"

"I didn't sleep," he replies without lifting his head from the wall. That doesn't shock me.

I push the covers off and drag my legs to the side of the bed. My feet search the floor for the slippers I took off last night. Finally finding my fuzzy pink shoes, I slip my feet inside.

"You slept restlessly." His voice causes me to look over at him. I ignore the way it has chill bumps covering my arms.

He's watching me now, his gaze on my legs.

"Yeah, well a lot has happened in the last twenty-four hours."

And I meant that literally. Not only did I find out my son's father is back, I also found out that our lives are in danger.

He doesn't reply to my statement. Instead, he climbs to his feet with the easy agility of a large cat.

I get out of bed, stretching my arms over my head.

"We need to talk about last night," I say, walking into Gabe's bathroom to relieve my bladder. I turn to shut the door, but Gabriel is standing in the doorway.

"Umm, can I have some privacy?"

"No," he simply replies crossing his arms over his chest.

Rolling my eyes, I go to the toilet. Apparently, his inability to let me out of his sight wasn't just a thing the night he held me captive. But, if he wants to watch me piss then, whatever.

"So, the Church is after us? Do we need to run?" I ask as I take a seat and use the restroom.

"It's not the Church."

"Then who is it?" I roll some tissue around my hand and clean myself before flushing the toilet and heading to the sink to wash my hands.

"I'm not sure yet." Gabriel comes into the bathroom and stands in front of the toilet.

I turn on the facet and hold my hand under the soap dispenser but get distracted when he unzips his pants. Surely, he isn't about to pull his dick out right here in my face and.... yep, he did. Holy shit.

There is no way that's the same dick I rode to make my son. If there is no other sign that I was out of my mind from withdrawals that night, it's the fact that I was able to take the monster he's working with.

I haven't even seen a penis that beautiful on the porn I watch. Beautiful tan complexion, nice thick girth, throbbing veins, a length that makes your mouth water, and a perfect mushroom head.

"Summer."

"Huh," I ask shaking my head coming out of my trance. My palm is overflowing with the white soapy foam from the hand soap.

"Shit," I mumble as I quickly wash my hands in the sink.

"Did you hear what I said?"

I turn to him just in time to see him placing his pole back in his pants and out of my view.

"No, I was uh....distracted."

He comes to stand beside me at the sink. His large body brushing against mine. It's then I realize how small my son's bathroom is. He reaches past me to get some soap, his arm brushes against my right breast and my body starts to get a fuzzy feeling like a bad cable signal. After reaching over me for some soap, he starts to wash his hands in the sink.

"I said, it seems right now you and Gabe are safe." He turns to face me after turning the water off. I hand him the spider man hand towel I'd just used.

Leaning my hip against the sink, I cross my arms over my chest.

"But?" I ask. I can tell there is a but at the end of that sentence.

"But," he goes on to say after placing the towel on the counter. "I don"t like the idea that this person went out of their way to find you. They didn't do it for no reason."

"So what now?" I shrug.

He leans his back against the sink, his palms flat against the edge of the counter.

"I'm going to find out who this person is and make sure no one else from that night talks."

"Basically, you mean a lot of bodies are going to pile up."

He doesn't reply, instead he just stares at me as if that was a dumb question.

"While I"m," he pauses as if he's looking for the right words to say. "Cleaning things up, I need to stay close to you and Gabe."

"And when it's over?" I hold my breath waiting for his reply even though I know where this is going.

"When I know you and Gabe are safe, I disappear. My stance hasn't changed, Summer."

It's not like I didn't expect this response. To be honest, I should be happy. Having Gabriel around is dangerous on many levels. And the most important one has nothing to do with the dead bodies that are going to pop up in the next few days.

It has more to do with the way my heart has not stopped racing since I woke up and saw him in the corner of the room. And how I have the strong urge to touch him as if I need to make sure he's real. Both of those feelings are unwanted and dangerous. Yes, it is best he goes on his way as soon as possible.

"Okay," I say, coming to terms with the fact that I'm stuck with him for now. "But I have a few stipulations if you're going to stay."

