Distorted. Part 24

"Where to?" Ethan asked as he pulled out of the garage.

We decided on a little cafe close to the clubs. We lucked out and got a parking spot close by and walked inside. Paul put our name down and we sat on the benches and waited. Missy scooted up close to Paul and I saw him roll his eyes then look over at me. I gave him a sympathetic smile as Ethan sat down next to me. I was sitting in the middle of the two men who wanted me, and all I wanted to do was run away.

"Pierce, party of four," the hostess called out.

We stood and followed her to our table. Missy hung on every word Paul said and even I couldn't help but roll my eyes from time to time. Ethan had a permanent grin on his face, which I suspected was partly because of Missy's domination over Paul and partly because of our new relations.h.i.+p.

We sat and looked over our menus as Missy continued to go on and on about her day. Ethan and Paul were obviously zoning her out and I gave her the polite "Uh, huh" and "Oh" from time to time. She didn't seem to notice that no one cared and that made me feel somewhat bad for her.

We gave our orders and sat there, all of us looking anywhere but at the company we were with. Missy had her compact out, checking out her perfect make up job and hair. I felt the tension squeezing the life right out of me. I kept repeating in my head to take it easy, but it wasn't working. Why did I not see this coming when we made the plans? Did I not realize meeting at six o'clock would mean dinner first?

"So, I hear congratulations are in order, you two," Ethan said out of nowhere.

I jerked my gaze to him, wondering what on earth he was talking about. Paul looked at him too, raising a brow. Ethan started to laugh.

"About Mr. Halliday. It was going all around the office today. That's great news."

I smiled. "Oh my gos.h.!.+ I can't believe I didn't tell you, Ethan. Thank you. I honestly didn't expect him to agree to us. It made my day."

Paul joined in. "Yeah, man. Thank you. We fought hard and succeeded. Well, Aly did more than anything." He looked over at me, his eyes filled with admiration. I shook my head.

"You worked hard as well, Paul. I can't take all the credit."

He started to speak when Missy piped in. "What happened? You guys win some big account or something?"

I burst out laughing because she sounded so funny. She gave me a look. "I'm sorry, but no. We don't have accounts per say. A man who fought us building a home for him finally relented and will now let us. It's been something very important to me as I met his daughter and saw the horrible conditions they live in. I'm very relieved."

Missy listened and nodded. "Oh, well that's good then."

Ethan scooted his chair closer to me. "It's very good. I'm proud of you, Aly." He set his hand over my knee and squeezed. I looked over to Paul in alarm, but he didn't seem to notice. I needed to relax. I was with Ethan and happy to be, but I had to end it with Paul before I could fully enjoy it.

Our meals finally arrived and dinner continued in the same tense fas.h.i.+on. Once in a while Missy would say something ridiculous and we'd laugh, but overall it was not a relaxing dinner. When we were finally done and the bill arrived, I couldn't be happier.

We piled back into Ethan's car and headed toward the area in town where all the good nightclubs were. The car ride stayed the same as before, quiet or Missy talking about something insignificant. When we reached the street we needed to be on, Ethan announced he'd let us all out to get in line while he found a place to park.

"I can stay with you," I offered.

"No need," Paul interjected. "There's a spot right there, Baker."

Ethan saw where Paul was pointing and pulled in. "That was lucky," he said, putting the car into park. We all got out and headed toward the club that was closest. I turned to look at everyone.

"Is this one okay or should we try another one?"

Missy latched onto Paul's arm. "This one looks awesome," she exclaimed.

I smiled and declared this to be the one. We got to the door and the bouncer immediately recognized Paul and waved us in. Sometimes it helps to know the powerful ones.

We found a table and sat down. Both Paul and Ethan looked at me and offered to get me a drink. I sat there, the anxiety creeping in, and didn't say anything.

Missy pouted. "Um, h.e.l.lo?" she waved. "I'd love a s.e.x on the beach if either of you two gentleman are offering me something."

Paul nodded and walked over to the bar. I guess he was letting Ethan take care of me. My heart started beating faster and I began to twirl my hair around my finger.

Ethan smiled and sat down next to me. "It's okay," he whispered in my ear. "Relax. What do you want to drink? Vodka cranberry?"

I nodded and he left to go get it. Missy and I sat there, listening to the music, not saying much. After a few minutes, she looked at me, something like annoyance in her eyes.

"I've always known Ethan has a thing for you, but c'mon, Paul too?"

Shock went through me. "What do you mean?" I asked lamely.

"Oh don't give me that, Aly. It's so obvious. I've felt it from the first day I was here, but I can't ignore it any longer. He totally wants you and you know it."

I glanced down to my lap. "Well," I said, not continuing.

"Aly," she said sharply. "Why didn't you tell me? What is going on with the three of you?"

I let out a sigh and looked to the bar. Paul and Ethan were still there, waiting for the drinks. Of course there were women surrounding them and I just smiled. They both were stunning, no denying it.

