chapter 26
(Luke)
We arrive in Texas later that evening. We’re meeting TJ Harper, the guy that made the call to Mikey. Mikey wants to learn everything he can about this guy.
We pull up in front of a modest, tan, stucco home a little after nine. An attractive woman, who looks to be in her late-forties answers the door.
Expecting us, she invites us into their neatly kept home. She leads us to the kitchen, introducing us to her son, TJ, and her husband, Tim.
Mikey and I quickly size him up; he’s a clean cut guy and, from what we gather, they seem like a decent family, so far. We apologize for the intrusion while Mikey explains the importance of time.
TJ is a business major at the University of Texas in San Antonio and he still lives at home with his parents. He and Lora Rae began dating the summer before their senior year in high school. He claims they had a good relationship in the beginning, his parents always felt there was something off about her, though. According to them, she was needy and possessive. He explains that her life wasn’t that easy. She didn’t know her father that well and she had problems because of it. Though she was close to her mom, she wasn’t the type that was around much while Lora Rae was growing up.
“I felt sorry for her. She was lonely.” He shrugs.
He said she angered easily. If he made plans with friends, she’d throw a tantrum. If he just said hello to other girls at a party, she would argue with him in front of everyone.
“It got to the point where it was embarrassing, I dreaded going anywhere,” he tells us.
That spring, he met a girl from a nearby town. He broke things off with Lora Rae. She seemed to take it well at the time and he began dating this other girl. About a month into his new relationship, TJ and the girl were walking out of the movie theatre when they bumped into Lora Rae and her friends.
“She walked right up to us and began to cry. She said she was sorry to do this to me, but she just found out she was pregnant and didn’t know what to do,” TJ says, recalling the incident. “She looked so scared and vulnerable. I instantly wanted to be there for her, even though I was sick inside. Needless to say, that was the end of the relationship with the new girl.” He chuckles in his Texan drawl. “Honestly, that was the least of my worries; we were about to graduate, I had a scholarship to the University of Cali to play football and I was leaving in late July. Just like that, my plans changed. I was going to be a dad.” Mikey and I are glued to the story.
His mom chimes in. “He was devastated. I remember the night he came home and told us. We tried to give him advice and some options, but his mind was made up. He had already talked it over with Lora Rae.”
“She was adamant about keeping the baby,” TJ continues. “She didn’t want to talk about any other options. I cared about her. I really did and, mostly, I felt sorry for her. I couldn’t leave her alone. She didn’t have anyone to care for her and it was my responsibility to take care of her and my kid.”
“So what happened?” I ask.
“We moved her in,” his dad adds, shaking his head.
“Obviously, they weren’t happy.” TJ nods towards his parents. “I decided to enroll at the University of Texas, it was cheaper and a local university so I could commute from home. I refused to go off to college and leave her. I gave up my scholarship.”
“Wow, that sucks,” I add while Mikey sits quietly, taking it all in.
“Nah, it’s all good now. I play ball here. It’s great. I love it. No regrets. The ironic thing is, after the truth came out. She picks up and moves to Cali and becomes famous.” He laughs.
“Wow, that really sucks,” I say under my breath while Mikey shoots me a look.
“I don’t know. I must have been really naïve or something because it was like four months into it and she wasn’t getting a belly. It’s not like I didn’t see her naked. We were together in every way while she lived here. It just never crossed my mind that she was lying to me. It wasn’t until my mom made a comment to me about her belly that I became suspicious. I searched her things and found birth control pills hidden in a ripped seam in her handbag. I know, I’m a moron, I used to be really trusting,” he says sarcastically, shaking his head at his stupidity. “Anyway, I confronted her, she denied it at first, but there was no denying that her belly was as flat as it had been since the day I met her. She packed up, moved to Cali and the rest is history.”
“Man, that is crazy. I guess you want to kill her every time you see her face on TV?” I ask, looking at them.
His mom agrees, but TJ is more carefree. He shrugs and says it all worked out for the best. Mikey doesn’t say a word practically the whole time we are there. I know he’s thinking the same thing is happening to him.