His mouth lifts on one side in that minute smirk of his. He turns to face me, leaning up against the side of the sink. He tilts his head as if to say go on.

"I haven't told Gabe who you are yet and I'm not sure I will."

The smirk falls from his face and his jaw tenses.

I hold up my hands in front of me before dropping them back at my side. "It's nothing against you."

The way his smile dropped bothered me. I don't want him to think I'm keeping his connection to Gabe a secret because of who he is.

"I may change my mind, but until then I ask that you not tell him either."

As bad as it sounds, I'm thinking about my son right now. Change is already hard for Gabe. If he finds out he has a father just for his father to disappear on him again, it will hurt him. However, I do want Gabe to have the experience of having a father figure in his life for however long he can have him.

"Okay," Gabriel says.

"Good." I nod feeling confident in my choice. "With that being said, for as long as you are here you will spend time with your son. I don't care if it's watching the same Marvel movie 50 times or tossing the ball in the back yard. Whatever he wants to do you will do it."

He rakes a hand down his face. "I don't know if that's—"

I shake my head. "I don't want to hear it. Either you do this, or I'll send you away and call someone else to keep us safe."

I don't tell him that Fem gave me a number. She told me to only use the number in case of dire emergencies. Only if it's a last resort, life or death type of thing. She was so adamant about it, I even taught Gabe how to find the number on my phone. If Gabriel couldn't follow my rules, I had no problem calling that number to keep me and Gabe safe.

The vein in his neck tells me he's angry. I'm not sure if he's angrier at me making this demand or the idea of someone else keeping us safe.

He dips his chin to his chest. I guess that's as much of an agreement I'm going to get.

"My last request," I say, before taking a deep breath. "When we are no longer in danger and your time is up, you have to give us a proper goodbye. Promise me you won't slip out while we are sleep." I hate the sound of desperation in my voice as I give him this last stipulation. But I can't help it. The way he left that last time still lingers with me.

Gabriel's intense eyes stare back at me. They stare so long and so deeply, I feel as if he's trying to tell me something. Like there is a hidden language he's trying to share with me only I don't understand it.

Finally, he dips his chin and turns away from me. "You have my word."

Feeling content with the new arrangements I hold out my hand. He looks back at the outstretched appendage before his half smirk lifts his lips. He places his warm hand in mine, swallowing up my hand. We shake twice before letting go.

"Alright, it's Sunday, which means we are headed to the bookstore."

I turn to leave the bathroom. Gabe appears in the doorway rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Hulk," Gabe says happily in a groggy voice. The smile on his face lights my heart. He rushes into the bathroom to stand beside his father.

"Gabe brush your teeth so we can head to the bookstore. Hulk," I say getting Gabriel's attention. "There are spare toothbrushes in that top drawer." I point to the set of drawers behind him.

I then leave, allowing the two guys to bond in the bathroom.

***

Gabe and I make it to Books and More, for their Sunday story time.

"Hey Gabe," Malia says as soon as we walk in.

"Cookie," Gabe sings his nickname for Malia.

He lets go of my hand to runs to Malia. As soon as he gets to her, he grabs her hand. From the first day my son met Malia he has been smitten. The only person he likes more than her, is her daughter. Right on time, Emory walks over to Gabe.

"Em," Gabe beams up at Emory. She waves and signs his name.

He signs her name back to her. She's been teaching him sign language since we started coming here.

"Why don't you two find a spot on the floor. Story time will start soon," Malia says.

Gabe lets go of her hand and takes Emory's. They walk over to the fireplace where story time will take place.

"Is Trina meeting you here?" Malia asks, walking over to the bakery counter.

"Of course. You know she can't miss an opportunity to have one of your strawberry short cake rolls."

Malia chuckles as she goes over to the sink to wash her hands.

"We missed you last week," I say, glancing over my shoulder at Gabe who seems to be caught in a trance as he stares up at Emory.

"Yeah. Life has been a bit complicated lately."

