Delusional Love (2nd Edition) (18 page)

“So now you both are pregnant and he chose her?” Brianna
said seething.

“No Bri, he doesn’t know I’m pregnant.”

“So you need to tell him.” Tara said. “Unless you don’t plan
on keeping the baby.” They both stared at Stephanie.

“I could never kill my baby Ty.” Stephanie said while
putting her hand over her flat stomach. Brianna and Tara breathed a sigh of
relief.

“Then you need to tell him Stephanie. You should not go
through parenthood by yourself.”
 
Brianna said.

“I can’t deal with that right now, I’m just coming to grips
with this pregnancy.”

They continued to talk into the night. They stayed the night
with Stephanie and in the morning they all went to breakfast. As Stephanie sat
in the restaurant she was feeling better about her situation. They were
enjoying their food and conversation when a familiar male figure walked over to
the table. “Hello ladies.” Mark Parker said while only looking at Stephanie.

“Hello Mark.” Brianna and Stephanie said in unison.

Tara just glared at him. “How are you Stephanie?”

“I’m good and you?”

“I am better now that I’ve seen you, you look amazing. I
have tried to get in touch with you but was unable since you changed your
number.” Mark said in a very sexy voice.

“That should have been a hint.” Tara said as Stephanie shot
her the evil eye. Mark ignored the comment and continued his conversation with
Stephanie.

“Stephanie I would like to see you, maybe we can go out to
dinner and discuss some unresolved issues.”

“That’s not necessary it’s a dead issue as far as I’m
concerned.” Stephanie said not wanting to go down that road.

“I would like the opportunity to talk to you, I felt like we
didn’t have closure.”

There was an uncomfortable silence for about five seconds
and Mark spoke again.

“Here’s my number if you decide you want to talk. It was
really good seeing you Stephanie, ladies.” He said acknowledging them before
turning on his heels and leaving.

“I will say this for the brother, he is still fine as ever.”
Tara said. They all giggled and went back to their conversation.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

OCTOBER 24th

Stephanie
resigned her position at Quinn Corporation and Brianna was able to find her
another temp job. It was not as exciting as her old job but at least she did
not have to run into Ivan and his drama. After a few weeks of working at her new
job she fell into a routine. The morning sickness had subsided and she had
decided to tell Ivan about the pregnancy and let the chips fall where they may.
Adam came into Ivan’s office and closed the door. “Have you looked at the
newspaper today?”

Ivan
looked up from what he was reading. “No should I have?”

“Yes
it seems that your engagement to Ashley is the top story in the entertainment
section.”

Ivan
snatched the paper out of Adam’s hand. “I am so fucking tired of her antics. I
don’t know what I’m going to do, because of mama I agreed to marry this person
I can’t stand to be in the same room with. I don’t think I can go through with
it.” Ivan stood and walked over to the window. “You know there is not a day
that goes by that I don’t think about her. God I miss her so much it hurts.”
Adam didn’t have to ask who he was talking about he knew it was Stephanie. Adam
just listened, he knew his brother was hurting but when their mother confided
in them that she was diagnosed with cancer and her only wish was to make sure
her grandchild did not enter the world a bastard. He agreed to marry Ashley and
give the baby their family name.

“Hey
bro, let’s go out for drinks my treat.”
 
Ivan agreed to meet him after he was done.

---------

So I
see your engagement made its way to the newspaper.” Samantha said to her best
friend.

“Yeah,
I guess good news is hard to keep secret.”

“So
how is everything going between you and Ivan?”

“It
couldn’t be better. The best part was the mom finding out she had cancer. I was
able to get her to use that to force Ivan into marrying me. His mom is a real
pushover, but really sweet.”

“I
don’t understand Ash, How?”

“Well
I called his mother a couple of times a week to keep her updated on her
grandchild. There hadn’t really been anything new to talk about but I was able
to keep tabs on Ivan. When she confided in me about her cancer scare I told her
that Ivan loved her so much and would do anything to make her happy including
marrying the mother of her grandchild. That’s all I needed to say and she took
the idea and ran with it.” Samantha shook her head.

“How
can you use the fact that his mother is dying for your benefit.”

Ashley
waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Oh please, his mother is more manipulative
than I am. She had a cancer scare, the lump was benign but she did not tell
Ivan that because she wants us to get married.”

