CHAPTER 2
Josh
“Marybeth.”
The moment they call her name and I stand up to walk in with her she shoots me a glare.
“Do you actually think you’re coming in the room with me Joshy? I think it’s best if you stay out here and I’ll fill you in later.” Not giving me time to argue she makes her way into the back following the nurse.
What the hell was that all about? I thought guys went in for the appointments with their…god what is she to me? Friend, girlfriend, royal pain in the ass? I definitely don’t consider her my girlfriend and don’t ever see it going there again. If you can consider a wild drunken weekend and week of her stalking me a relationship.
Marybeth has been up here for a little over a week and I’ve hated every second of it. I’ve never known a more self-centered person in my life. I’m concerned for when the baby comes and she actually has to worry about more than herself.
After what I would classify as a fast appointment with her being in the back for five minutes, Marybeth comes out demanding I take her out for lunch because her and the baby are starving.
“Are you craving anything?”
“I could go for a nice salad, how about that place in town. What’s it called? Monkey Bars or something like that. Who the hell would name their bar after a jungle gym?”
I clench my jaw and follow her to the exit. All she eats are salads, what happened to pickles and chocolate chip cookie dough? We stop in front of my Jeep and she gives it a look of disgust.
“Don’t even start.” I warn. She won’t let up on my baby. This Jeep is the shit and I’ve spent so much time working on her. It was my big purchase after my first real fight.
“Stop at CVS on the way I need to get some things. Don’t worry, you can stay in the car.”
“Can you make it quick? I’m starving.” I say while pulling into the parking lot. I really just don’t want to stop.
“It’ll take me as long as it’s going to take me. I’ll be out in a bit.” She huffs.
I watch her as she enters the store. This day didn’t go at all like I had thought. Am I all wrong about this situation? Has everything I ever thought about dads and pregnancy been fabricated in my head or is she just icing me out of this pregnancy? So many fathers out there want nothing to do with their children. Not me, I just want to be in the loop and know what the hell is going on. Is that really too much to ask?
A few minutes later as I’m stewing on the situation, I hear the door open and Marybeth gets in all while grumbling.
“Everything okay?”
“No, everything is certainly not okay. Some bitch got in my face and practically mauled me. What kind of people do you have around here? Maybe we should move back to Texas.”
“Fuck that.” I turn the ignition and head for the center of town. Texas is the last place I want to live right now. All the reminders of my last fight, I couldn’t walk down the street without someone heckling me.
I persuade Marybeth to hit the Italian place across the street from Monkey Bars. We’re walking down the sidewalk towards the restaurant when I hear laughter across the street and stop dead in my tracks when I see Ashlyn standing outside the bar with Jayden. As if sensing my presence, she locks eyes with mine and stares blankly until she glances over to Marybeth. Her face goes from no emotion to murderous in the blink of an eye. You’d think they knew each other.
“Josh let’s go. What the hell’s wrong with you? Oh, is that Jayden across the street? And wait, that’s the bitch!”
“Don’t call her that.” I clip. Why is my brother Jay with her?
“That’s the nasty woman from CVS who got up in my face! Go yell at her, she was horrible to me.”
“Let’s go, I’ll catch up with them later.” I grab her arm and direct her towards the restaurant before she starts something Ash will no doubt finish. We’re seated at a booth next to the front window giving me a clear view of Ashlyn. I see her talking animatedly to Jay then pointing towards where we are. Jay stares at us so I nod my chin at him. He flips me off before putting his arm around Ashlyn’s shoulders and walking her into the bar. What is that all about? I have never wanted to beat the shit out of my brother more than I do right now. Don’t touch her asshole.
The night I told my family about Marybeth’s pregnancy felt like I was being disowned. They swore they always had my back first and foremost, but like Ashlyn, they couldn’t figure out why I needed to live with her to raise the baby. They don’t understand because they aren’t in my situation. I loved having my dad around as I grew up. When he passed away I would have given up anything for more time with him. Thinking about him made my decision easy, well, easier to deal with.
We order our food and sit in silence due to the fact that I barely tolerate her. Our lunch quickly becomes awkward as fuck because we have nothing in common. She starts to talk my ear off about a necklace she saw at the store and I inwardly groan. I have plenty of money in the bank from my fights and the construction company I started up, but still. Whether I will go back to fighting is still up in the air so I don’t want to waste my savings.
Our food arrives and I thank the waitress. “So, what do you think? Can we go after we eat?”
Crap, I zoned out after she started talking about jewelry. Maybe she wants to go to the baby store and look around? “I have to be somewhere in a couple of hours. Is that enough time to look around?”
“Of course, I already know what I want so it will take fifteen minutes tops. If I knew it would be this easy to get jewelry out of you I would have tried harder when we were together before.”
“You’re still talking about that stupid necklace? I thought you wanted something for the baby.” I cross my arms over my chest, laughing to myself on how clueless this girl is.
“Why would I want something for a baby? They need clothes and diapers. Sounds easy enough to me.”
I look down at my phone and let out a low whistle. “God I’d love to go but Sam from the job site just texted me and I need to head over there right away. Duty calls, I hope you understand.”