I turn back to Malia. She puts on gloves before going to her pastry display and grabbing a gluten free chocolate cookie for Gabe and two of her strawberry cheesecake crescent rolls for me and Trina.

"Is everything okay?"

Since the first day I met Malia, we've clicked. Not only does my son seem to love her, but she has been so nice and inviting to me and him. Considering I never had many friends growing up—mostly due to me and my issues—it was nice making a new friend.

"As okay as it can be. Em and I had some changes at home with my Grams moving out. And then my boyfriend is having some family issues. His brother is missing."

I've only met Malia's man once in passing. He didn't even notice me as he walked by me and out the door.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope they find him soon."

I follow Malia over to the register where she places two empty cups down beside my food. I've been here so many times and ordered the same thing, she doesn't even have to ask me what I want anymore.

Pulling out my debit card, I hand it to her. She rings up my stuff before handing me the card back.

"If I know Lucien," She continues. "He will find his brother. I just hate seeing him worried."

I could only imagine what her boyfriend must be going through. If Trina ever took missing I'd be crazy. Sadly, I can't exactly say the same thing for my actual sibling.

"Well, if you need anything, I'm here to help. Even if it's passing out flyers or watching Emory for you."

Malia smiles. "Thanks Summer, I appreciate that."

"No problem."

A commotion over by the fireplace has us turning in that direction. One of the kids has fallen and the others are laughing.

"Let me go read this book before these kids get restless."

I grab my bag of pastries and two cups off the counter. Finding a seat by the window, I place my things down before going to fix my and Trina's drink. As I'm walking back to my table my phone pings.

After placing the drinks down, I fish the phone out of my pocket and take my seat before looking at the text message.

Unsaved Number:This is Gabriel.

My heart gallops, knocking against my chest. A smile spreads over my face, but quickly disappears when a thought comes to mind.

Me:When did you get my number?

Unsaved Number:The day I had the phone set up.

I tamp down on the anger that spreads throughout me. He's had my number all this time and never once thought about using it? It never crossed my mind to question who set the phone up. I just assumed it was Fem. As I said, the moment I got out of rehab, I was picked up and immediately taken to a brand new fully furnished house. Along with all my new stuff, was a shiny new cellphone.

I knew Gabriel was paying the bills because I've never seen a letter come to the house or gotten a call from a collector. I just never considered he would have the number and until this day, never used it.

Me:Wow! So you've had my number for five years and it never crossed your mind to call?

I watch as the bubble appears on the screen, I wait for his response, hoping it's a good one.

Unsaved Number:Save this number.

Without him having to say it, I knew this conversation was over. I was never going to get an answer to my question. Rolling my eyes and sucking my teeth I toss my phone on top of the table and sink back into my chair.

"Well hey to you too," Trina says, taking a seat in the chair across from me.

"Hey, girl,"

"What's got your panties all in a bunch?" Trina picks up her cup and takes a sip of the strawberry lemonade that is worth every single one of its calories."

"Gabe's father is back."

Immediately she chokes on the lemonade she'd just sipped. She pats her chest as she coughs up a lung.

"What the fuck, Summer?" she shouts entirely too loud for our current location. Malia stops reading as all eyes turn to us.

"Sorry. She has a condition," I say, apologizing to all the glaring faces.

Malia gets the kids' attention back, and the parents go back to what they were doing.

"Keep your voice down."

She waves me off. "When did he come back? What did he say? Is he trying to get you back? Have ya'll fucked?"

I hold up a hand to stop her. "He came back two nights ago. He hasn't said much, and no we haven't had sex."

Trina leans back in her seat and folds her arms over her chest.

"Then what the hell was the purpose? Did he just pop up after five years to say hey?"

Good question. I still have no idea why Gabriel showed up on that date. I mean I know why he's here now. But why the date?

"He's in town for a while. He has some business to handle and then he's gone again."

"Wait, what about G? He's not sticking around to help raise my nephew?"

I take a sip of my drink. "He's not really the father type." I try to explain as best as I can.

