Authors: Michelle Lynn
It ends up Mr. Basso and Doug win the tournament but Mitch gives me a huge hug complimenting my playing after the game is over. He doesn’t seem upset we didn’t win, even laughing when Doug puts up an L on his forehead with his finger at him calling him a loser. A man that can handle defeat with grace is another good sign.
The party is dwindling down after the tournament and Ian is anxious to get going. I go up to my room to change into dance club appropriate clothes when Ian follows me up.
“Please don’t kill me.” He puts is hands together like he is praying.
“What did you do Ian?” I ask already annoyed.
“I was talking about how you and I were going and some people have decided to join us.” He winces biting his lip acting innocent.
“What people Ian?” I grab my short pink skirt.
“Just a couple people outside,” he tries to wave it off.
“Ian, more specific?” Grabbing my white sheer shirt and camisole for underneath.
“A couple of Jack’s friends, a couple of bridesmaids and maybe Trent.”
“In other words Gabe, Caroline and Trent?” I clarify his vague response.
“Maybe.” His high-pitched voice confirms I am right.
“Ian…I have diverted from them all night. I can’t see Gabe and Caroline dancing with her hands all over him and Trent…I’m not ready to deal with that. Well, at least Kenna can help me with interference.”
“Um…Bryan and Mackenna left. She wasn’t feeling good.” Ian scrunches his shoulders up to his face indicating he is sorry for having to relay the news.
“You owe me so big. You better find some gay guy to take Trent off my hands.” I joke.
“I would be happy to oblige.” He laughs.
On top of everything Gabe is going to drive us since he has the most room. I am surprised Trent seems ok with this since Mrs. Basso said they weren’t on talking terms. He must be assuming this is his time since Caroline is happy to take my spot. The uncomfortableness continues when Gabe opens up Caroline’s door and Trent opens up the back one for me. I have to sit bitch between Trent and Ian making my line of vision into Gabe’s rearview mirror which is terrifying and comforting all at the same time.
The club is packed with a line out the door. For once in all the times going out with Trent it isn’t him that gets us in but Gabe. Gabe knows the doorman, I guess a college acquaintance that recognized him when we were walking back to the line. He even scores us VIP passes to the upstairs bar and lounge. Of course Ian isn’t having any of that. He is here to meet some guys and dance so he deserts us five minutes after we enter.
The four of us go upstairs sitting in a round booth holding two different conversations. Caroline seems to want Gabe all to herself placing her back to Trent and I. Trent is trying to hold a conversation with me but I just stare at the dance floor occasionally glancing at Gabe from the corner of my eye. The waitress comes over and I immediately order tequila shots. Gabe declines but Trent and Caroline join in.
Two rounds later and I am ready to dance. Since Caroline is begging Gabe I grab Trent leading him to the dance floor. We snake our way through the crowd of men dancing with men and some women dancing with women but we are the only man and woman except for Gabe and Caroline who I notice are right behind us.
Trent wraps his arms around me tight placing his hands on my hips guiding them to the rhythm. I place my hands on his shoulders exaggeratingly shaking my body with his. Looking over Trent’s shoulder Caroline has her ass in Gabe’s crotch circling it while bending down touching the ground. Gabe is holding her hips firm to his body. The image actually makes vomit rise in my throat. Gabe’s eyes are holding mine watching me as I lean closer to Trent resting my head on his shoulder allowing Trent to move us to the beat of the music. I see Gabe’s clear blue eyes go cold and his body tenses for a second before he brings Caroline up wrapping his arms around her waist resting his hands just under her shirt at her waist line.
Not being able to watch anymore, I pull Trent over to the bar for another round of shots. I grab two to his one. The alcohol starts running through my body. I feel loose and carefree. It seems so long since I had this feeling of no worries. We hit the dance floor again and surprise Caroline is still grinding on Gabe’s crotch. Does she not have any other moves? The dancing competition that Caroline and Trent are not privy too continues. Gabe and I are trying to make the other jealous by who can hold their dance partners closer.
The final straw is when Caroline moves her body up Gabe’s kissing his neck finding her way to his earlobe and sucking it. He leans into her and I think he is going to kiss her. I can’t handle it any longer.
