Beautiful Misery (The Beautiful Series) (18 page)

“Would we ever do something like that?” Leigha asked innocently.

I rolled my eyes. “You heard me.” I marched out of my room and away from the tart twins.

Gabe was laying on the floor in the middle of his room coloring. “Hey, buddy. Are you excited for today?”

He didn’t look at me. Slightly lifting one shoulder he said, “Yeah, I guess.”

This was not my son. He had been so excited for the game. Now that it was here he was acting like he didn’t care if we went or not. I sat and crossed my legs out in front of me. “What’s going on? You were so exicted.”

He stopped coloring to look at me briefly then returned to his picture. “Gage said he would get me a jersey and sign it. I think he forgot about me.” The sadness on my sons face broke my heart. I’m sure to Gage, Gabe is just some little boy wanting a stupid jersey. But, to my son, Gage was like a living, breathing hero. He hadn’t stopped talking about him since that day on the beach. Sure, Gage was just being nice and inviting us to his game, but he shouldn’t have made a promise to my son then not followed through. I couldn’t tell my baby that though. So, I lied.

“He’s very busy, Gabe. You should be thankful that you get to go to his game, with or without his jersey.”

Gabe huffed and puffed before saying, “Is it time to go?”

“Almost. Is that what you want to wear?” I pointed to the clothes he had picked out this morning. For a five year old boy, the kid had syle. He had on black, grey, and maroon plaid shorts with a grey polo shirt. He looked like a mini Scott Disick. Obviously my son was a lot cuter, though.

He nodded. “Yeah. Is that okay, mommy?”

“Yes, sir. You look very handsome.”

Gabe laughed. “Thank you ma’am.”

I loved this kid. “I’m going to pack your bag for tonight.
Anything special you want to take?”

“Don’t forget my underwear. You forgot them last time I stayed with Uncle Jase.”

Oops. “Sorry. Mommy has been a little distracted lately.”

“Yeah, I noticed. Want to talk about it?” What the hell? When did my son become a therapist?

“It’s grown up stuff, bud. Nothing fun.”

Gabe dropped his crayon and turned serious.
“I am five years old. That is a whole hand. I think I can handle it, mom. I have learned a lot in my years. I’m getting smart in my old age.”

Seriously, kid? “Where did you learn to talk like that? Are you five or seventy five? You sound like a little old man?”

Rolling his eyes he answered, “Mom, I have been around for five years. You learn a lot when you listen to people who don’t know you are paying attention.”

Little shit. “Gabriel Derek Holland. You do not eaves drop. You know that.”

“I can’t help if people talk and I can hear them.” He did have a point.

“I wish you weren’t so smart.” I ruffled his hair and said, “You need to start cleaning up and make your bed.” Gabe grumbled but started putting his crayons back in the box.

After packing his bag I went back to my room to see what kind of mess my friends had created. Laying on my bed was a pair of white shorts with an off the shoulder sheer black shirt with subtle silver sparkles and a grey camisole. I was surprised. The outfit was cute and made me look like a mom and not a hooker. I was expecting more hooker, less mom.

Lydia handed my my suitcase.  “You
’re all packed. Now get changed. Leave your hair down and go simple with your makeup.”

Quirking one eyebrow I bounced my eyes between my friends. “What are y’all up to?”

“Nothing. Get ready. The car will be here soon.” Leigha shoved me into the bathroom.

“Car’s here, mommy.” Gage yelled from the living room.

“Okay, I’m coming buddy.” Grabbing our suitcases I walked into the living room. “Ready?”

Gabe smiled, looking a little better than he did earlier. “Yeah. Bye Aunt Le. Bye Aunt Lydia.” Gabe hugged both woman before opening the front door.

“See you two tomorrow,” I sulked.

Leigha smacked my butt. “Go have fun and get crazy. It’s football, baby!”

Twirling my hand around sarcasticly, I muttered, “Woohoo.”

There was an older, pudgy man waiting at the car. “Good afternoon, Ms. Holland, Mr. Holland. My name is Pat, I will be your driver today.” He took our bags and opened the door. “Mr. Tucker requested a booster seat, will that be okay with you ma’am?

He did put some thought into this. “Yes, thank you.” Sliding into the back seat I helped get Gabe buckled up then clicked myself in.

