Sean looked over at the answering machine. Who in the hell had called her? Was he a boyfriend? A lover? The thought forced him to breathe in through his nose and out his mouth. The muscles in his jaw ached. Goddamn, he didn’t want to let her go. He didn’t want her to throw him away.
When he stepped away, she started to crawl to the bedroom. He wanted to tuck her in bed, kiss the tears away, and make love to her until all her fears were gone. But that wasn’t an option now. He waited until she closed the bedroom door. Then he grabbed the dog toy from the grocery bag. The squeaky squirrel sat on the breakfast bar, glaring at him.
“Yes, I’m an asshole. I know,” he said to the beady eyes before tossing it under the table. There had to be a way to fix this. He’d find a way.
He had to.
Chapter Ten
“Ron?” Abigail cradled the receiver against the pillow. “Are you there?”
“It’s Eric, Abigail. Ron’s in the shower. What time is it?
Abigail hit the snooze button. “It’s around eight. Will you tell him I won’t be in today?” She tossed another used tissue off the bed.
“Are you okay? Ron said you haven’t been into work all week. Why don’t you come by tonight for dinner? I’m off and going to make lasagna. My baby loves when I make my mama’s lasagna. How about seven?”
“I don’t…I don’t know. I just…I need to stay home.” I need to take a goddamn shower.
“Wait, he’s out. Promise you’ll come.”
She heard Ron’s deep voice in the background asking who was on the phone. “Abs, what’s wrong?” Ron had gotten on the phone. “Are you not coming in again today?”
“I’m, um…I’m painting today.” The dry, lumpy patch of drywall mud had dried. The directions said to sand it, but she had no idea how to do that, which meant another trip to the hardware store, which meant she had to get dressed for the second time this week. “I’m redecorating.”
“Waffles, baby,” Ron said away from the phone.
Waffles? Pancakes… She grabbed another tissue. “What?”
“Nothing, I was talking to Eric. So I really need you to come in today. This guy keeps calling and e-mailing, asking to interview and audition. He said he’s built. The guy sounds like he’s open to anything. Also, Sean has had like a zillion requests. He’s booked for the next few days, but I’m having trouble getting him to take any couples’ scenes. Well, except the circle jerk he’s doing tomorrow. I really didn’t think he’d go for that one, but he did. There’s a picnic scene for Monday with another woman, but it’s just mutual masturbation and—”
“Mutual masturbation with another woman?”
“Yes. Carina, I think.”
The tip of her nose was sore, but she blew again. “But…but I thought you said he didn’t agree to any couple scenes.”
“I meant no penetration. Do you have a cold?”
“Yes.” No.
“I’ll make you some lemon-and-honey tea when you get in. Sean agreed to an oral in an alley too. Oh, and one where he’s working out naked. I’m personally excited to help on that set.” Abigail didn’t appreciate Ron’s laugh. “I want to be the fly on the wall. Know what I mean?”
“No, Ron, I don’t! I won’t be in today, and tell the guy who’s been e-mailing that I can see him in a few weeks.”
“Hey, what’s wrong with you? You haven’t been in all week; you don’t answer my calls; you don’t even come down to the office to say hello. You’re like a damn bat. I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but Sean started sulking around the gym the same time you went into hiding. He won’t talk to anyone. Everything is all business with him now.”
“I don’t feel like socializing. I don’t want to come down to the office, and I’m not a damn bat!” Her stomach lurched. When had she last eaten? “Oh God!” Her feet barely hit the bathroom tiles when she went to her knees. Bright yellow liquid splattered onto the floor. Penelope yelped and ran in small circles. “It’s okay, girl.” Another wave of yellow came up. She grabbed the towel from the vanity and wiped her mouth as she tried to swallow fire down her throat. “R-Ron?”
“Shit, are you throwing up? Abs, what’s going on? You’re never sick. Eric said you’re coming over tonight. Your ass better be here. Got it?” His tone softened. “Please, Abigail. I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t want you to be alone. I’m here for you.”