“This
is a dangerous game your playing Ash and someone is definitely going to get
hurt. I just hope for your sake it’s not you.”

“Stop
worrying, everything is perfect and speaking of perfect look at my baby bump.”
She pulled up her shirt to reveal her protruding stomach.

“Has
Ivan asked you to move in with him?”

“No,
he has me in another condo across town, but that’s going to change as soon as I
tell him that the doctor doesn’t want me staying by myself because of the
complications I’ve been having.”

“And
what complications are they Ash?”

“Whatever
I want them to be.” Ashley said with anger in her voice. She was bored with
talking to Samantha and she had shopping to do. “I will call you later Sam I
have things to do.” She left the office in a huff.

---------

NOVEMBER
1st

Stephanie
woke up in a good mood it was the first time in weeks Ivan was not the first
thing she thought about when she woke up. She was having an ultrasound today
and would get a more accurate date of the baby’s arrival. Brianna and Tara both
took time off from work to go with her. They all met at the office around the
same time. “Stephanie Young.” The nurse announced and they all rose. “Which one
is Stephanie?” She raised her hand. “Okay you come with me and once you are
settled I will come back for you two.” The nurse said with a smile. They were
all in the room waiting for the doctor. Dr. Sullivan came in.

“Hello
ladies, I see you have a lot of support Stephanie.” She smiled at the doctor.

“So
let’s see what’s going on.” She lifted the paper gown and squeezed jelly on
Stephanie’s stomach. She placed the Doppler on the gel and moved it around
giving the screen a strange look. Stephanie looked at her friends
worried.Brianna
asked. “Is
everything okay?”

“Yes
just one minute.” The doctor continued to move the Doppler around.

“Stephanie
it appears you
are
having twins.”

“What?”
Stephanie said in disbelief.

Tears
rolled down Brianna’s face while Tara held her hand over her mouth. The doctor
turned the machine up so that they could listen to the babies’ heartbeats. A
tear rolled down Stephanie’s cheek, Stephanie got dressed and met the doctor in
her office. She gave Stephanie another prescription for more vitamins, talked
to her about what to expect with multiple births and then she told her that her
due date was April 28th. The doctor gave her ultrasound pictures of the babies
and the ladies went to lunch to celebrate.

“I
can’t believe
this
 
twins
. Steph, when are you going to tell Ivan?
 
After what was printed in the paper
today you better tell him sooner than later.” Tara said as Brianna glared at
her.

“What,
she was going to see it anyway.” Tara tried to state innocently.

“See
what?” Stephanie asked.

“Sweetie,
there was an article in the paper today announcing Ivan’s engagement to
Ashley.”
 
Brianna said softly.

Stephanie
looked at them both stunned. She knew her and Ivan were over but she didn’t
think he would be so fast at moving on.

“Excuse
me.” She left the table and went to the bathroom.

“Should
we go with her?” Tara asked.

“No,
give her a minute.”

Stephanie
tried to steady her breathing. ‘Calm down you
have
to
think about the two precious miracles you are carrying.’ She said to herself.
Well if he was moving on then so was she. She inhaled deeply and returned to
the table.

“You
okay baby girl.”

“Yeah,
I will be.”

They
ate lunch and Tara commented on Stephanie’s weight gain. Brianna and Stephanie
looked at her and they both said. “Go to hell.”

They
all laughed.

After
lunch Stephanie went back to her apartment alone. She sat for an hour staring
at the engagement announcement in the paper.

She
was going through her purse looking for something when she came across Mark’s
card she thought about it then dialed his number. They arranged to have dinner
that evening; she was starting to have a hard time fitting into her clothes.
Stephanie decided to wear a brown wrap-a-round dress with brown heels.

She
looked good and felt good and she really needed to get out of the house. Mark
picked her up promptly at seven o’clock. They decided to go to
Serefine’s
restaurant. Although it was an Italian
restaurant, she knew it was not a place that Ivan would frequent. Mark looked
handsome as ever. He wore a navy suit that fit his body like a glove and he
smelled so good. Yes, this was just what she needed a night on the town with
someone who was good company but had no desire to go back down a romantic rode
with. After they were seated Mark said. “So I have to say I was pleasantly
surprised when you called.”

