Apologies this chapter has taken so long!
Chapter twenty-one
Jessica stretched out her legs, getting a bit fed up of sitting around. After having a facial and manicure a massage had seemed like a good idea, now she wasn't so sure. She looked around the other women waiting. She wondered why this particular place was so busy. The other places had seemed pretty quiet in comparison. Some of the people had even seemed rather annoyed that she'd managed to get herself added to the list for today. They'd not even given up a seat for her until she'd rubbed her stomach a lot and let a few moans. OK, so maybe she wasn't that far along but it was still polite to let her sit down! Her eyes continued around the room. Then she spotted him. OK, so that was why so many people were here. She felt a little bit of guilt creep up on her. She quickly pushed it away. There was no harm in looking, it was still Mike she loved. She froze in her seat. Then again look at the harm looking at James had caused. She forced that thought away. She couldn't think about that, not for these few days, she'd have the rest of her life to think about it, and that was more than enough time. She shuddered slightly. A voice calling her name interrupted her thoughts. She carefully got up, feeling a little uncertain again. Maybe a massage wasn't the best idea. She didn't really know if it was safe. Now she knew she should have read the pregnancy magazines rather than those fashion ones! Oh well, it was too late now. She followed him into the room. She hesitated as she looked at the high table. She really didn't fancy clambering up there. It wouldn't be at all flattering for one thing!
"Maybe-," he suggested politely, gesturing towards a chair, seeming to spot her reaction. Jessica nodded gratefully. She gently lowered herself into it. A shoulder massage would still do her good and she also grateful she wasn't going to have the slight embarrassment of undressing her top half. Normally she'd have had no problem showing off her body but at the moment she'd rather keep it covered! He stepped behind her and Jessica felt the tension that she'd just build up disperse as he put his hands on her shoulders. It certainly wasn't an unpleasant feeling. She closed her eyes as he massaged her back. She decided to try and focus on counting. She was pretty sure she shouldn't be thinking the thoughts she was starting to think right now. OK, so it wasn't quite as nice as the backrubs her husband gave her but it was still pretty decent. Oh well, it was just something else she'd have to put down to hormones. That uncomfortable feeling crept up on her again. She defiantly pushed it away. She wasn't going to dwell on that. His hands were a bit more firm. OK, she definitely shouldn't be thinking these thoughts. She felt herself drifting off into a haze. She kept her eyes closed as he continued. Then he pulled his hands away. Jessica turned around in the chair.
"That's it?" She demanded with surprise. He nodded.
"Sorry." Jessica was not impressed as she stood up, but maybe it was for the best. However she still had all this pent up tension and no way to expend it. She was thoughtful. Well, she did have a way. "Thanks," she called hastily. She quickly left the room, eager to get back to cabin and find Mike. She froze at the entrance of the building as she noticed the clock on the wall. Darn, they were meant to be meeting for brunch five minutes ago! She changed her direction. Oh well, she'd make it up to him!
"Where have they gone anyway?" Alex questioned, reaching for some ketchup and trying to foreign some interest as Elizabeth mentioned her sister's trip. Elizabeth shrugged.
"Sometimes with Jessica you're best of not knowing," she smiled.
"That's true," Alex acknowledged. Elizabeth laughed.
"It got me thinking though," she admitted. Alex raised her eyebrows curiously. "I know what we said but I can't put off telling Steven any longer," she explained. "I really can't risk him hearing it from someone else." Alex looked thoughtful and then nodded understandingly.
"When are you going to see him?"
"Tonight. Hopefully before Jess and Mike get back," she added meaningfully. She didn't need her sister's input when she was trying to keep her brother calm. Look at how the situation with Mike had been handled.
"I can come with you," Alex suggested. Elizabeth hesitated, her face uncertain. Part of her still felt this was something she had to do herself. "Come on, Liz," she persisted gently. "You shouldn't have to do everything yourself." Elizabeth finally nodded gratefully.
"I'd appreciate it," she admitted. Alex took a sip of her drink.
"Then that's settled." Elizabeth gave her a smile.
"Thanks for today," she said genuinely.
"Like I said that's what friends are for." She returned her smile. "Todd, will be OK, you know," she added. "I just know he will."
Jessica pushed open the door and her eyes darted around. She smiled as she spotted him before hastily rushing towards him. He was gorgeous, there was no denying that. And he was hers. Mike looked up as he noticed her presence. Jessica threw herself next to him. Mike pulled back slightly as her lips immediately searched out his but he returned her kiss.
