“Well, some of us still have tasks to finish.”
“Boss Man and I have it covered.” Judah hops off their seat and rounds the bar, grabbing two shot glasses and Art’s top-shelf tequila.
“Go, Lo. I’ll see you Wednesday.”
“Okay,” I say, because I know not to push Arturo when he’s in a mood. I head to the office to fish out my purse, and come faceto face with Art’s desk, ruined, in pieces, the raw splintered wood at odds with the usual smooth veneer.
“Holy shit.” For a moment I just stand there, wondering what the hell happened, and then I bite the inside of my cheek so hard it bleeds. Did he do this because of what I told him? I shake my head and quickly gather my things, heading back out to the restaurant. He’s sitting at the bar with Judah, pounding back shots as if they’re on spring break. “That must have been some fall, Arturo.”
Arturo doesn’t meet my gaze. He just nods and fills another shot glass with shaking hands. “Es estúpido. I am growing fumbling in my old age.”
“Will you take him to the hospital, please?” I glance at Judah who just gives an infinitesimal nod.
“Night, baby girl.”
I leave the restaurant and throw my arms around Gabe. This stuff with Arturo has rattled me more than I like to admit and I’m so damn tired, all I want is to climb into bed with Gabe’s arms around me.
“Hey,” he whispers. “Rough night?”
“Something like that.” I pull away and stare up at the love of my life. He hands me the freshly picked sunflower and I take it and plant my face in the big fluffy center and breathe in as we walk away from the restaurant. “You know, one night you’re going to get caught stealing these, and then you’ll be spending time in a jail cell instead of showing up to walk me home.”
“Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m inherently charming, so I’m pretty sure I could talk my way out of it.”
“I’ll bet you could.” I had no doubt. Gabe could talk the Queen of England out of her frilly, royal knickers if he so chose. I’ve never quite encountered charisma like his.
Gabe takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles. “So, you hungry?”
“Actually, I was thinking bed.”
“Hmm, well. I already ate, but I’m always up for dessert. Especially if it’s Lo flavored.”
A nervous laugh escapes me. “Sounds promising.”
“Sounds fucking delicious.” He smiles. “Besides, a growing boy’s gotta eat.”
“Is that what you are, growing?”
He casually runs our joined palms over the bulge in his pants. “By the second.”
It’s a short walk to my apartment, and by the time I slide the key in the lock, and Gabe and I fall through the open front door, we can’t keep our hands off one another.
“Oh look, it’s ma and pop,” Clementine says from the couch. “So you finally told him about the rug rat, huh?”
My blood turns to ice, and I pull away and glare at my roommate.
“Rug rat?” Gabe asks.
“Clem,” I say sharply, shaking my head.
Gabe squeezes my hand, but I can’t look at him. “Lo? What’s she talking about?”
“Oh, shit.” Clementine scrambles off the couch.
“I ... um ...”
He shakes his head, his brow furrowed.
I swallow hard. “I’m pregnant. Surprise!”