Disclaimer: I do not own Chicago PD or any of the characters linked to the series. They belong to Dick Wolf and Matt Ormstead. I also do not own any of the Chicago Fire, Chicago Med or SVU Characters that might appear.
Chapter Six: The Ex-Husband.
Pulling on her jacket, Gianna was relieved that her shift was over and that she would be heading home; it had been a long shift with them having to deal with a car accident that had resulted with the ED being crowded for hours. Even now there was a lingering that was still being dealt with by the staff that had arrived to take over from those now leaving, it was never ending and Gianna was certain that there would never be a quite moment in the ED.
"Any plans for tonight?" Natalie asked sliding on her own coat, she fixed her hair so it was not trapped under her coat and looked to Gianna. It had been a long day and it felt like they had not stopped since they had arrived that morning, she loved working in the ED but sometimes it was tiring especially when treating some patients was difficult.
"A nice bath and a glass of wine," Gianna replied moving to tie her hair up in a bun, she had the house to herself tonight since her Grandmother was out at her weekly bridge night. It was nice to have the house to herself but she was not giving up on finding her own place, she had been to view a couple of places but none had caught her fancy that she had seen.
"Owen should be asleep when I get home so dinner and I will probably crash for the night," Natalie stated about her own plans for the night, she was exhausted and grateful that Helen was around to help her with her son. It was hard to believe that Owen was nearly one, the past year seemed to have flown by and she adored her little boy; the last piece of her late husband that she had left.
After Jeff had passed, Natalie had not known how she would do this without him and she was grateful that she had the support that she did; if it was not for Helen and her friends, she did not think she would have coped. Natalie would have likely returned to Seattle where her parents lived, they had often talked about her coming back to Seattle where she could live with them and they would help her with Owen.
"How is planning Owen's birthday party going?" Gianna asked shouldering her bag and shutting her locker, she moved closer to Natalie; she recalled how Maggie had been the one to suggest that Natalie throw a party for Owen. It was his first birthday and Maggie was sure that the past year had flown by, the little boy was growing up quickly and it was not like they had much to celebrate round her; close friends and family would be invited of course.
"Slowly. But Will has been a great help," Natalie assured her, she was starting to look forward to the party that would be held at her apartment; she was happy to celebrate her son and do so with her friends. Will had been more than helpful with the planning and collecting of decorations for the party, he had even managed to find a place that she could get a birthday cake for her son at a good prize.
"I am sure he has," Gianna teased, it was no secret to anyone that worked in the ED that Will Halstead liked Natalie more than a friend; everyone saw the way he was with her and Gianna almost felt jealous at that. The two of them left the locker room and started to make their way out of the hospital, both almost relieved to make it out of the doors without being called back. Natalie and Gianna laughed and joked with each other while they walked towards where they had parked, there was not far for either of them to travel but both relieved that their day was done.
"Gianna," called a voice from behind them, causing both women to stop walking and turn to see who had called out; a man urged from where he had been seated waiting for her to exit. The colour drained from Gianna's face when he moved closer and she could not believe that he had done this; she had been avoiding his calls for a reason and now he had shown up at her place of work.
"Michael," Gianna replied trying not to sound breathless, she could see the confusion on Natalie's face and she guessed whatever Michael wished to discuss had to be important for him to come here. He could have sent a message via their lawyers but had instead come here, Gianna sighed knowing that Michael would not leave until he had said his part. It did not mean that she would take him back or forgive him for what he had done, she just wanted this over already.
Sipping on the coffee that Michael had brought her, Gianna stared across the table at him not sure what to make of him being here; she had hoped not to have to see him again especially with their divorce so close to being finalised. Once the papers were signed then Gianna would be free of him and have more money to spend on finding herself a decent apartment; she just wished that he had not shown up in Chicago.
"You look good," Michael stated making small talk, he had never thought that he would be in this situation and he had expected her to turn him away or even shout especially how they had ended things. He would not have blamed her for doing so and he had to admit that he would rather not be here, but needs must and he had no other options than to face her.
Gianna did not reply, simply stared at him over her drink and waited for him to get to the point on why he was here; the coffee shop was pretty much empty and Gianna was sure that they would be closing soon. They had come here since Gianna did not dare take him back to her grandmother's place, she had no interest in sharing more of her life with him than needed; it was better this way and she had to protect herself.
"I guess I should get to the point," Michael murmured softly, he looked away from Gianna and down at his own drink; he had no idea what he expected her to be like especially when he had left her for Layla. He hated that he had to come here but he knew just how to get her to agree to his request, it would be of interest to her and then they would never have to see each other again.
"My Mother's annual charity ball is coming up and she is insisting that I bring you," Michael revealed with a roll of his eyes, he leant back in his chair recalling how furious his mother had been when he had told her that he had left Gianna for another woman. That was not considering the names that she had gifted Layla or the prenup that she had declared would happen should he marry his girlfriend; she saw Layla as nothing more than a gold digger after the Nixon millions.
"We're getting divorced," Gianna reminded him, she stared at him wondering why Nancy would want her there when their marriage was in the process of ending. It had been months since Gianna had left Michael and she was certain that Nancy and William would have heard about the divorce; there was no hiding the fact that Michael had been prancing around New York with a pregnant Layla.
"She stated that Layla would not be welcomed nor should I bring my scandal with me to her event," Michael told her, he was furious that his parents were not only refusing to acknowledge not only the fact that he was with Layla but they were insisting he get a paternity test. He had never thought that they would be like this when he was doing what made him happy, he was with a woman that he loved and all they cared about was how he was ruining their reputation.
"And why should I?" Gianna asked him, there was nothing in it for her and the last thing that she wished was to spend an evening with him and his parents when she was no longer a part of his life.
Michael reached into his pocket and pulled out a document before he slide it across the table for her to read, he watched her and knew that the finalised divorce papers would be an interesting start to this. If she did not agree to attend with him then he would make sure that their marriage dragged on for years, he was in no rush to remarry even if Layla talked about a wedding before the babies were born.
"I'll sign these papers right after the ball and I shall forfeit my claim on the sale of the apartment," Michael stated smugly, he sipped on his drink and watched her knowing that she would not turn down the money or the chance to be rid of him. An extra $245,000 would make starting over here in Chicago a lot easier for her, he had no need for the money especially with how rich his parents were and the luxury apartment that he now shared with Layla. Gianna stared at the papers, the extra money would certainly be helpful especially with the deal closing on the New York apartment and she knew Michael would be true to his word about dragging this out.
"Throw in money for a dress and it's a yes," Gianna told him, a plan forming in her mind and she knew that Maggie would be able to help her find the perfect revenge dress that would make Michael regret ever treating her like he had done.
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