"What's that for?" He questioned, pausing for a moment.
"I just missed you," she simplified, leaning in once more, deciding he didn't need the full details. Jessica snuggled closer to him as he kissed her passionately. She pulled back as she heard coughing. Her eyes met the slightly annoyed looking waitress'.
"Are you ready to order?" Jessica tossed her hair over her shoulder. She wasn't about to be embarrassed. She was Jessica Wakefield after all.
"Yes," she answered flatly. The waitress took hold of her pen and pad and they gave their orders. Mike glanced at his watch as the waitress left.
"We'd better get going once we've had this," he stated bluntly. Jessica sighed.
"I don't want to go home," she whimpered, putting her head on his shoulder. "Can't we stay here?" She pouted. Mike put his head on hers.
"We could send your brother here instead," he suggested. Jessica groaned.
"You best be on your best behaviour when we get back," she warned. However she still picked up on the other aspect of his comment. "Does that mean they can stay for now?" She questioned.
"We said a few days!" Jessica pouted once more. "No, no, no," he said hastily. "That face isn't going to work." Jessica's pout grew. Mike looked away. He let out a sigh. "There's no room," he protested. She played with the collar of his shirt.
"Steven needs us though," she tried to persuade him. "He'll appreciate it," she told him. Mike looked like he was about to argue. "I'll appreciate it," she added meaningfully.
"How much?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows suggestively. Jessica whacked his arm.
"Enough," she told him. Mike groaned again.
"OK, they can stay for now," he agreed. "But we're still moving." Jessica kissed his cheek.
"Agreed." His lips brushed her again before they leaned in for a hug. Jessica closed her eyes, holding him tightly, wishing they were somewhere more private. She had so much she needed to say but she couldn't say it here. But that wasn't the real problem. The truth was she couldn't tell him anywhere. She'd had her chance last night and she'd taken the easy option. It wasn't just that she was scared of his reaction, it was that while he didn't know when she was with him she could pretend. Pretend that it was all a bad dream. Pretend none of it had happened. Neither of them said anything for a while. Jessica froze, noticing for the first time that he was silent as well. She pulled back to look at him.
"What are you thinking?" She wondered curiously. Mike shrugged.
"Just that-," his voice trailed off. "It doesn't matter," he finished. Jessica rubbed his arm reassuringly. "I guess I was just …just… kind of wondering if my parents ever did anything like this? I don't remember ever going away with them or anything like that." Jessica rested her head on his shoulder. Normally if a guy started getting all deep and meaningful about his feelings she'd have been bored to tears. She preferred the attention to be focused on her. But he opened up so rarely and besides she loved him. "But hey who knows?" He finished again, trying to sound nonchalant. "Who cares anyway?" He added more flatly. Jessica kissed his cheek.
"I care," she told him. Mike looked at her closely.
"I've never-," he started to explain. Jessica put her finger to his lips.
"I know," she said gently. They both looked up as their food arrived.
"I can't believe it's Wednesday," Mike said. Jessica pulled a face.
"Mike, it's Thursday," she told him. He froze this time, trying to think what it was about that day.
"But on Thursday…." His voice trailed off. Jessica looked down realising instantly that he'd remembered. She'd been hoping bringing him here might make him forget about her scan.
"They changed that," she lied. Mike's face was disbelieving.
"You never mentioned it," he pointed out.
"There's been a lot going on," she fronted.
"When is it now then?" Mike challenged. Jessica hesitated. He gave her a knowing look. "Come on, Jess," he urged. She sighed.
"I can't go, Mike," she admitted. Mike looked at her intently.
"What do you mean?"
"I can't face it," she tried to explain. "If something's wrong I'd rather not know."
"Jess, you have to," Mike pleaded. Jessica looked away her face uncertain.
"What if-," she started to argue. Mike took hold of her hand.
"Everything will be fine," he assured her.
"We can't know that," she argued. Mike squeezed her hand.
"We can if you go," he pointed out. She was still uncertain. Mike was frustrated but he sensed pushing her wasn't going to get him anywhere. The fire had been a trauma for her and she bound to be scared. He kissed her forehead.
"Just promise me you'll give it some thought," he said gently. Jessica was surprised. It wasn't like him to back off so easily. But she was grateful, she needed his support right now. She kissed his cheek again.