Once our bags were stowed, Pat took his spot in the drivers seat. Handing me two bags he said, “These are for you Ms. Holland.”

Taking the bags I smiled. “Oh. Um, okay. Thanks.” Looking at the bags I saw Gabe’s name written on one and my name on the other. I sat Gabe’s bag in his lap. “You go first.”

Ripping the tissue paper off the top he pulled out a grey and black jersey. “Look mom! He didn’t forget!” He was so excited.
Holding it up Gabe said, “He’s number seven, mommy.” He turned the jersey around so I could see the number on the back. It wasn’t the number that surprised me, it was what was over the number that had me smiling.

Tucker’s Boy

Something so simple. “What does it say mommy?”

“Tucker’s Boy.” I pointed to his signature on the side of the sleeve. “Look he signed it for you, also.”

“Wow! That is so cool! Now everyone will know Gage is my friend.” Gabe looked estatic. Even when he was playing the guitar he didn’t look this happy. Turning his glowing face to me, he asked, “What did you get, mommy?”

Turning my attention to my bag I saw a card sticking out of the top.
I read it out loud to Gabe.

Annie & Gabe,

Sorry the jersey’s were late. They took longer than I expected. Wear them and enjoy them.

Pat will be taking you to an early dinner before the game. It has all been paid for so go crazy. Pat also has your tickets for the game. Hope you like the seats. Gabe, yell loud so I can hear you. I will see you later, buddy.

Love, Gage

“I knew he wouldn’t forget. I really, really like him mommy.”

This could end bad. I didn’t want Gabe getting too attached then Gage breaking his heart. But, I didn’t want to tell Gabe he couldn’t be friends with Gage, either, Gage is the first guy besides Jase that he has really clung to.

“Are you going to see what Gage got you, mommy?” Shaking my head, I sat the card beside me. I removed the tissue paper and found a Saints jersey of my own. Pulling it out I really hoped he hadn’t went through the trouble of putting something special on the back of mine. I didn’t want people assuming anything was between Gage and I. “What does your’s say?”

Turning it around to look at the back I wanted to scream.

Tucker’s Girl

No way in hell was I going to wear this.

18

Annie

I
wore it. All it took was one look from Gabe and I was a goner. How had such a small human claimed so much control over me, I’ll never know.

“That’s the lady from the beach. The one Gage was talking to after you left.” Gabe pointed down the aisle are tickets had us sitting in. We were on the fifty yard line, right behind the Saints bench, two rows up. I had to give Gage credit, our seats were badass.

“Maybe that’s his girlfriend.”

Gabe scrunched his face. “No, I don’t think so. He likes you. He told me.”

Of course he did. “Hmm. You know you’re the only man for mommy. I don’t like Gage like he likes me.”

“Not even if he makes you dinner and puts the toilet seat down?”

I looked down at my green eyed boy and pursed my lips. “Not even then. Lets get our seats and wait for the game to start.”

As we walked down the aisle, the girl Gabe had said was at the beach stood and gave us a big smile. When we reached her she held her hand out, “Hi, I’m Jenna. Gage’s best friend.”
              She was cute and seemed nice. Maybe this wouldn’t be too bad.

“Hi. I’m Annie” I shook her hand then pointed to my son who was watching the players on the field in awe. “That is my son, Gabe.”

Gabe didn’t take his eyes off the field. He waved his hand around as his hello. Jenna grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. “You’ve got to be shitting me?”

Maybe I was wrong. “Excuse me?” Turning around I looked at her.

She shook her head and tossed her hands in the air. “I told that ass not to put Tucker’s Girl on your jersey. I figured that would freak you out and scare you away. He likes you, a lot. I don’t want him ruining it before anything happens, ya know?”

I stood there. That’s all I could do. My mouth wide open. Gabe yanked on my arm. “Look mommy, I see Gage. I see him! He’s throwing the football.”

Jenna knelt down to Gabe’s level. “Do you know what position he plays?”

Gabe smiled and nodded fast. “Yep. He’s the quarterback.”

“He’s not just any quarterback. He’s the best quarterback. He used to play football with my husband when they were in college.”

Gage took that moment to look up in the stadium seating and wave. He said something to the few guys who were standing around him, who then all turned and looked in our direction. This made Gabe’s already large smile grow even bigger. I was beginning to think his cheeks were going to s
plit from his smile. I had never seen my baby so happy. And, I had Gage to thank for that. As much as I hated to admit it, he made my little boy happy. Happier than I had ever seen him.