“That’s fine, we can go tomorrow.” She half-smiles as she flips her long blonde hair over her shoulder.
We stand and leave the restaurant together. When we reach the sidewalk, I look across the street to the bar where Jay and Ashlyn walked into. This baby is the only light at the end of this dark tunnel. Still, I can’t help but hope Ash and I find some way back to each other because no one will ever compare to her.
*****
Ashlyn
I walk into the store trying to get in and out quickly before work. I’ve been out of eyeliner for a few days now and I refuse to go another. Without make up I look like a character from The Walking Dead and people keep asking if I’m tired or sick. I’m perusing the makeup aisle when I hear the most annoying voice ever yelling at one of the employees.
I listen to a little of their conversation and realize this woman is trying to intimidate the sales girl into giving her a pregnancy discount. Like it’s a thing! What a piece of work.
Now she’s bitching about an expensive moisturizer and I fist pump the air when I hear the sales girl grow a backbone and tell her to look at something cheaper.
“I demand to see your manager, I’ll have your job!”
I can’t sit back and watch anymore. “Back off and leave this poor girl alone, she’s just doing her job.”
“Excuse me, this has nothing to do with you.” The psycho snaps at me.
“She’s done nothing wrong from what I can see. Can we just take a deep breath? Maybe sing a little kumbaya and figure this situation out?” I close my eyes and take a deep breath not wanting to stoop down to her level.
With a huff, she turns on her heels and heads towards the back of the store. If she’s planning on a grand exit, she marched her ass to the wrong side of the store.
With a smile on my face I make my way to the front register with my eyeliner in hand as my annoyance diminishes. I can’t believe the nerve of some people. How can you be so rude to somebody without a second thought? As I’m paying I see the same woman storm out of the store and the alarms start shrieking.
I can’t help my chuckle when I notice she has the moisturizer in hand. She looks my way and narrows her gaze before throwing the box in my general direction, by general I mean ten feet to my left.
“Screw this town!” She shrieks before leaving.
Looking at the cashier I notice her smiling. “That was some funny shit.” I raise my hand and she gives me a high five.
My phone says it’s five minutes until I need to be at work. I’ll be pushing it but that was totally worth it. I’m walking down the sidewalk towards the bar when I notice Jayden standing outside the gym. Why did Josh have to be a twin? I can tell them apart easily enough, but it still sucks looking at a carbon copy of the person you are trying to get over. Luckily his personality makes me forget they’re brothers.
“Hey Jay, how’s it hanging?”
“Well Ashlyn, it’s hanging a little to the right today and itches like a motherfucker, thanks for asking. It’s time to get rid of my dicks five o’clock shadow, my balls hate me right now.” He follows up by reaching down and itching the front of his pants.
“Crabs will do that to ya. You know Jay, you’re just who I needed to see today.”
“Everyone’s day would be fan-fucking-tastic if I were in it. Don’t kid yourself.”
I laugh as the hair on the back of my neck stands up. With a sinking feeling I’m being watched I look over my shoulder. Josh. Perfect, just who I needed to see today. I look away quickly, but whip my head back when I notice the psycho from the store standing next to him.
“That bitch! Jay, please tell me that’s not Marybeth.”
“That’s Marybeth.” He confirms.
I explain my run in at the store.
“Dickhead. No worries Ash, she doesn’t come close to you.” He nods his head in Josh’s general direction.
“It’s okay. I need to get used to seeing them.” I return my attention back to Jay.
Jay flips someone off behind me as he mutters under his breath. It doesn’t take a genius to realize who’s on the receiving end.
“Can I treat you to a free lunch for getting me out of this awkward as shit situation?” I shift from foot to foot anxiously.
“You had me at free food pumpkin. Feed me!”
Jayden throws his arm around my shoulders as we walk into the bar. Finally, I can breathe. I didn’t expect to see Josh and feel his betrayal as if it just happened again. The fact that he is with that horrible excuse of a woman doesn’t help either. Jay excuses himself to go to the bathroom as I walk up to the bar. Savvy’s popping the tops on a few beers and pouring a round of shots. What I wouldn’t give for a beer right now.
“How are you feeling?” Savvy whispers.
“I didn’t know my wellbeing was a secret.” I whisper back.
“Ha ha. You look like you’re about to Hulk out. What’s up?”
I then explain the story of my run in once again.
“I’m sorry Ash. If it makes you feel any better, I was forced to dine with her last night and she was god awful. She treated Zander and I like servants. I swear if she had a big palm leaf I would have been fanning her. I’ve never wanted to junk punch a girl so bad in my life.”
As I take in this info I make my way to the kitchen. Savvy’s calling for me but I don’t stop. I need to take my mind off the situation and go to my happy place, so I crank up the music and dance around while I cook. I make Jay his favorite burger, walk out to the bar and personally deliver it to him.
“That’s what I’m talking about. If it wouldn’t be awkward as hell I’d totally bang you, Ash. I bet you’re a good lay and you can cook. You’re the total package.” He gives me a thumbs up before smirking and takes a massive bite.
