I looked at her, thanked her, and pursed my lips, trying to hold back the tears.
“What’s wrong? You’re not happy about the baby?” Rosie asked.
I sighed. “I’m happy about the baby. It’s Ian. He’s really upset and says he doesn’t want it.”
“What the f**k?!” she exclaimed. “Are you kidding me? He doesn’t seem like that type.”
“He doesn’t want kids. He said he’s not father material.”
She reached over and grabbed my hands. “He’ll come around, sweetie. Sometimes, it’s a shock, especially if it wasn’t planned.” Rosie looked up and whispered, “Here comes Jimmy. Are you going to tell him?”
“Not yet.” I shook my head.
“Hey, there’s my girl.” Jimmy smiled as he sat down on the stool next to me and gave me a hug. “How are you, Rory?”
I faked a smile so he wouldn’t suspect something was wrong. “I’m great. How are you?” I asked.
“Things are good. I have this great bar and my daughter.” He smiled.
We sat and talked for a while about music and Stephen. Jimmy took me over to the piano and played a new piece of music he wrote. He called it “My Daughter.” It was beautiful and it brought tears to my eyes. I told him that I had to get going because Ian was waiting for me. A total lie, because I didn’t think Ian would ever wait for me again. I gave him a hug and kiss goodbye and told him that I’d see him soon.
****
I looked at my phone and saw that it was five o’clock. Ian still never called or texted me and he wasn’t home. I walked out to the beach to find some peace and to do some soul searching. This wasn’t just about me anymore. This was about me and my baby. As I planted myself in the sand and stared out into the blue water, I thought about Stephen. I wished so badly that he was here. As I was in deep thought, I heard a voice from behind.
“There’s my beautiful American girl.”
I turned my head and smiled when I saw Andre standing by the house. I quickly got up and ran to him, throwing my arms around him. He picked me up and swung me around.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Are you not happy to see me?” he asked in his sweet French accent.
“Of course I am. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to Malibu?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise. Let me look at you.” He smiled as he twirled me around. “Beautiful as always.”
As happy as I was to see him, this was not a good time. “Does Ian know you’re here?”
“No, he doesn’t. Where is he?”
“He’s not home yet,” I replied as I looked down.
As we walked into the house, we heard the front door open. Andre went into the foyer and I followed behind.
“Andre, my friend. What are you doing here? It’s good to see you.” Ian smiled as they hugged.
“I came to visit my favorite couple.”
“Welcome to Malibu.”
Ian looked at me and didn’t say anything. He didn’t even kiss me hello. Andre must’ve picked up on it because he gave me a worried look. I gave him a half smile and turned away.
“If you’ll excuse me a moment, I’m going to run upstairs and change.”
“Sure. Go ahead.” Andre smiled.
As soon as Ian was out of sight, Andre turned to me and lightly took hold of my arm as we walked to the kitchen. “Is something going on between you two?” he asked with concern.
“Yeah, you could say that.”
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
“I’m pregnant and Ian isn’t happy about it.”
“Wh—” He stopped as Ian walked in.
“It’s good to see you,” he said as he patted Andre on the back. “Where are you staying?”
“At a hotel nearby.”
“Nonsense, you’ll stay here.” Ian smiled.
I had to take a moment to think about why Ian would want Andre to stay with us when things were so bad right now. Then it hit me. If Andre stayed here, then Ian wouldn’t have to be alone with me and talk about the baby.
“We have a beautiful guest room that was just redecorated,” he said.
“I don’t want to put you out or anything,” Andre said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Rory and I would love to have you stay with us, right?” he said as he looked at me.
“Of course we would. You’re not staying in a hotel. End of story.” I smiled.
“Well, then I’ll go get my suitcase and be right back.”
“No need. I’ll send Joshua to collect your things and bring them back. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” Ian said as he put his arm around Andre. “Let’s go to dinner. I’ll take you to one of my favorite restaurants.”
“What about Rory?” Andre asked.
“She’ll be joining us. Won’t you?” Ian asked smugly.
“Of course. Just let me go and freshen up.”
I went into the bathroom and shut the door. The tears that filled my eyes wanted to fall down my face. I wasn’t going to cry. Not tonight. I sat on the toilet and looked up at the ceiling, waiting for the tears to dry up. There was a soft knock on the door.
“Rory. I need to speak with you for a moment,” Ian said.
Great. I didn’t want to f**king talk to him. I opened up the door and stood at the sink while I brushed my hair. Ian walked in and stood behind me.
“Well, speak,” I said.
“I don’t want you telling Andre that you’re pregnant. Do you understand?”
I slowly turned my head and looked him straight in the eyes. “Fuck you! Do you understand that?” I said as I stormed out of the bathroom and down the stairs.
“I’m ready to go, Andre.” I smiled as I looped my arm around his.
Ian walked down the stairs with a look in his eye as if he was about to kill me. The anger I saw was consuming him. We climbed in the back of the limo and Andre climbed into the seat opposite of me, leaving Ian to sit next to me. I couldn’t even stomach to look at him anymore. That was how hurt, betrayed, and angry I was. We arrived at the restaurant and were promptly seated, thanks to Ian and his status. Andre and Ian both ordered drinks and I drank water.
“No wine for you, my beautiful American girl?” Andre smiled.
“No. Actually, I can’t have any wine for a while.”
“Why’s that?” he asked.