“Hey buddy, do you want anything to eat or drink before the game starts? I’m sure things will get crazy once the game is going on.”

Gabe shook his head and watched the football sailing through the air. “No thanks, mommy.”

“Today shouldn’t be too bad since it’s a pre-season game. It’s the regular season or the playoff gam
es that can get a little crazy.” Jenna sat back down in her seat.

Taking a seat next to her, I asked, “Does your husband still play?”

Her eyes sparkled and she grinned. “He does. He plays for the San Diego Chargers. Normally, I would be with him, but Larkin and I agreed I needed to be here for awhile. Just to make sure everything with Gage was okay. He has been through a lot in the last year.” Her eyes showed sadness as she flashed them to Gage.

“
He told me about his wife. I feel horrible for him. I know how he feels. I was in his shoes when Gabe was born.” I glanced at Gabe to make sure he wasn’t listening. He had never asked and I have never told him exactly why his dad isn’t around.

Jenna looked perplexed. “Gage told me you were a single parent. Do you mind me asking, how?”

Keeping my focus on Gabe I answered, “His father was killed when I was five months pregnant. He and a few guys we went to high school with were in a band. After a show one night they all decided it would be wise to get high before driving home. Derek was in the car with two of his best friends when they crashed. Derek was killed instantly.”

Jenna sat with her hand hovering over her mouth. “I am so sorry. But, can I say one thing. Gage likes you. If you’re not ready, don’t play with him. He has been hurt too many times.
Talk to him. Maybe tell him you just want to be friends. I don’t want to see him get hurt, again, by another girl.”

Sighing, I looked at her. “I like him, more than I want to admit. But, I don’t know how to move forward. Derek is the only man I know. I haven’t even been on a date since he died. Then, one night, I literally run into Gage. I was instantly attra
cted to him. Watching him and Gabe the other day on the beach made me realize how much Gabe is missing out on by not having a father. That’s not fair to my son. I wish I could tell you how I felt. I wish I knew, myself. I have all these feelings going through my head that haven’t been there in six years. I was seventeen when I lost the person I thought I was going to marry.”

Jenna offered me a sad smile. “I completely understand. My past is fucked up too. I just ask that you tell Gage what you just told me. I think you both could use a friend, and who knows, maybe something special will come from it.”

I think I like her.

“Mommy, I have to pee.”
Gabe stood in front of me doing the famous ‘potty dance’. Leave it to my child.

“Okay, let’s go. I think I saw bathrooms on our way in.” Grabbing Gabe’s hand I shuffled us through the cr
owds of people who were starting to fill the stadium. Thankfully there wasn’t a line at the bathroom. We got back to our seats just in time for kick-off.

Holy shit! Why wa
sn’t I warned as to how loud football can be? My ears were ringing and my head was pounding. Gabe was loving it. That made my pain worth it.

“Ruuuun Gage!” Gabe was screaming beside me, standing on his seat.

The lady behind him chuckled. “He is too cute.”

Turning my head to see her, I said, “Thank you. He loves football.” The energy in the stadium was consuming. It sucked you in. You couldn’t be here and not scream. The giants, who Jenna described as defensive lineman, were charging at Gage. I jumped to my feet, chewing my nails. I yelled, “Don’t touch him! You’re going to hurt him!” Yep, that was me. I know next to nothing about the sport. Safe bet, Gabe knows more than me.

Jenna stopped screaming a slew of profanities and looked at me. Her body was shaking from laughter. “You do know he will get hit, right?”

I shook my head. “No. I just thought he threw a ball to a guy who ran and would hopefully get across the line before the other giants tackled him.”

Jenna shut her eyes and slowly shook her head. “Oh, sweet baby Jesus.” She popped open her eyes and said, “I have a lot to teach you. Will you be my friend?”

I knew she was joking, but still, something inside me was jumping up and down. “Only if you promise not to make fun of me. This is actually my first football game, ever. I told you, Gabe’s dad was in a band.”

Holding her pinky out she said, “Pinky promise.”

And, just like that we were friends.

I
am happy to report that the Saints won, thirty three to twelve. When the game was over Jenna said, “Follow me. Gage told me to bring you to the family room.”