I didn't believe for one second that Gabriel couldn't be a good father to Gabe. Yes, he has issues. I witnessed his demons firsthand. However, I also know that despite what Gabriel thinks, he has better control over them than he gives himself credit for.

"Who the fuck cares. Neither were we, but we figured it out."

I had nothing to dispute that because she was a hundred percent correct. Trina and I made this parenting stuff work. I didn't even know how to change a diaper when Gabe was born but she and I figured it out together. She truly took her role as godmother seriously.

"I agree. But I can't force a man to stay if he doesn't want to."

At the end of the day, I didn't hold any ill will toward Gabriel. He is doing the best he can with us.

"We made a deal, for as long as he's here he will spend time with his son. That's all I ask." That's as good as we were going to get.

Trina sits back in her seat, crossing one arm over her stomach as she props the other up under her chin. "And what about time with you?"

"What do you mean? I don't need his time."

She laughs as if I made the funniest joke in the world. "Let me get this right." She leans forward placing her elbows on the table in front of her. "The man that fucked you so good in one night you haven't been able to ride another dick in five years is back in town and you're not going to even try for a repeat?"

My mouth opens but no words come out. From the outside looking in, it may seem like I haven't had sex in five years because I was still hung up on Gabriel. But in reality, I was busy. He had absolutely nothing to do with my hiatus.

"Okay, Summer."I ignore the sarcastic voice in my head that sounds a lot like Trina.

"First of all, he had nothing to do with my lack of a sex life."

She rolls her eyes and sinks back into her seat.

"And second, I will not go down that road again with him. He and I are better off keeping it truly platonic."

Trina shrugs. "Okay. Whatever you say Summer."

"I mean it," I argue taking a sip of my drink.

She smirks. "I give you three days before he has you bent over your kitchen table taking back shots."

I nearly choke on my lemonade. It takes me a few minutes to stop coughing. It doesn't help that the vision of Gabriel pushing into me from that night makes a reappearance.

"Not going to happen," I state. "I am 100 percent, completely, and fully over that man."

Trina doesn't respond. She stares at me with a smirk on her face. Eventually she shakes her head and reaches into the bag for her pastry.

"Okay. I believe you," she says in the most unbelieving tone ever. "So that means you are ready to move on with Andrew."

I laugh shaking my head. "It would be nice, but I highly doubt it."

Trina puts her croissant down and frowns. "Why doubt it?"

I chuckle. "Maybe because he ended up with a concussion on our first date."

Of course I didn't tell Trina or Andrew that Gabriel was the reason he ended his night in the hospital. Andrew told the cops and hospital staff that he didn't remember anything. One minute he was washing his hands and the next he was waking up with the paramedics standing over him. Thank goodness for that.

"Well, apparently he's not holding it against you because he called James today to get your number."

My eyes nearly pop out of my head I stretch them so wide.

"You're joking right?"

She pulls out her phone and taps on the screen. Turning it to face me, there's a screenshot of a conversation between James and Andrew. True enough, Andrew asked if he could get my number.

I have no idea how to feel about that. I mean, Andrew was definitely attractive. And I had a really good time with him. But I just assumed he had come to his senses after the concussion.

"He was nice," I admit.

"Exactly," she says hitting the table. "Look, if baby daddy is a no go and you are sure you're over him," I didn't like the way she said that last part like she didn't believe me. "Why not give Andrew a chance."

She had a point. I liked Andrew, and I am over Gabriel. It's time to start really putting forth an effort to date.

"You know what, you're right. Give Andrew my number."

Trina shimmies in her seat. "And you know what else. This is a perfect opportunity to make G's dad jealous. Nothing makes a man act right faster than knowing he's lost his position."

At this I shake my head. "Gabe's dad is not the type you want to make jealous."

She scoffs and rolls her eyes. "What is he going to do, kill somebody."

Yes. I think. But I didn't tell her that. Although Gabriel may be upset with my dating again, he's going to have to get over it. I'm a single woman and I deserve to be happy. And if he can't deal with that, then he can kick rocks.

Trina and I spent the rest of our outing talking and laughing.