"What could I say? That I have two guys that want me and I wanted them both?"

Missy's mouth dropped open at that. "What? Seriously?"

I nodded. "I've been in love with Paul the whole time I've worked with him, but he was dating someone until recently. I've known Ethan had feelings for me, but I never did for him. Well, at least I didn't recognize I did until recently."

Her eyes bulged at that. "You have feelings for him now too? Wow, girl. You're dealing with some crazy s.h.i.+t here."

"Yeah, I know. So I'm sorry I didn't say anything, but I've been trying to deal with it and figure things out." I wasn't about to tell her that Ethan and I were together, until I'd told Paul.

She blew out a breath and sat back. "Well, it appears to be a tough choice. I mean, look at them both. I must admit, I'm green with jealousy, and I feel really stupid too."

I shot a look of confusion at her. "Why?"

She rolled her eyes. "Have you not seen how much I've been throwing myself at Paul, girl?"

I laughed. "Oh yeah, that. I've seen it."

She smiled. "Yeah, it's obvious he has no interest in me, but a girl can try. I hope I haven't made you upset about it. I just can't help my attraction to the guy, he's so d.a.m.n hot."

I smiled and shook my head. "It's fine."

The guys returned then and sat our drinks down in front of us. They both sat down and inched their chairs closer to me. I sat back doing my best to ignore them, and took a sip of my drink. The alcohol running down my throat felt good and I hoped the relaxation it would bring came soon.

Paul's hand brushed over mine as he leaned over. "Dance with me," he whispered in my ear. I immediately looked at Ethan.

"Don't worry about him, baby, just dance with me," Paul whispered. There was no way I was going to just get up and go dance with Paul without some sort of communication with Ethan. I looked at him again and he nodded.

"It's fine, go on," he said, giving me a warm smile. I knew that was his way of telling me not to worry about it.

Paul grabbed my hand and we headed for the dance floor. Once there, he swept me into his arms and buried his face in my hair. I cautiously wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling Ethan's gaze on us.

"I've wanted to do this all day," Paul said into my ear. He gently swayed me back and forth to the music and I tried to relax. While he still had no idea things had changed, I did and it was making me a nervous wreck.

"Congrats on our landing Mr. Halliday, baby," he said quietly in my ear. I felt him smile as he brushed his lips against my neck. I resisted the urge to pull back. In a matter of just a day and a half, Paul's touch was no longer what I craved. The guilt ate at me when I realized that.

"Thank you, but the congrats go to you as well," I said, doing my best to stay alert and aware of Ethan across the room. It was getting harder each time Paul bent his head to my neck to kiss or nuzzle it. I noticed he was guiding me closer to the wall away from our table, and I couldn't help but wonder what he was up to.

I felt my back hit the wall and I looked at him, stunned. "What are you doing?" I asked.

"I know Baker being here makes you nervous. I needed to get you out of his sight for a few minutes. Aly, I want you to be mine. I've never wanted anything more and it's killing me that you aren't. I know you've loved me for so long and I kick myself every d.a.m.n day I didn't see it, that I wasted so much time with Casey. Please give me the chance to love you, to be yours. Please give us a chance." He ran his hand through my hair, looking so intently into my eyes.

I was at a loss for words. I didn't expect him to do this, least of all in the club tonight, and my mind was yelling to just tell him the truth right then and there. It definitely wasn't the best place to tell him, but I was seriously considering it until Paul started leaning in, intending to kiss me. I put my hand on his chest.

"Not here, Paul," I said, looking in those eyes. "It's not right."

He looked surprised. "Give us a chance, Aly. Look how good we are together. Don't deny us this." He didn't give me a chance to respond before he crushed his mouth to mine, his need urgent. I put my hands on his chest again, and pushed him away. No matter how attracted to him I once was, it was over. I had moved on.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do this right now. Please understand. This is a very awkward time to be discussing this, but thank you for telling me. We will talk about this soon, okay? Let's get back to the table now, we've been gone a long time."

Paul ran a hand through his hair, his eyes still burning with pa.s.sion. He nodded his head and grabbed my hand. He started to lead me back to the table, then stopped.

"Think about what I said, Aly. I can't wait much longer, I need you." He turned around and continued weaving us through the crowd. I saw Ethan and Missy at our table. Just seeing Ethan's face made me feel better.

As we were about to our table, she appeared. Paul stopped abruptly when he saw her, keeping my hand firmly in his. I froze and took a step back. The sneer on her face was the worst I'd seen and I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"Well well well, if it isn't my douche bag ex boyfriend and his s.l.u.t," she slurred, holding her drink. My mouth fell open at her words and Paul instinctively pulled me to him.

"Casey," he sighed, wrapping his arm around my waist. "You're drunk."