TJ goes on to tell us how he read online about the rumors of her being pregnant. He saw the pictures of her and Mikey together, did some research and found out who Mikey is. He said he couldn’t help feeling she may be pulling the same thing.
“For your sake, I hope she is,” TJ says compassionately. “She’s a good actress, I’ll give her that.”
Mikey barely says anything, just nods his head in agreement. We thank them for meeting with us. Mikey is still quiet while heading to the airport.
“Crazy, huh?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Talk to me. What’s on your mind?”
“I don’t know. It sounds familiar, right? I’m just afraid to get my hopes up. I don’t know what to think. My f*ckin’ head feels as if it’s going to explode. I just want it to be over and go home.”
“I hear ya. You believe him?”
“Yeah, definitely. They seem like good people,” Mikey says.
“I thought so, too.”
We sleep at the airport hotel and take the earliest flight to LA. Mikey calls Lora Rae once we land. She’s shocked that he’s back in LA, considering he just left only a couple of days ago. He asks if they can talk and she invites him over.
LA traffic is crazy and it takes us over an hour to get to her apartment. She answers the door wearing black yoga pants and a tight fitted t-shirt. My eyes obviously go to her flat, rock-solid stomach.
“This is a pleasant surprise, c’mon in. You didn’t tell me Luke was with you.” She sounds a bit disappointed.
“Yeah, he decided to take the trip out with me,” he answers. I notice his voice crack. He’s uptight, but trying to play it cool. We discussed a plan in the car.
“How are you, Luke? Congratulations. I heard you and Jesse were married over the holidays.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“Boy, you didn’t waste any time. Aren’t you a little young to be married?” she teases.
“Aren’t you a little young to be having a baby?” I answer sarcastically, smiling.
“Touché,” she says as we give each other a forced smile.
“How you feelin’?” Mikey interrupts.
“Alright I guess, a little nauseous in the morning, but other than that, I’m fine.”
“Good,” he responds.
“I put coffee on, would you like some?” We follow her to the kitchen and Mikey excuses himself to go to the bathroom. That’s my cue to keep her talking. I keep her immersed in conversation, giving Mikey time to do some searching.
“What is that, over there?” I point to the balcony as I walk towards it. Lora Rae opens the door and we step outside. I ask her about some of the local landmarks that she has a clear view of from her balcony. She answers my questions with enthusiasm. Talking with her, I can see how TJ and Mikey can get caught up in her lies and her looks. She seems like a decent person and she is beautiful, no doubt. I try to think of a reason as to why a girl like that would feel the need to trap a guy. I feel sorry for her, yet Mikey shouldn’t have to pay the price if she is lying, or any other guy for that matter. We are interrupted by Mikey joining us on the balcony.
“Oh, there you are. I thought you may have gotten lost.” She smiles at him.
“No, I didn’t get lost,” he says coolly. “Did Luke tell you we ran in to an old friend of yours?” He stares her down. I figure by his tone, he found what he was searching for. He’s cocky and confident.
She suddenly begins to squirm, looking at me. “No, he didn’t. Who?”
“TJ Harper, ring a bell?”
Her mouth drops opens. She quickly tries to gain her composure. “Who?”
I lower my head and take a step back into the apartment, leaving them to talk. I watch from afar as I see Mikey take out the pictures TJ has given us of him and Lora Rae. There is no denying they were a couple.
***
(Mikey)
“You can’t believe a word he says. He’s obsessed with me. He always tries to contact me. He stalks me,” she says, scrambling, looking at the pictures.
“Really? I met his family. He doesn’t seem like the stalking type. Lora Rae, be honest with me. Don’t do this. You have so much good going on in your life. You don’t need to do this.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not doing anything,” she protests.
“Lora Rae, I found these in your bathroom. They’re prescribed to you. You had them refilled last week. Why would you need birth control pills if you’re pregnant?”
Lora Rae finally breaks down and begins to sob and I walk over to her. I thought I would be furious, but instead I feel pity. Why would she feel the need to do something so drastic?
“Why?” I ask.
Through her tears she begins to speak. “I’m sorry Michael, really I am. I’ve never had a man in my life who cares for me. I always feel used by every guy I date, even back in high school. Then, when I find someone decent who cares for me, I screw it up. Then they end up leaving for someone better than me.” She sobs.
