Finally, I got that chapter out to you guys…took me long enough. I'm just glad that I (finally) got that chapter out to you guys, as it allows us to continue with this story; but rather than do another Casey chapter, I'm going to follow the lead that I just started for you guys at the end of the chapter. You know, the one where Antonio texted Matt and Gabby; well, how about we see where this goes?
Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Two
How are Things? Not Good.
Halstead Home, Farmers Rd – He was just waiting for the response to his text message before he thought it would be appropriate to say anything, to say anything about how Gabby's doing with the mourning process; even though everybody already knows what Matt and Gabby are currently going through, Antonio didn't feel like it was his place to just tell people how his sister is. At least, not without asking his brother-in-law (and by extension, his sister) whether he can speak on their behalf and let their friends know how they're doing. And that was the entire reason behind the text message that he just sent to his brother-in-law, which he was just waiting on a response for; just like Jay was waiting on a response from him about the question. "Cat got your tongue?" Looking up at his friend as he walked up to him with some water, Antonio smiled at his employee and friend. "No, just waiting for a reply from the text message that I just sent to Matt." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that, before proceeding to make his way over to Alex on the couch.
"Let me guess, asking him for permission to talk to us about Gabby?" Antonio sighed as he looked at Jay, as that was the case. "Guys, you have to understand that this is hard on them." Alex agreed with Antonio as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Hey, I completely get it; you don't want to push too far or feel like you overstepped in what you tell us. You want to make sure that you tell them us only as much as Matt and Gabby want you to tell us, because we aren't as close to them as you are." Antonio sighed as Alex said that, as that was the case. "I mean, I know that Jay is close to Matt." Jay shook his head as Antonio said that, as he wasn't as close as Kelly was to Matt. "It's different, we haven't been close friends for as long as him and Kelly have; heck, I wonder whether he's even been talking to them about it. I mean, I know they're best friends; but I just, I don't know what they want to do…" Alex then put her hand on her husband's leg, giving him the subtle message that it was time for him to stop talking (which he most certainly received).
Jay can read Alex's body language pretty well, and he knows what her putting her hand on his leg means; especially when she's mad at him. It means that he needs to shut up, and stop talking; if not, she'll have to yell (and that's something that they couldn't do in the hospital). And that was the entire reason behind them starting this silent language that they have, just between them. However, it seems like Antonio already picked up (and translated) some of that language into words. "I can only assume that you moving your hand into his lap either means shut up or you've said too much?" Alex was a bit taken aback when she heard Antonio ask her that question, as she didn't think that Antonio saw what she did with her hand (especially based on where she puts her hand, which is very close to Jay's crotch). "First of all, can I ask you WHY your eyes are in that direction?" Snickering a bit, Antonio just proceeded to take a sip of his water as to not get in trouble with his friends. "Yeah, maybe we change the topic." Jay agreed with his friend, smiling.
"So, is Eva at work in California today?" Antonio agreed. "Until two. Then she's at the college for exam prep. Can't believe that she's already done her first semester of college." Jay smiled as he heard his friend say that. "I know, sounds crazy. Now, where's she going to go over Christmas?" Antonio nodded, as he was…but for another reason too. "I'm actually going to go to her in Los Angeles, then we're flying to Chicago to do Christmas there. That way, I can see Diego at the same time." Alex laughed as she heard Antonio say that. "Wow, you're actually VOLUNTEERING to go to Chicago? You're crazy Antonio." Antonio just looked at Alex, before smiling. "I have some business there, things I need to attend to." Alex was confused as she heard Antonio say that. "What's that Antonio?" Antonio then took a breath. "Okay, so you can't tell Matt that I've been doing this." Jay just looked at his friend as he said that. "I can't tell him that you've been doing what?" Antonio smirked. "I've been working for both the Chicago Police Department, and the company."
Jay was a bit confused as he heard Antonio say that he's been working for BOTH the company, as well as the City of Chicago; how that was the case, he had no clue. But that doesn't mean that he's not going to get some answers, as he wants to know just what the heck he was doing. "Okay, what the heck are you talking about?" Antonio smirked. "I worked as a translator for drug gangs in the city, which I've been doing since I started at the Chicago PD. And since I was the last fluent Spanish detective in intelligence, I told them that I can keep translating things; in return, they keep me on…and I get my years of service completed. One that was done, I'm done with them; and then I get my full pension." Alex agreed with Antonio as he said that, as that was smart. "To tell you the truth, I understand based on your situation, and all the stuff you had to deal with while working at the Chicago PD." Antonio agreed with Alex as she said that. "Plus, they ticked off a year for having put my son having almost been kidnapped because of my job; intelligence really let me down."
Alex agreed with Antonio as he said that, before looking around the room. "Okay, let's all be honest with each other. Who here misses the Chicago PD?" Jay and Antonio then both turned to look at her, before smiling. "I don't think I can say yes to that Alex, especially based on how much it's helped my PTSD; being here has been great, and we started a family together here in Hawaii." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, before deciding that she was no longer comfortable where she was siting; and that's why she decided to get up and look at her husband. "Put your legs up." Jay was confused as he heard Alex say that, before seeing her just give him some side eye; after all, she doesn't want him to do anything other than put his legs up. And let's just say that Jay did just that the minute he saw Alex start shaming him. Putting them up, Jay then opened them for her (as he already had an idea as to what Alex wanted); and let's just say that he guess right, as Alex climbed into his lap pretty much right after he opened his legs and gave her the chance to.