“I have to go to the bathroom.” I whisper in Trent’s ear.
“I will go with you.” He whispers back but I shake my head telling him I will be right back.
I know Trent will follow me anyway so I walk through the crowd until he can’t see me and I sneak through the front door. I need some fresh air and I don’t want to deal with him right now.
I am leaning against the side of the building tears streaming down my cheeks. I can’t tell you if it is the alcohol or just the long day but I am mentally drained. I can’t stand to see Caroline all over Gabe. It is driving me insane. I need to go home, I can’t stay here anymore. Gabe doesn’t want me, he is moving on to her and can’t really blame him for it. I have strung him along for six years consistently picking his brother over him. I have to let him go, maybe even both of them.
“What the hell are you doing out here Maddy?” Trent walks out of the club finding me.
“I just needed some air, sorry.” I quickly wipe the tears from my face hoping my mascara hasn’t run.
“Do you want to talk about that?” He points to inside of the club.
“No” I say sitting down on the cement sidewalk.
“Do it anyway.” He demands.
“What do you want me to say?” I ask.
“Oh good you found her.” Gabe is standing a couple feet away. “I’ll see you inside.”
“Gabe.” I plea and he stops and I see his back rise and fall from his breath.
“What Maddy?” He responds with his back turned still.
“I need to talk to you.” I say and Trent gives me a sideway glance. “I’m sorry Trent, I need a minute with Gabe.” I put my hand on his knee begging him to give us some time alone.
“No.” Trent says staying firm in his spot.
“What?” I ask astonished.
“I said no.” he deadpans
“Trent, don’t be an asshole just give us a minute.” Gabe turns around walking towards me.
“No, Maddy I can’t wait any longer. I want your answer now.” Trent crosses his arms over his chest widening his stance waiting for my answer.
I close my eyes biting my lower lip while I throw my head to the brick wall in exhaustion. I can’t make this decision with five shots of tequila in my system. “Please Trent, just give me a day.” I beg.
“I can’t Maddy. You need to choose right now. I’m not waiting any longer.” He looks over at Gabe and then back to me. “Gabe or me?”
Gabe doesn’t stop him and he seems to be just as anxious as Trent waiting for my answer.
“Well Maddy, who is it?” Trent repeats himself.
Chapter 21 – 22 years old
I put my hand on my stomach, I am carrying Trent Basso’s baby. Trent and I told his parents last night to say they weren’t thrilled is an understatement. They were livid. Trent’s dad resigned to the living room turning some sports channel on silently fuming. Mrs. Basso sat us at the kitchen table lecturing us on safe sex and how careless we had been. I wanted to tell her that was a moot point but I sat there quietly assuring her we understood by nodding my head in agreement.
A half hour later Trent and I stood up from the table and Mrs. Basso astonished me by embracing us murmuring we would get through this and she loved us both. She was such a great mom. I hope I was going to be half as great a mother as her.
The next morning Mrs. Basso comes into my room. I am sleeping in Doug’s room, the Basso’s still don’t want Trent and I to share a bed. Another moot point I didn’t mention to them. We respect their wishes for the most part. Although we sneak out a couple times making sure we are back in our respected beds before they wake up.
Sitting at the edge of my bed she puts her hand on my leg. “Maddy, I think I came up with the perfect plan.” She says and I wonder why she isn’t saying this in front of Trent.
“Ok” I sit up against the headboard adjusting my tank top to cover my stomach.
“You and Trent go to New York.” So far I like her plan. “Then when you get close to delivery, you come back here to have the baby.” Not anymore.
“Why?” I ask.
“Well honey, New York is no place for a baby. Trent will be traveling a lot and you don’t want to be left alone.” She stands up straightening out my clothes putting the fresh laundered ones in the drawers.
“There are a million babies that live in New York.” I counter.
“You and Trent are young. If I could come out there and help you I would but you know I have to work now, it’s best if you come back. Once Trent’s season is over he can come back here to join you.” She is now moving Doug’s trophies around wiping the invisible dust with her hand before placing them back down.
“Or I could go back to New York when the season’s over.” I raise my eyebrows.
“Maddy…I think you should come here. It’s easier that way.” She grabs a towel from the chair holding over her arm.