“You
thought we had some unresolved issues and to be honest I needed a night out so
I thought we could both help each other out.”

“It
sounds good to me.” The waiter came over.
 
“Can I start you off with a drink?”

“I’ll
have a gin and tonic.”

“And
for you Miss?” The waiter said and directed his attention to Stephanie. “I’ll
have a glass of apple juice.”

“Very
good,” and with that he left to retrieve their drinks.

“Steph
I know you aren’t much of a drinker but I do know you drink something a little
stronger than apple juice.”

She
looked in his eyes and decided to tell him the truth. “Mark I am drinking apple
juice because I am expecting.”

He
looked at her strange. “Expecting what?”

“Expecting
a baby, actually babies I just found out today that
I’m
having twins.”

Mark
was stunned, so stunned that it took him a few seconds gather himself.

“I
don’t understand
,
if you are in a relationship why did
you agree to meet me?”

“Well,
I didn’t think you were looking to start up a relationship again. I thought
this was about closure, obviously I was mistaken.” She stood to leave. “It was
good seeing you again Mark.”

“Wait
Steph, please don’t leave, I want you to stay. I want to hear how your life has
been going, I didn’t not mean to upset you.”
 
Stephanie sat back down.

“Thank
you.” Mark said as the waiter came back with their drinks.

---------

“Son
of a Bitch, I don’t believe it, is that Stephanie over there?” Adam and
Lawrence turned around. “
Awh
Hell.” Adam whispered
towards Lawrence. “You ready to run interference?”

“Why
is there always trouble when I go out with the Quinn brothers?” Before they
could react Ivan was heading towards the table. Adam and Lawrence were close on
his heels. “Good evening Stephanie.”

She
heard the familiar voice that still sent shivers up her spine. Mark looked over
at Stephanie then at Ivan. Mark could see she was visibly shaken.

“Are
you okay Steph?” Mark said as he touched her hand.

“Yes
I’m fine.” She said softly.

She
stared at Mark and introduced Ivan without turning to look at him. “Mark this
is Ivan Quinn my former boss.” Just as she was done with the introduction Adam
and Lawrence appeared. Mark was starting to feel uneasy with the situation and
if they were making Stephanie uncomfortable then they needed to leave. Mark
stood. Adam walked over to Stephanie and kissed her on the cheek.

“Hey
Steph, how are you?” He reached his hand out to shake Mark’s hand

“Hi
I’m Adam Quinn, friend and former boss of Stephanie.” As Adam introduced
himself, Lawrence also kissed her on the cheek and also introduced himself to
Mark. Mark started to ask them to join them and decided against it. He did not
like the way Ivan was staring at Stephanie; he was definitely making her
uncomfortable.

“Is
there a problem man?” Mark addressed Ivan. Ivan was having a difficult time
keeping his anger under control. Stephanie refused to look at Ivan although she
could feel his eyes burning into her skin.

“I
don’t know, is there a problem Steph?” Ivan said seething and talking through
his teeth. Stephanie could not believe him, he dumped her, he broke her heart
and he had the nerve to stand hear like he was owed an explanation. She turned
to him ready to spit fire.

“No
Ivan there’s
no problem.
You will NEVER have this
problem again. Oh and congratulations on your engagement you two truly deserve
each other.”

Mark
could see a tear in her eye and moved to stand in front of Stephanie, blocking
Ivan’s view of her. He leaned into Ivan, looked him in the eye and said.

“You
need to back away from her, you are making her uncomfortable.” Ivan took his
eyes off of Stephanie long enough to stare Mark down.

“If
you don’t back up I will take it as a threat to her and if I even think you are
a threat to her, I will be forced to beat your ass.”

“What….
fuck you!” Ivan yelled but before he could say or do anything else Adam and Lawrence
got between the two men and forcibly ushered Ivan out of the restaurant.

“Are
you okay Steph?
 
Do you want to
leave?”

“No,
just give me a minute.” She took a sip of her apple juice and he could see her
hands trembling. She smiled “I’m fine.”

“Does
he know?”

“What?”

“Does
he know you are having his babies?” She looked at him and said “no” softly.

“You
want to talk about it?”

“Yes,
but not here.”

“We
can get dinner to go.”