"I will," she agreed. Mike kissed her forehead once more. Jessica put her head back on his shoulder. Right now everything was perfect between them. It was the one part of her life that made sense at the moment. But if he knew what happened it would ruin everything between them. Maybe some things really were better left unsaid.
Steven opened the door to Mike's apartment with slight apprehension, wondering who would be knocking. He didn't really want to have to deal with anyone who might be calling for Mike. He was greeted by Elizabeth and Alex's grinning faces. "Hi," they called cheerily, giving him silly waves. Steven pulled back with surprise but he couldn't help laughing at the expressions on their faces. He stepped away and let them inside.
"We brought Chinese," Elizabeth informed her brother and his girlfriend as they headed into the living room. Steven was a little flabbergasted. Elizabeth paused, noticing his expression. "Sorry, we didn't call ahead," she apologised. "I just figured with Jessica away…."
"No, it's fine," Steven told her, snapping out of his trance. "I was just a little taken back, that's all."
"Of course it's all right," Billie added, taking hold of Elizabeth's arm and leading her towards the kitchen. "Come on, let's get some plates."
Jessica sat up as she felt the car pull to a stop. She'd been half dozing off. "Mike, what are we stopping here for?" She demanded, looking around. He climbed out of the car, before going to the passenger side and opening the door.
"Come on," he urged, offering his hand. Jessica was still confused but obediently took it. He shut the car door behind them.
"Where are we going?" She questioned again, as he led her over the rocks and gently pulled her along.
"Here," he said simply.
"It's a beach?" She questioned, her tone dubious. She liked the beach but it hadn't been in her plans right now.
"I thought it might be nice to go somewhere quiet," he told her. Jessica raised her eyebrows.
"We just came from somewhere quiet," she reminded him.
"But it wasn't quite like this," he pointed out.
"No, it wasn't," she admitted.
"Come on then," Mike urged again. Jessica obediently followed him down towards the sea. She paused, letting go off his hand to pull off her shoes, there was no way she was ruining them. She chased after her husband as he walked on.
"Mike," she called with a slight amount of irritation. Mike laughed as she reached him. Jessica watched him suspiciously as she noticed his feet in the water. She saw one of the feet move.
"Mike, don't you dare," Jessica cried, trying to move away quickly. She shrieked as some water splashed her leg. She ran away as fast as she could manage. Mike grabbed hold of her, laughing as he caught up with her.
"OK, I won't do it again," he relented.
"Good," Jessica replied, pretending to relent as well. "Because it wouldn't be right," she complained, dipping her foot in the ocean. "For only one of us to get splashed," she laughed, kicking her foot at him.
"Jess," Mike cried. She laughed again. He took hold of her hand once more.
"It's beautiful," she commented as they walked along, swinging their joined hands.
"I know," he answered, gazing at her intently. "Oh, you were talking about the view!" He teased. Jessica smiled smugly.
"It's a bit chilly though," she added hopefully. Mike obediently pulled her into his arms, wrapping her up inside his jacket. Jessica snuggled into him.
"We should do stuff like this more often," he said.
"Not that you're trying to avoid going home at all," she teased. Truth was they were both trying to avoid going home. Mike because he didn't want to be forced to spend time with his so called brother in law. And Jessica because she didn't want to have to deal with everything that had happened.
"I prefer it when it's just you and me," he admitted. He looked down at her. "Well almost," he joked meaningfully. Jessica smiled down at her bump.
"I will go," she promised. "To my scan." Mike rubbed her arm.
"It'll be fine," he assured her again. Jessica tightened her hold on his hand.
"I hope so," she said, swallowing that lump in her throat. Mike pulled her around. Jessica's eyes met his as they stood face to face and he threaded his fingers through hers.
"Some things are just meant to be," he told her. They stepped towards each other and Jessica slipped her arms around his neck as she lost herself in a passionate kiss.
Elizabeth put down the plates as they sat down.
"Did you have a busy day?" Billie asked Elizabeth and Alex politely. Steven was still eyeing them curiously a bit more suspicious about what was going on.
"We went shopping," Elizabeth supplied.
"I almost got a fake tan," Alex told them.
"Why didn't you?" Billie wondered, raising her eyebrows. Alex smiled knowingly.
"Long story," she responded. Billie's eyes widened.
"Oh." Steven was getting a little impatient.
"So, to what do we owe this pleasure?" He queried. Elizabeth looked over at Alex. She took a deep breath.