The bottom line was, being with another woman was the farthest thing from Jake’s mind. There had been enough drama and heartache with Kristen to last a lifetime. Maybe someday if he got unbearably horny, he'd let one of the many women that clamored for his attention at the club take him home for a quick hook up. No strings attached. Because there was no way he would allow another woman screw up his head.
It was the beginning of the Saturday night shift and Jonny called Jake into his office. He sat down at his desk, lighting a joint, studying Jake. “What's going on with you, Jake? You look like crap since you been back.”
Jake shrugged, wondering why he couldn't figure it out himself. He certainly didn't feel like discussing his personal problems with Jonny.
“What's with your girlfriend? Haven't seen her around lately.” Jonny moved closer, offering the joint as if it gave him free reign to pry.
Jake frowned, taking a couple of hits to calm his temper. “We're done.” It was short and to the point. Hopefully Jonny would get the hint.
“Hmm. Maybe you need some new pussy,” Jonny persisted, a despicable gleam in his eyes.
Jake was beginning to get irritated. “Thanks, I'm cool.” Unable to bottle it up any longer, his disdain came through. “Doesn't anyone here give a shit about Ray?”
Jonny flinched, then tensed. “Sure we do, but there's nothing we can do about it. If he got into trouble, it was his own fault.”
“That's bullshit, Jonny! They just don't give a shit because he's black. Somebody wasted him, and I have my suspicions.”
Jonny's eyebrows shot up. “Maybe, but that's up to the cops, so you're better off dropping it. There's nothing you can do about it anyway and it'll be a lot better for all of us if you just clean up your act and get a life.” His face hardened. “Seriously, I like you Jake, you're a good kid. I know you and Ray had each other’s backs. I wouldn't wanna see anything happen to you.” His lips set in a forced grin, but his eyes were dark and cold. The meeting was over.
Jake nodded, challenging Jonny’s gaze, then walked out.
Screw him. Ray is just another piece of meat to him. But he was my best friend.
Threat or not, Jake knew there was no way he would back down. The idea of dropping something he believed in, especially when it involved someone he cared about, would never sit well with him.
MONDAY
KRISTEN/LOGAN
Logan’s head still hurt, but Kristen insisted they keep the ultrasound appointment. The room was spinning from the pain. When the doctor started the procedure, the image on the screen instantly creeped him out. Of course, it had the totally opposite effect on Kristen. She was obviously ecstatic, squeezing his hand and gasping every time it squiggled around.
“I'm pretty sure it's a boy,” the doctor announced.
Kristen let out a happy yelp. Logan cringed without meaning to. Finally, it ended, and they were leaving.
“I need some more meds,” he whined as they pulled up to La Seca Cafe for lunch. He really wasn't into it, but at least he could pop some pills and let the sea breeze tickle his skin while he pretended it was all a bad dream.
They sat in silence on the patio for a few minutes. Logan washed his meds down with beer, ignoring the rising nausea.
Kristen gazed out at the beach, a faraway look in her eyes as she reflected on the results of the ultrasound. “Are you disappointed?” she asked, focusing on him between gulps of ice tea.
“About what, my head killing me?” He grinned, but his tone was sarcastic.
“You really shouldn't have beer with that, Logan.” Her annoyance at his lack of willpower was growing, bringing back the unwanted memory of their latest fiasco. Like usual, he didn’t listen to her objection, downing half the glass at once.
Unwilling to allow him to spoil her fleeting moment of happiness, she shut her mind to all unpleasant thoughts. “About the baby being a boy.”
“Whatever, Kristen. I don't care.” He saw she wasn't buying it. “Yeah, a little. A cute little girl would be nicer.” He rubbed his head.
“Maybe next time.”
He rolled his eyes, slouching down to rest on her shoulder. “Why don't you just think about how you're gonna make me feel better when we get home, instead.” He bit her neck. For some strange reason, her recent aggressive behavior really turned him on, despite the fact that he was the one suffering as a result.
An unexpected flush swept over her. “What are you gonna do for me then?”
“If I'm still alive, whatever you want, ginger.” He winked, knowing she loved it when he called her that.
Lost in thought again, she gripped his hand and whispered, “I'm not disappointed.”
“About what?”
“I want a boy.”
He shrugged. Provoked by his indifference, she rushed off for one of her frequent trips to the restroom. Logan closed his eyes, lost in space, when the sound of someone next to him brought him back to reality.
“Hi, Papi. Where've you been.” Gina sat across from him.
Logan's eyes flew open in surprise, darting in the direction of the restaurant before flashing back to her. “Gina, what the fuck are you doing here? I told you I'd call you.”
Flicking her wrist to dismiss his protest, she made a slow, sensuous movement to get closer. Her eyes didn’t wander from his face when she sat down and reached across the table. “How'd you get that cut on your forehead?”
Unable to put up with her any longer, Logan jumped up, wrenching her arm in an attempt to pull her out of the seat, but she latched onto the table.
“What the hell is she doing here?” Kristen glared at him, her hands planted defiantly on her hips.
Without looking at Kristen, Logan gave Gina one rough tug, forcing her up. The chair crashed to the floor, startling several customers nearby. All of sudden they were the center of attention.
“Oh my god! You are so rude, Logan!” Gina snapped, regaining her balance and composure. “Aren't you going to introduce me to your lovely wife?” A malicious grin spread across her face as her eyes slid along Kristen's bulging stomach to her face. “Oh wait, didn't we meet that night when your steaming hot boyfriend kicked Logan’s ass?”
Logan's face glazed with humiliation. “Weren't you leaving?” Not wanting to prolong the confrontation, he shoved her toward the exit.
But it was too late. Narrowing her eyes, Kristen studied Gina, taking in every detail. I remember her vividly now. She’s the bitch that was all over him that night in the club. Flared up by the memory, she fantasized about smacking the despicable grin off of Gina’s overly made-up face.
“Logan, you never told me you were expecting. Logan, a daddy, how lovely,” Gina snarled, her eyes venomous. In a seductive gesture, she tossed her long hair over a tanned shoulder, preparing to leave. Turning back one last time, she blew a kiss, spewed out a long string of Spanish curse words, and flipped him off. Finally gratified, she grinned from ear to ear at everyone around her before strolling off.
“Why is it so damn humid?” Logan took a deep breath, giving Kristen a sheepish look.
Kristen rolled her eyes and tossed the linen napkin at Logan’s face, but he managed to duck and swat it away. Grinning, he caught it just before it fell to the floor and leaned back to casually mop his soaking wet skin.