“Lora Rae, you’re a nice girl. You don’t need to trap any guy. You’re pretty, you’re famous, and most of all, you’re smart. Don’t let people take advantage of you. You need to talk to someone about how you feel. Don’t ruin your life. You’re too good for that, you have a lot of good things going for you. You’ve accomplished so much on your own, don’t belittle yourself,” I say, reaching out to her.
“Thank you for being so kind to me after what I did to you. I know I need help. I have so many issues from so long ago, you have no idea.”
“Do you have someone you can talk to? Someone you can trust completely, maybe even a professional?”
“Yes. I have an aunt who I used to be really close with. I haven’t talked with her in a while. Maybe I’ll give her a call… And, it is LA, Michael, I’m sure there is a therapist on every corner, just waiting for someone like me.” She laughs through her tears. I take her into my arms and hug her tightly.
Luke is flipping through the pages of a magazine when we step inside, seeming as if he wasn’t spying. Lora Rae pats away the tears from her puffy eyes with the tips of her fingers.
“You ready?” I ask, walking into the kitchen.
“Yeah, sure,” he answers, following me to the door. “I’ll see you later, Lora Rae,” he says as he steps outside.
“See ya, Luke, good luck this season,” she says.
“Thanks.”
I hang back for a second. “Are you going to be okay?” She nods her head in agreement. “You’re going to contact your aunt or someone, right?”
“Yes,” she answers quietly.
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“You sure you’re okay?” I ask nervously. This is bothering me more than I thought. I feel sorry for her and for once, wish that her entourage was around.
“I’m going to be fine. Thank you, Michael.”
“If you need to talk, you can call me,” I tell her. Truthfully, I’m hoping she gets the help she needs and doesn’t call. I think it’s best if we have a clean break.
I walk to the car where Luke is already waiting inside. “What was that about?” he blurts out the second I get in and close the door.
I let out a breath as if I have been holding it in for days. “She’s not pregnant. She made it up.” I smile.
“Thank God,” Luke says. “I didn’t know what the hell was going on. I couldn’t tell by the way you were acting. I was expecting arguing, you flipping out on her.”
“I couldn’t. I felt so bad for her. I get what that kid, TJ, went through. She seems like she has a lot of issues and not that many people around to support her.”
“Thankfully, it’s over.”
“I know, right? Man, you don’t know the sick feeling I had the last few weeks over this. My mind was in a million different directions. I didn’t know how I was going to handle this if she was pregnant. You know what I went through with my own parents. How could I do that to my own kid?”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that now,” Luke answers.
“I can’t wait to get out of here. Let’s go home.”
***
JJ is sleeping on the reclining chair, while De is curled up on the couch with the blanket pulled over her head. It’s after midnight when we arrive back at the condo. JJ jumps up when she hears us come in.
“How did it go?” she whispers curiously.
“It’s all good,” I answer with a smile. “No baby.”
“Oh my God! How did you find out?” she asks excitedly, hugging me. Luke takes her by the hand and tells her he’ll fill her in on the ride home.
After they leave, I walk over to the couch and kneel down beside De as she sleeps soundly. I peel back the blanket just enough so I can see her face. I stay there for a while, watching her as a warm feeling flows through my veins and my thoughts drift to our future. We can have a fresh start together.
I want nothing more than to wake her right now and fill her in, but she looks so peaceful. I decide we have forever. I finally move to the reclining chair. Exhausted by the drama of the last several weeks, I doze off, full of relief to be home and have this huge weight removed from my shoulders.
***
“Mikey... Mikey.” I hear in a loud whisper and someone begins to poke me slightly as I sleep.
“Huh?” I jump, taking a second to get my bearings. “Hey,” I say, smiling as De comes into focus.
“When did you get in?” she asks, sitting on the arm of the chair.
“What time is it?”
“Two thirty,” she answers.
“A couple of hours ago.”
“Why didn’t you wake me? Where is everyone?”
“JJ woke up when we came in; her and Luke left.”
“Are you okay?”
