Chapter 14
I kept a vigil at my brother’s bedside with the rest of my family throughout the night. On the verge of collapse, I found a quiet spot to close my eyes. Pulling up a chair, I stretched my legs out, and rested my head against the wall. I wanted to wait for Mia to finish her shift.
I tried to quiet my mind but all I could think about was Tammy. I didn’t believe for a moment that she was pregnant, let alone with my child.
I knew sure as shit, we weren’t engaged so why would I even remotely believe her bullshit? The woman was clearly delusional and I needed to find a way to set her ass straight and quick, before it blew up in my face.
Using the front of my shoe, I pried the other one off my foot before repeating the process with my toes. I grabbed my shirt, bringing it to my nose and sniffed. Didn’t smell as bad as I thought after being at the hospital so long.
Rubbing my face, I yawned and crossed my arms, resting them on my chest.
What the f*ck was I going to do about Tammy.
Bat shit crazy Tammy.
A pregnancy test would show her for the bullshitter she was and put her lies to rest in a hurry, but how?
We didn’t have sex more than a couple times in the last six weeks and I always wore a condom.
I didn’t want a baby – at least not yet and certainly not with a woman like her.
Could someone even know that they were pregnant in that time?
I had a dick and the female reproductive system mystified me.
I tried to force Tammy out of my mind. Just the thought of her pissed me off, making my blood pressure rise.
I thought of Mia, trying to calm my nerves. There was something different about her, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. There was a natural ease I felt when she was at my side.
What if they knew each other? F*ck, I never thought of it.
My heart pounded as my eyes flew open. My palms grew sweaty as I thought about the possibility of my worlds colliding in one giant clusterf*ck.
I couldn’t make myself crazy.
I pushed the thought of Tammy out of my mind and thought of Mia – the feel of her skin, her brilliant smile, and her infectious laugh.
My head fell to the side, scaring the living shit out of myself. I needed my bed, solid sleep, and a good ass kicking in the gym to set my body and mind right. I felt stiff after sleeping for three hours in an unnatural position.
I cracked my neck, gaining my bearings as I walked back to Joe’s room. I needed to check on him.
My parents, Izzy, and Anthony had disappeared while I was gone. Suzy had crawled in bed and carefully placed her body around him. He watched her as she slept in his arms.
I cleared my throat to get his attention.
Holding his finger to his lips he motioned for me to sit.
“You scared the shit out of us, Joe.” I grabbed the chair, setting it down on the opposite side of the bed that Suzy laid.
“I wouldn’t go out like that, brother. I have too much to live for to leave this world,” he whispered, looking down at Suzy. “I feel like shit though.”
“You look like shit too.” I smiled.
I would’ve never been the same without him in my life.
He laughed, wincing as his body shook. “Everything f*cking hurts. I’m going to be out of commission for a while – a long while.”
“Doesn’t matter, just get better, man.”
“At least I didn’t f*ck up my tattooing hand, but I’m not going to be walking anytime soon.” He flexed his good hand, balling it into a fist.
“I’ll wheel your ass in everyday if I have to. Maybe you can get one of those scooters all the old bastards use.” I smirked.
F*cking old people drove him nuts.
“Shut the f*ck up, a*shole,” he whispered, glaring at me.
“Well, at least the accident didn’t ruin your ability to use such eloquent language.” I laughed, the joy I felt with the simple conversation is unexplainable.
“Since when does your ass say eloquent?”
“You aren’t the only one with a college education, Joe. Listen man, some shit went down in the last twelve hours – more shit than just your accident. I need your advice, but I’ll wait until your mind is clear.”
“My mind’s clear as a whistle.”
I shook my head. “Nah, your shit got scrambled and I need it at its best to help me figure out the shit storm that’s about to rain down on me.” I rubbed my eyes and raked my hands down my face.
“No, f*ck? I gotta know now.”
“Why me?” I laid my head on his bed wishing it all away.
The bed moved slightly as the sound of his laughter rang in my ears.
It was the best damn sound in the world.
“You’re going to laugh your ass off when you hear about the clusterf*ck,” I said, sitting up to face him.
Suzy stirred as her eyes opened, a small smile on her lips. “Mikey,” she said with a sleepy voice.
“Hey, Suz. I didn’t mean to wake you. Sorry, sweetheart,” I said, watching her body melt against him.
“Don’t worry. I want to be up. You need anything, babe?” she asked, staring up at him.
She looked relieved. Yesterday I thought she was going to have a meltdown and lose it completely.
They had a love that I hoped to find someday. I wanted someone to be my world.
F*ck, I sounded like a p-ssy.
I needed to sleep and get my head right.
“Nah, sugar. I’m fine just how we are right now.” He pulled her tighter against his body and kissed her head.
I watched them with a dumb jealous grin on my face. I touched my dick to make sure it was still there.
“Did the doctor come in while I slept?” she asked, nuzzling her face into his chest.
“Not yet. The nurse said he’d be in this morning before they move me to a regular room.”
“I can’t wait to get you home, baby,” she said, closing her eyes.
“You just want me in bed and immobile,” he teased as he smelled her hair.
“I’d prefer you unable to talk, but being stuck in bed won’t be the worst thing in the world.” She giggled softly, trying not to jostle him.
Holding up in mock surrender I said, “Alright, love birds. This is my cue to get out of here. Call me if you need anything.” I stood and touched my brother’s uninjured arm. “I’m happy you’re alright, brother. I love you even though you’re an a*shole sometimes.” I squeezed his forearm, looking at the both of them with their mushy grins.
“Love ya too, man.” He smiled.
“Bye, Mikey,” Suzy said without moving.
As I walked out of Joe’s room, I sent Mia a text.
Me: You done yet with work?
I had as much hospital as I could take. The smell of antiseptic and pine made my stomach turn. I worried it would be permanently part of my sense of smell if I stayed any longer.
Mia: I’ll be done in thirty.
Me: I’ll be in my car waiting or do you want to meet at my place?
Mia: Meet you at your place.
Me: Hungry?
Mia: Famished.
Me: I’ll have food, cock, and a comfy bed waiting for you.
Mia: What if I don’t want it in that order?
Me: I offer – you choose.
I laughed, shaking my head. I really liked her.
Mia: I’ll be there in one hour.
Me: Don’t keep me waiting.
I approached my car with a giant smile on my face and tucked the phone in my pocket. A white piece of paper flapped under my wiper, catching my eye. I ripped it off the windshield and glanced at it before crumpling it in my fist. Slowly I peeled the crushed paper apart and stared at it.
Mikey,
You can’t just leave us like this. How can you deny your own son? I’ll never let you go. Your mine and we’re yours.
I’ll fight for you until my last breath.
I sighed, wanting to vomit and crumbled the paper before throwing it on the ground. I’d deal with her shit soon and end her games.
Crazy and me did not f*cking mix.