Her ice blue eyes drew together in a scowl, looking back and forth between us. She put the gla.s.s to her mouth, taking a few sips, never glancing away from us.

"Maybe, maybe not. It is quite convenient to see you here, though."

Paul held me tighter. "Oh really? And why is that?"

My world tilted horribly wrong when I heard her reply.

"I'm pregnant."

I wobbled in shock, Paul barely catching me. The look on his face was pure astonishment. He looked at me in panic, then back to Casey.

"You're what?" he asked, barely above a whisper.

She shot him a smile, malice in her eyes. "You heard me. I'm pregnant. Six weeks to be exact. You remember, don't you? The one time you actually did me without a condom, in your office?" She swirled her drink around in her gla.s.s, seeming to enjoy the bombsh.e.l.l she had just dropped.

I froze. No, no, no! I was going to be sick. I pulled away from Paul, needing to get as far away from them both as possible, but he held tight to my hand. I whimpered, pulling again. He looked at me. "Don't, I need you here. Please."

Tears sprung in my eyes as I felt the bile rising in my throat.

"Oh please, you need her here? What about me, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d? I'm the one carrying your baby." Casey glared at us as she downed the rest of her drink. The fact that she was pregnant and drinking didn't pa.s.s by me, but all I could think about was getting away from Paul.

I looked at Paul, pleading with my eyes. "Let me go, now."

His face was one of agony and shock. He let go of my hand, but put both of his on my shoulders. "This doesn't change anything, you got me? She may not be telling the truth and even if she is, the child may not be mine. She's trying to manipulate me and I won't let her. Do not walk away from me right now, from us."

I swiped my hand through my hair, barely holding it together. "All I know right now is that I need you to let me go, Paul." I was suddenly seething with rage. Knowing I was there when this child was conceived brought up all the anger and hurt I'd tried so hard to put aside. The thought of Paul touching me made me sick.

His face contorted with pain, but he did as I asked and dropped his hands from my shoulders. I didn't hesitate to run away from him, from them. I heard a chair sc.r.a.pe the floor and Ethan call out to me. I didn't even turn around. I had to get out of there.

I ran through the first door I saw and down some steps, grasping onto the railing at the bottom. I bent over at the waist, taking deep breaths. I sat with my knees pulled to my chest, laying my arms across them and resting my head.

I could feel people walking by me, but I didn't care. I just continued rocking back and forth, feeling absolutely sick that she got pregnant when I was in that d.a.m.n closet. I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Ethan behind me, staring at me with concern.

He bent down on his knee, stroking my hair out of my face, taking me into his arms. Seeing his face, I started to cry and buried my face in his chest. He held me against him as he sat down on the ground beside me.

"What happened? What did she do?" he asked, rocking me back and forth.

I cringed at the memory I was afraid would always stay fresh in my mind. I could hear him pressing her against the wall as she moaned his name over and over. I could hear her screams of delight. The whole thing made me sick and I covered my mouth.

"Aly, please tell me what happened?" Ethan begged, the worry getting worse in his voice.

I took deep breaths, trying to calm down. I realized I was acting crazy, but knowing I was there when it happened rocked me to the core. The only good thing in my life was holding me in his arms.

I looked up at him, tears streaming from my eyes. "She's pregnant," was all I said.

Shock registered in his eyes, then compa.s.sion. He pulled me back to his chest and continued stroking my hair. "Wow," he uttered.

"There's more," I added on a shudder. "She got pregnant the day he shoved me in the closet and did her while I listened."

Ethan's eyes widened as realization dawned, then anger came across his face. He stopped rocking me in his arms, his muscles contracting as he tried to keep calm. He never said anything, but the change that came over him never left. I knew he was livid, but I was too upset to pay attention to it.

I finally stopped crying and lifted my head from his chest. "You know what?" I said as I looked at him. "It doesn't matter. Nothing to do with him matters anymore. You and I are together and I'm in love with you. I knew I wanted to be with you before she dumped this little announcement on us. They can have each other."

I scooted away from him to stand up, but he beat me to it and helped me up. He put his hands on my shoulders and looked at me. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, wiping at my eyes. "Yes," I whispered. I reached out and touched Ethan's cheek with my hand. I ran it down to his jaw; reveling in the feeling it gave me. When he put his hand to my face, I leaned into it, closing my eyes. There was not a better feeling in the world to me at that moment.

"Do you feel like going back inside, or should I go tell Missy we're leaving?"

I refused to allow what had just happened make me leave. I lifted my chin and brushed my fingers through my hair. "I want to go back inside for a little while."

He gave me a questioning look. "Aly, are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yes, I'm not going to let them control what I do. They both can go to h.e.l.l. I'm going back in."

He nodded and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Okay then, let's go."

We walked back up the stairs and through the door. I felt a steely resolve and knew that Paul could no longer hurt me. While it killed me knowing I was right there when this baby was conceived, it turned out to be even more confirmation that I had made the right choice.