“No, you wouldn’t. How you can even get a girl to come within a five-foot radius of your itchy crab infested dick baffles me. Just keep it in your pants if you want to keep getting free food, oh and maybe keep the talking to a minimum.”
Savvy starts waving her arms behind Jay’s back to get my attention. I look up and see her holding a piece of paper.
Check your hormones bitch!
I roll my eyes. This is how I act on a regular basis. Sometimes I think she’s more paranoid about my pregnancy than I am. When your pregnant everyone uses it as an excuse for every little thing. Oh, you’re hungry? It’s because you’re pregnant. You’re horny? Pregnant! Being a sarcastic bitch? Guess what, it’s because you’re pregnant.
“Alright duty calls guys. I’ll see you later Sav, and Jay, it was…interesting seeing you today. Thank you for rescuing me earlier.”
As I cook the last meal of my shift I swing my hips to the sounds of I Don’t Want to Live Forever. God, I love this song. I’m dipping it low when I hear the swinging door to the kitchen open and see Zander standing in the doorway looking uncomfortable. Savvy follows close behind.
“We haven’t seen much of you lately so we’re taking you out to eat with us. And I could have done without the show,” Zander says.
“Well, then announce yourself next time.”
“Noted.”
“Guys that’s nice and all but I’m exhausted and want to go home.” As if on cue I yawn.
Savvy eyes me thoughtfully. “How about we pick up a couple pizzas and bring them back to your place? Please Ashlyn.” I can’t handle her puppy dog eyes. How Zander deals with that shit is beyond me.
“Oh alright, pizza sounds perfect. No mushrooms though.” Certain smells have been gagging me and mushrooms have been one of them.
Savvy decides to ride back to the house with me while Zander heads over to the local pizza shop to grab food.
As we drive down Main Street I smile. Even though I haven’t lived here my whole life, this town has taken me in as one of their own. The thought of raising my baby here is a comfort amongst all the craziness.
“How’s everything going Ash? Are you going to be up for Vegas? It’s just over two weeks away and I’d totally understand if you weren’t feeling it.”
The whole crew is heading to Vegas soon for a charity event. Zander has to go because he’s the most popular guy in MMA right now and where he goes Savvy goes. She doesn’t want to be alone in Vegas so it was like a domino effect as everyone decided they should be included as well.
“Are you crazy? It’s too late to back out now, I’ve already paid for my room and airfare. Plus, the last time you went to Vegas you got married, I’m not missing any crazy shenanigans this time around. My doctor said it was perfectly fine for me to travel too.”
“Great! And by the way, Zander’s pissed you wouldn’t let him pay. But I’m so excited to have you with me. My dad was great company last time, but it just wasn’t the same. Are you going to be okay with Josh going?”
“Is Marybeth going?” I ask skeptically.
“I doubt it. Although her eyes did light up when we were talking about it. I wouldn’t put it past her to go just to make Zander pay for all her shit.” The venom in Savvy’s voice makes me love her even more. This girl always has my back.
“Well, there will be plenty of us going and it’s for a charity event. I think I’ll be fine and most likely barely see him. Which brings me to my attire. What is the dress code for this shindig?”
“Black tie. I need to go shopping for a dress, and I assume you need one too. When I looked at our schedules I noticed we’re both off on Sunday. Let’s go then, maybe get you something with a little stretch to it.”
I lean my head back on the seat and sigh. There are so many factors that go into every decision I make and it’s getting tiring. What if a dress makes me look pregnant? I haven’t gained any weight yet but what if my belly decides to look like a beer gut tomorrow? Everyone knows I don’t drink beer!
When Savvy puts the car in park she pulls me in for a comforting hug, her hand rubbing along my back. What are best friends for? We exit and make our way up to my house. I unlock the door and Savvy follows me inside.
I still live in the house I shared with Savvy. But now I own it. After Savvy and Zander got back from their honeymoon they told me they were giving the house to me. I offered to pay for it, but they refused.
After I put my things down Savvy places her hands on my shoulders and looks me in the eye. “Ash, we’ll find you the most gorgeous dress they have. You’re still skinny and nobody will even know there’s a bun in your oven.”
“Thanks, Sav. But I draw the line at spandex.”
We’re both laughing when Zander shows up with the pizza which is perfectly timed because I’m dying of hunger. I devour my slices and wash it down with a bottle of water. We plant our asses on the couch for the night and watch a couple episodes of Prison Break as Michael Scofield outwits the cops once again. We’ve been binge watching, trying to get ready for the new season.
I let out a big yawn, barely able to keep my eyes open. As I crane my neck to look at the clock it says it’s eight. I’m such an old lady.
“Alright, we’re going to head out so you can get some rest.” She leaps from the couch, grabbing Zander’s hand to help him up as he groans in resistance.
As I walk them to the door I pull Savvy into a hug. I don’t know what I would do without her.
“Drive Safe.”
“You know it. Remember I’ll be there in Vegas to run interference. Don’t stress about it.”
I shut the door after giving her a warm smile.
Vegas will be interesting, especially if Marybeth shows up.
Maybe I’ll finally tell Josh my secret in Vegas if I can get him alone.