“Come here.” I lift her onto my lap. “I’m better than okay. You’re here.” I hold her tightly.
“Were you able to find out anything?” she asks, her head lying against my chest. “Yep.” I take a deep breath, hardly believing it myself. “You and I are going to have a chance to start this thing between us, the way it was meant to be.”
“What are you saying?” she asks, raising her eyes to meet mine.
“She lied. There is no baby.”
“Oh my God! I’m so happy,” she says, hugging me tightly. I relay the details of the last two days. “You know it wouldn’t have mattered to me. It’s not like we were planning on this happening between us. We were both involved with other people. Things happen that we sometimes don’t plan.”
“Well, that’s where you’re wrong. I’ve always planned on this happening between us.” I laugh.
“I’m sure,” she says sarcastically.
“I am sure,” I say confidently. “I just never imagined that I would screw up so bad and possibly have to face someone other than you having my baby. Or for that matter, God forbid, what if it was you that got pregnant by that a*shole, Doctor Jeffrey? I never considered those things in the equation of you and me.” I shudder at the thought.
She laughs. “Would you have still wanted to be with me if I was carrying someone else’s baby? I mean, what if I broke things off with Jeffrey, not realizing I was pregnant, and then you and I admit that we love each other, and then I find out I’m pregnant with his baby after the fact. What would you do?” she asks, baiting me.
“Dump your ass. I don’t need that shit.”
She smacks me and I start to tickle her. I love the way we can play with each other, constantly teasing and baiting the other. No doubt, there is a strong love and respect between us.
I continue on a more serious note, “Hmm… First off, I’d have to convince you not to stay with him, ‘cause I know you, you’d feel like you had to.”
She nods her head, somewhat agreeing. I take my time with my answer, wanting to get the words right, I need her to know exactly how I feel.
“There’s no question, anything that is a part of you, is a part of me. It wouldn’t make a difference to me. God, De, you should know that. Your family is my family, it doesn’t matter how we got that way. It’s just the way it is. Who has always been there for me? Who do I go to whenever something important is happening in my life? Maria and Lucca have been there for every important thing in my life. Even when Luke was away, they came and watched me play. They call me constantly to check up on me, just like they do you and Luke. Who is the first person I call when I need to talk? C’mon, you don’t think I called Maria when I found out about Lora Rae? The very next day I called her. I told her everything. She listens to me as if I’m her son. She knew about us, yet she didn’t try to persuade me one way or another based on that knowledge. She gave me the same advice she would give Luke or you.” She nods her head knowingly. “There is no blood between us, but it doesn’t matter. I love them, they love me. I know that, I feel that from them,” I add.
***
(Deanna)
I try to hold back the tears forming in my eyes. My family has always loved him and treated him as if he was part of our family. This is the first time Mikey has ever discussed it in this way, though. I know how important we are to him, but to hear him say it like this, makes me fall even more in love with him, if that’s even possible.
“You’re right. It doesn’t matter if it’s by blood or not. We’ve always thought of you as part of our family. We all love you very much. My mom couldn’t have gotten through the last couple of years if she didn’t have you in her life. You made sure to keep Luke on track, even when it seemed impossible at times. You never gave up on him. You looked out for JJ, knowing that is what Luke would have wanted. You made sure she was okay. I love you because of all of that. I love you because you have always been there for me, you never judged me. You’ve kept my secrets. I cherish all of the times we’ve spent together, whether we were arguing about something or even when you tease me; especially when we laugh about stupid stuff and those nights when it was just you and me alone. Nights when I didn’t have to share you with Luke and when we’d hang out, watch TV in the rec room together and fall asleep on the couch. I loved those times most of all,” I say, brushing away the tear that escapes my eye.
“Me, too,” he answers, squeezing me tight, getting emotional himself. “C’mon, it’s late, let’s go to bed.” He takes me by the hand and leads me to the bedroom. We climb into bed and he wraps his arms tightly around my body, resting his head against my chest. “I’m sorry I put you through that.”
“Stop, you had no idea that was going to happen. Everything is good,” I say, kissing the top of his head while I run my fingers through his hair. We affectionately make love before finally giving in to sleep.
