“I'm so sorry Lauren” she says, I start to tell her that it's not her fault, but she continues
“I'm sorry, that as your friend, I didn't know this was going on. I’m sorry that he has done this to you. I will never let Jason or any other man hurt you like this again” I start to cry and she puts her arm around me guiding me over to the large dining table. There's a bottle of wine in a cooler and two half-filled glasses. In front of Gabriel is a whiskey tumbler containing a small amount of what I assume is bourbon in as that is what it says on the bottle next to him.
I help myself to one of the glasses of wine, drinking it all down. I feel pissed off with Jo for letting Gabriel see me like this. I'm not sure if it’s the tablets but my level of anger seems to be excessive and I grip the stem of my wine glass. I sit and look at Jo and motion my head in Gabe’s direction and ask
“Why is he here?” Gabriel shifts in his chair and takes a swig from his glass. I can feel his eyes boring into me and try as I might I can’t help but look back at him. Please, please don't let him be giving me that sympathy look; I just can't believe Jo would invite him here, knowing from earlier that I didn't want him to see me in this state. I pick up the other wine glass and drain the contents. My head is fuzzy and my thoughts all over the place, I’m feeling angry, resentful, and embarrassed. How much information has he been given on the state of my marriage, my life? As if I'm not already feeling mortified at my circumstances, Gabriel's presence just adds to my embarrassment!
“It’s my fault” Jo says
“Jemma waited here with you while you slept and I went and met Gabriel at the place he's got for rent, while I was out Jay turned up looking for you and wanted to know why Jemma was here if I was out, she told him I had just popped out to buy more wine and he left but she wasn't sure if he believed her and that he wouldn't come back ....so she called me to warn me to pick up some wine and get my story straight. I asked Gabriel to come back with me just as back up... I didn't really give him any details other than that it would, possibly be doing you a massive favour. I thought you would sleep for the rest of the night.”
Well, that changes things... Sort of. But I'm still pissed off that he’s seen me looking such a mess…. He hasn't taken his eyes off me and his look is more one of anger than of sympathy... Which rightly or wrongly I think I prefer. Anything but sympathy right now please!
“Will someone pour me another glass of wine?”
I deliberately don't say please ... Just to let them know I'm pissed off. Childish I know but, well....I'm pissed off. I look and feel like shit and the man that just starred in my super-hot wet dream is sitting staring at me from across the table!
Jemma passes me a glass of wine and asks ... “Should you really be drinking with the pain killers and the sleeping pills you've taken?”
“Will you fuck off and mind your own business for once, Jem?” What is wrong with me? I’m actually taking great pleasure in being a bitch....
“There’s no need for that, she's just worried about you” Gabriel pipes up...Oh so they’re all going to gang up on me are they?
I take a large swig on my wine and look at him as my head spins almost out of control, I already feel drunk or drugged I'm not sure which.... my words are slurring and I'm struggling to focus properly ...perhaps Jemma is right, pain killers, sleeping pills, alcohol, empty stomach. Not a good mix but there's no way I'm going to admit that. Staring at him, I drain my glass and continue to pour myself another.
“Lauren” I hear Jo say. I ignore her and take another big gulp of wine looking at Gabriel I ask
“What exactly are you doing here, Mr Suntanned Surfer Dude Type sex God....What was it, did you think offering me somewhere to live wasn't enough to insure you got your leg over, did you think by coming over here to do The Desperate Housewife another favour you would seal the deal?” ….Suntanned Surfer Dude Type Sex God.... Really, where the fuck did that come from??!!
Gabriel pushes up from the table and says “Ladies...I think you’re pretty safe for the rest of the night.... At least from any MEN banging down the door... But any problems call me”
He nods in my direction
“Lauren”
“Oooh what you’re going?” I ask sarcastically. His eyes pierce mine and hold my gaze. I blink repeatedly to try and stay focused. I actually feel ridiculous, my behaviour is that of a child, I really don’t want to be horrible to him or my girls. I feel slightly or even alotly if that was such a word…out of control.
“I'm sorry about what's happened to you Lauren and I hope you feel better soon, the offer of the rental is still there, let me know, if you’re still interested, good night”