Page 7 of Gentleman Wanted
“You’re pregnant?” I couldn’t tear my eyes from her rounded stomach. I knew I had been away for a while, but I hadn’t expected her to be having a kid. “Truth’s or...?”
She swatted my arm playfully before wrapping me in her arms. “Of course it’s fucking Truth’s, you dimwit. Who else’s would it be?”
I didn’t answer her at first. Instead, I let my head come down to rest on her shoulder, not ashamed at the way my tears were suddenly flowing.
It was so good to be home. To have my friends back. I hadn’t realised until that moment just how much I had missed them. How god damn alone I had been.
Sure I had Gent, but nothing could compare to girlfriends, to that bond that girls had.
“I don’t know, plenty of good looking Aces,” I joked as she pulled away.
“Truth is the only man for me, now and always.” Even as I watched, she threw her man a look over the roof of the car. And the smile he gave her back was dazzling.
Something twisted in my gut.
I wanted what they had, I realised with a start. I wanted a man to look at me like I was his entire world.
“I’m glad you are happy.” I managed to say, and I even meant it. She was my friend, and I was happy for them. Not many women would have forgiven a gun being pointed at their heads. “You guys deserve to be happy.”
Cali must have seen something in my face; her smile slipped. Hooking her arm through mine, she kissed my cheek. “You do as well.” Her eyes settled on Gent. He turned like he could feel us staring at him, and the smile he returned was a little uncertain.
I wanted to tell her that there was nothing going on between Gent and me, but the words died on my lips. An hour ago, I might have believed it. But that was before he had kissed the back of my hand.
It might mean nothing, but it didn’t feel like it meant nothing.
It felt like something was changing between us. I just wasn’t sure what it was yet. I knew things would change, one way or another, now we were home. That didn’t mean I was ready for it.
“One day, maybe.” I shrugged, tearing my eyes from Gent’s wide back. I was being silly. Gent didn’t have romantic thoughts about me. He was just my friend, that was all. “I think finding somewhere to live and a job might be higher on my to-do list for now than finding a man.” I laughed.
Gent turned, his handsome face frowning, but he didn’t say a word. He just stared at me like I had grown a second head.
Oblivious, Cali hugged me again. “You have a place to live, Gem, your apartment. And if it’s no good, then we will help you find somewhere more suitable.”
“My apartment?”
“Of course, I kept up your rent. The guys will already be moving your stuff in, that’s ok, isn’t it?” She searched my face as if worried she had done something wrong.
“Of course that’s ok, thank you...” Fresh tears flowed down my cheeks. “Thank you so much!”
“Don’t thank me, I didn’t actually pay for it.” She trailed off, but I caught the pointed look she gave Gent.
Just how much had that guy done for me? I was starting to believe I would never really know. What I did know was that I owed him a lot.
Maybe everything.