***
It’s his last day to rest up before reporting to spring training; I let him sleep in. I know he must be exhausted from the last couple of days, or weeks for that matter. I make a pot of coffee and shower while contemplating whether or not to play hooky from school. I’d only be missing two classes, not a big deal, I decide. Since confessing our feelings the night he got back from Boston, our lives have been a whirlwind. We can finally relax and be a normal couple now.
I pour two cups of coffee and carry them into the bedroom. He sleeps soundly and I take a moment to admire him as he lays sprawled across the bed. My insides get tingly when I look at him. I think of how blessed I feel to have the guy I trust most in the world beside me, knowing that he’ll always love and protect me forever. I’d do anything for him. He is my heart and soul. The feelings were always here, but now, sharing the intimacy of each other completes me in a way I never knew existed.
I stand by the edge of the bed, sipping my coffee, hoping not to wake him. I enjoy watching as he sleeps, taking pleasure in his handsome, a bit unshaven, roughly chiseled features and his strong, athletically built, muscular body. I crave him, knowing how it feels to have him, all of him. I lean down and brush my hand along the side of his face. He opens his sky blue eyes and smiles.
“I like that,” he says.
“Like what?”
“Seeing your face as soon as I open my eyes.” He rolls onto his back, propping himself up on his elbows, causing the muscles in his abs to tighten. “How long have you been up?”
“Not long,” I answer, handing him the cup of coffee, trying desperately to hide my desire. “I skipped class.”
“Cool,” he says, sipping his coffee while his eyes follow me as I circle the room. “You want to go get breakfast?”
“It’s almost lunch.”
“Do you want to go get lunch?” He laughs.
“You never got to see your house. Do you want to see it?”
“Oh shit, I forgot about the house. We were supposed to go see it when I got back from Boston.”
“Yeah, but with everything that happened—”
“We’ve got to go. I can’t wait to see it,” he says excitedly, getting up out of bed.
“You want to go now?” I ask, surprised and somewhat disappointed as my eyes scan his body.
He slowly walks towards me, fully exposed. A slight smile escapes his lips. “Not yet,” he answers, standing before me with his body touching mine. His hands slide up my thighs as he slowly lifts his t-shirt that I’m wearing over my head, leaving me standing in front of him equally exposed. He wraps one arm around my waist, pressing my body to his. I feel his hardness when our bodies brush against each other. His mouth trails along my neck and his hands softly touch my body, caressing me gently. I wrap my hands tightly around his waist, urging his body closer to mine. I plant kisses along his broad, smooth chest, while enticing him with my hands. A groan escapes his lips. I kiss his mouth, telling him I love him.
“I love you, too,” he responds huskily, his hands skillfully touching me, causing my body to tremble.
“I want you inside of me,” I moan. He instantly lifts me in his arms and his strong hands urge my legs around his waist as he slips inside of me. We fall against the closet door as his mouth ravishes my neck. He rocks his body into mine, using the door as added support with my back pressed against it while he thoroughly honors my request. It feels sensual and wild and so damn gratifying, it’s like nothing I have experienced before. We both reach our peak of fulfillment at the same time. My fingers softly stroke his damp hair as he rests his head on my shoulder; his breathing is heavy as he softly kisses my neck. Carrying me to the bed, he smoothly lays me down beneath of him as he gently slips inside me once again.
“Why did I deny myself of you for so long?” he asks breathlessly, gliding kisses across my face and neck. “Look what you do to me.” He takes my hand, tracing it along the goose bumps that are covering his arms and chest.
“I feel the same way. I have never—”
“You’re not gonna tell me you never had sex before, right?” He smirks.
“No, you idiot,” I say, about to push him off me, but he feels so good, I can’t do it. “I was going to say, I’ve never really trusted anyone enough to be adventurous with them. I’ve always been more conservative and proper when it comes to this stuff.” I laugh.
“When have you ever been conservative and proper?” he teases.
“With anyone besides you? That’s what I’m trying to tell you. It feels amazing to be able to let myself go with you. I trust you with everything I have inside. I know you’re not going to judge me or think less of me.”
“Never. It’s the same for me, too,” he says with his deep blue eyes locked on mine.