“I didn’t have rose petals.” I giggled and started rocking back and forth. “If looks could have killed, Scott would have committed murder that night. Instead he gave me $20, so I made out pretty well.”
“See your singing career has been profitable.”
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.” I sighed as I rocked back and forth. I could no longer see Xander, but I could still feel his presence behind me.
“Sounds like you were a troublesome child.” He said lightly and I stopped rocking and looked back at him again. This time I didn’t bother hiding my smile or laughter.
“It doesn’t seem to have ended though, does it?” I raised an eyebrow at him and he looked back at me in surprise. I knew that he was shocked at my laughter and that I was able to laugh at the situation we were in, given how dramatic I’d been earlier, but really how could I not laugh.
“Are you okay?” He frowned at me and I could see him searching my face as I laughed harder. He most probably thought that I was crazy or having a melt-down. He wouldn’t be far off of the mark.
“I’m fine. Why?” I said, finally calming down.
“I don’t know, you just seemed like you were losing it.”
“I’m fine. I just thought your comment was ironic; considering the mess we’re in.”
“I see.” His lip twitched. “It is slightly unusual isn’t it?”
“You can say that again.” I laughed and his eyes fell to my lips and then back up to my eyes. His gaze was intense and searching and my breath caught as we stared at each other, the only sounds in the air were our breathing and a distant bird calling out to its lost mate.
“The baby isn’t mine.” He said simply as he gazed at me.
“What?” I frowned, my heart racing. Was he telling the truth?
“Your sister’s baby. It’s not mine.” He looked away then. “I wasn’t meant to tell you that.”
“Why not?”
“It’s complicated.” He sighed and looked back at me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you that.”
“Have you slept with Gabby?” I asked breathlessly. Please say no, please say no, please say no.
“Liv.” He started to speak and the stopped himself. “I should go inside now.”
“But you just came out.” All of a sudden I didn’t want him to leave. All of a sudden I wanted us to have this conversation. All of a sudden, I felt light-headed and giddy. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t so in the wrong after-all. Maybe I didn’t need to be on an episode of Jerry. Maybe I wasn’t a backstabbing bitch.
“Liv, does it matter?”
“It matters to me.” I nodded and bit my lip.
“Then no, I haven’t slept with Gabby.” He said seriously. “But I expect that to change once we’re married.”
“You’re still going to marry her?” My heart was jumping for joy, but my stomach was still in the pits.
“Why wouldn’t I?” He frowned as he gazed at me.
“I don’t know. Maybe a simple thing like you slept with me.” My voice dropped as he looked at me, his expression not changing. Why was he making this so difficult? Why couldn’t he just tell Gabby he made a mistake and then ask me out on a date? I’d be willing to forgive him the transgression of asking Gabby to marry him. He hadn’t really known me then. But he knew who I was now. Why would he still want to marry Gabby? After we’d had such amazing chemistry together.
“So?” He said simply and then turned around. “Good night, Liv. Have sweet dreams, my dear.”
I didn’t answer him. My face was burning with embarrassment and shame. “Try not to boom boom boom with too many moons.” He said again with a light laugh and I sat back in the rocking chair and moved back and forth quickly, trying to forget our whole conversation.
Chapter Four
“You didn’t have to come at six am.” I yawned as I opened the front door for Alice. “Scott, Chett and Aiden aren’t home yet.” I blinked at Alice as she beamed at me. “And why do you look so chipper and made up.” I frowned and leaned towards her. “Are you wearing fake eyelashes?” I peered at her longer, thicker and blacker than normal lashes. “And hair extensions?” My jaw dropped open. “At six am?”
“Shh, I just wanted to look good.” She blushed. “Go back to sleep.”
“I think not.” I headed towards the kitchen. “Let’s have some coffee and talk?”
“Okay.” She nodded and followed behind me. “Also, I came early to help you.”