“Easier for who?” I whisper to myself.
“Just think about it Maddy. Trent will be busy with the team…you don’t know anyone there.” Her voice goes soft and it dawns on me why she wants me back.
She doesn’t think Trent can be the father or partner he should be. She thinks he will leave me there alone in a strange city with a baby and no one to help. If his mom thinks he will desert me how am I supposed to trust him?
Patting my leg one more time she looks at me with those pitiful eyes and exits the room with a handful of dirty laundry. Anger absorbs me. How could she not believe her son would be there for his child? Did she really think he was that selfish? He would surely prove her wrong. Yes Trent has been selfish but I know he would be there for his child. There is no question about it. I believe in him.
Running into Trent’s room, I find him still asleep so I crawl in next to him. Hopefully his mom doesn’t decide to have a little chat with him right now.
He wrestles when I wrap my arms around his waist kissing his back. “Now that’s the way I like to wake up.” He sleepily says turning around to wrap his arm around me pulling me closer. “You better hope mom doesn’t find you in my bed.” He jokes.
“She’s already doing laundry.” I laugh. There is never a piece of dirty clothes at any given time in this house. I don’t know if it’s because she has three boys but she practically lives in that room.
“What do you want to do today?” He asks.
I shrug happy to stay where I am right now.
“Sounds good to me.” He smirks knowing what I am thinking. “I can’t wait until we get to New York, to our place. We can stay in bed all day if we want.” He plays with my hand that is draped over his stomach.
“Not if your mom gets her wish.” I bitterly say. I was going to tell him in a better way but I am still angry that she doesn’t believe in Trent.
“What are you talking about?” He sits up a little still holding me close.
“You’re mom thinks I should come back here when I am close to having the baby.” I divulge.
“Really?” He doesn’t seem surprised or upset.
“Trent, she wants me to come back to Belcrest and live during your season.” I am trying to get the point across. He doesn’t understand what I am saying.
“I know. Maybe she has a point. I don’t really want you in New York by yourself with the baby when I’m not there.” He grabs my hands and I know where this is going. He only grabs both my hands in his when he has something horrible to tell me.
“I’m fully capable of handling myself. Plus Ian is out there, he will help me.”
“Maddy, that’s not the same thing. When the season’s over I will come back and get you and the baby. We will go back to New York together.” I pull away from him but he grabs my hands tight in his.
“Absolutely not. So, you can do whatever you want while I get stuck in Belcrest, the place I never want to be until you can come get me like some prince on a white horse. I don’t think so Trent.” I tug hard releasing my hands from his standing up slamming the door behind me.
“Maddy!” I hear him shout behind the door but I don’t want to hear it.
I run down the stairs out the front door going to the safest place I know.
A few minutes later I hear the footsteps coming up the ladder. He sits down next to me propping his elbows on his knees leaning against the hay barrel.
“I’m sorry Maddy. I never meant for you to think I was leaving you.” He sounds soft and regretful.
“I just feel like your life will remain the same and everything I worked for is nothing. I will never be a designer. You and your mom want me to stay in the one place I hate to raise our baby. Trent this is not MY baby this is OUR baby.” I sit cross legged playing with a piece of straw.
“You don’t think I know that Maddy. I want nothing more than to raise this baby with you. I’m sorry for being a jerk in there. I honestly was just thinking of you and the baby, I swear.” He puts his finger on my chin raising it up lightly brushing his lips with mine. “We will figure this out together.”
“Ok” I say still unsure how this will go but happy we are on the same side now.
Two weeks later Trent and I are getting ready to leave for New York in a few days. Mrs. Basso had me go to the doctor to get on pre-natal vitamins and make sure everything was ok. They said it all looked good but to make sure I see a doctor when I get there to have the regular check-ups necessary. They gave me an ultrasound letting them figure I was ten weeks along.
Trent and I decided we would go to New York and have the baby there. After I delivered we would decide together what was best for us as a family. He said if I wanted to come back here for a while that was fine but if I didn’t want to that was ok too. He had already rented a one-bedroom apartment in the city before he found out that I was expecting so we would have to be looking for something bigger in the coming months. I didn’t really care where we lived as long as I was with him.