“Family room?” I asked. I made sure Gabe was holding my hand tight as we weaved in and out of people.

“It’s where the family and friends of the players can wait for them to shower and change.” It was too loud and she probably wouldn’t hear me so instead of replying I just followed her. She stopped when we reached a large metal door. She typed in a code and opened the door.

The large room was buzzing with people. “Jenna, I didn’t think you would
be here.” The tall, gorgeous blonde was looking Jenna up and down.

Jenna turned to ice. Her warm eyes where like stone. “Gage and Trent are my friends. Besides, I thought Trent tossed you to the trash, again.”

“Don’t be silly, darling. We both know Trent and I will end up together. Why stop the inevitable?”

Jenna was either choking on vomit or really despised this girl. I’m going with the latter. “We both know Trent will never marry you. Don’t kid yourself. He’s using you for one thing and since your so obviously willing to drop and bend for any man, why wouldn’t he keep you around for that?”

This was getting interesting. Gabe, thankfully, had made his way to the large snack table in the corner. I watched as Jenna and the girl I dubbed ‘football floozie’ went back and forth. I was waiting for someone to step in but both women were smiling at each other. To the general eye they looked like two friends catching up. They were anything but.

“Excuse me, is there a Gabe Holland in here?” A lady wearing a headset asked.

Gabe jumped up and down. “That’s me!”

The lady paraded her away across the room to my son. I was not about to let him go alone. “Excuse me. I’m his mom. Why do you need him?”

She held her finger up and closed her eyes, listening to her headset. “I know. Tell him to chill. I have the boy and his mom. We are on our way.”

“Sorry about that. Mr. Tucker has requested you and Gabe be brought to the media room.” She turned and started walking back to the door she had just came through before waiting for my approval.

Glancing at Jenna to make sure she hadn’t punched football floozie in the face, she smiled at me and waved. She must have known Gage had this planned.

“Now that we are out of that madness, hi, I’m Amy. I am one of the team assistants.”

Gabe and I both said hello as we followed her down a cinderblock hallway. I could see a room at the end that was filled with people and cameras. At the front of the room was a long table with a giant New Orleans Saints poster behind it.

“If you two don’t mind going right over there and taking a seat I will inform Mr. Tucker that you are here.” She pointed to a few chairs off to the side.

Who I’m assuming were the coaches were sitting at the table feilding questions from the reporters. Seemed intense. The constant flashing was giving my already pounding head a strobe migraine. It looked like we were in a nightclub.

There was a hand on my shoulder. My skin was burning. “How did you like the game?” Gage asked more to Gabe than me.

“I was screaming. Did you hear me?” Gabe asked, excited.

Gage gave a lopsided grin and said, “I sure did, buddy. Why do you think I played so good?
”

“Mommy was yelling too.” Gabe ratted me out.

Gage took a seat beside Gabe and smirked. “She did?”

Gabe was kicking his feet back and forth. “Yes. She was worried you were going to get hurt. She was yelling at that defense who was trying to sack you.”

Sack? I thought it was a damn tackle. Geez, I really didn’t know anyting.

Gage put his arm on the back of Gabe’s chair, letting his fingers rub slightly on my arm. “Did yo
u inform her that they were supposed to try and sack me?”

Shaking his head, he said, “Nope, but your friend Jenna told her. She’s pretty.”

Gage laughed. “She is. She is my very best friend. We have been friend since we were younger than you.”

“That’s a
long time. I think you need a new best friend.” I was praying my son did not say I could be his new friend. I sighed in relief when he said, “I can be your new best friend. I’m the coolest kid my mom knows, huh mom?” I nodded.

“I am in luck. Jenna will be leaving so
on and my best friend spot will be open. Good thing we met.”

“…And the star of tonights game, Gage Tucker.”

Camera’s turned in our direction as Gage ruffled Gabe’s hair and stood. The flashing comenced. It followed Gage all the way to the table at the front of the room.

“Mr. Tucker, after having a rough year, could you please tell us what had you playing so well tonight?” An older reporter asked.

Gage looked in our direction. “That’s easy. It’s all because of my best friend, Gabe.” He winked then turned his attention back to the reporters. “My offensive line held the other guys back, giving me freedom to play around and scan before just throwing the ball and hoping it landed in the right guys hands. I had a few runs, but we all know I am a passing kinda QB.”