Getting into his lap this afternoon, Alex smiled as she got comfortable in his lap before laying down against his chest; after which, she cuddled up to him some more as she sat in his lap. Meanwhile, Jay put his hand on her leg (which was wrapped around his) and just cuddled up to her as he turned his head and kissed her forehead softly. "Do you need anything?" Alex shook her head as Jay asked her whether she needed anything, as she most definitely didn't need anything right now; especially when she was so comfortable, cuddling up to him with her arms around his torso. "The kids are asleep, and I'm very comfortable where in your lap." Jay laughed a bit as he heard Alex say that, well aware that was the case; at the same time, he turned his head and kissed her forehead once again. At the same time, he turned to look at Antonio. "Can't say that I don't understand your position." Jay then smiled as he went to grab Alex's hand. "I've been doing the same thing for my entire time at the CPD." Looking up at Jay, Alex was confused as to what he meant.
"Okay, what are you talking about Jay?" Looking down at Alex, Jay smiled at his beautiful wife before bending down to kiss her softly. "Illinois National Guard." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that. "By the way, did you transfer?" Jay agreed as he moved his hand to her arm and stroked it with his thumb to get her to relax, which is still something that she needs to do; even though she isn't in the hospital, Jay still wants Alex to relax and take it easy when it comes to her recovery. And speaking of recoveries, that's when Jay decided to ask about Gabby (who's still recovering from the loss of one of the triplets). "So, listen; I was hoping to mention this, but how is Gabby doing?" Alex agreed with Jay as he asked how Gabby's doing. "Yeah, we've been thinking of asking them how they are; but we just don't know whether we should reach out of not, but you're here…so you can probably tell us what's going on better than us just texting them. So, I guess this me…" Alex then went to simplify it. "How's Gabby doing right now?" Antonio took a breath.
'At Jay and Alex's place, they want to know how Gabby is. Can I?' -Antonio Dawson to Matt Casey via Text
"Is there a reason you're stalling when it comes to answering the question about how Gabby's doing?" Turning his attention back to Alex, Antonio took a breath as he knew that she had a feeling that he was stalling; after all, they are detectives. "I swear, I hate the fact that we're all detectives; and that means that we can read each other so well, and we know when people are stalling." Alex laughed as she heard Antonio say that, as that was exactly what he's in the midst of doing. "You're still stalling when it comes to giving me an answer as to how my boss is doing." Antonio sighed, before agreeing. "I wanted to ask them first. It's my sister, and I don't want to overstep. Remember, I'm the one who's stuck with her for the rest of my life; you can just quit your job if you get into a fight with her." Alex laughed a bit as she heard Antonio say that, well aware that was the case. "Fair point." Antonio smiled at her, until he got a text.
'Go ahead and give them an update. They're our friends.' -Matt Casey to Antonio Dawson via Text
Turning his head to look down at his phone after feeling it vibrate, he read the text message before smiling; after all, this now meant that he had the ability to answer Alex's question. "Okay, now I can answer your question; I got permission because you're their friends, according to Matt. And I can say that they're devastated." Alex sighed as she heard Antonio tell her that, as she can only imagine what Gabby is going through right now, loosing one of your triplets, while still being pregnant with twins. Just the idea of that happening to her horrifies her, and she doesn't even know why that can happen. "It's not right, and it's not natural. I hate to say this but…if it were me, I'd rather loose all of the babies than have to carry the one I lost until I give birth." Antonio agreed with Alex as she said that. "But here's the thing, they're already ready for their daughters. They have the nursery started, and they're already mentally ready."
Alex was a bit confused as she heard Antonio say that, but just decided to listen to him; wanting to hear him out, as she didn't know what she would really do in Gabby's place…that being due to the fact that she's never had to experience this. "I can only imagine that she's taking it hard." Antonio agreed with Alex as she asked him whether Gabby was taking it hard, as she most definitely was. "She's staying in bed, and just taking it easy with Matt; they're both devastated, and I'm actually worried about her. I mean, I remember how she was after she lost their first child; is this going to be worse?" Alex agreed with Antonio as he said that, clearly able to see the worry that was currently in the brother's eyes. And this was about his sister, so she can only imagine how Matt is. "How's Matt doing?" Antonio sighed. "I know he's just trying to put on a brave face for Gabby, but I can see that he's taking it even harder; I can't imagine what this is going to do to his PTSD, and what that's going to be like after this. I mean, they're both worried about it."
Alex snickered a bit as she heard Antonio say that they're both worried about it, as she could really tell that it was not just Matt and Gabby who are currently worried about it. "You can say it Antonio, you're worried about the possibility as well." Antonio sighed, agreeing with his fellow former CPD Intelligence Officer. "I mean, there's just so much on their minds. I'm just glad that Matt took a break from work, because if not I was going to force him to do just that." Jay laughed as he heard Antonio say that, well aware that he probably would've done that. "Yeah, I can see you doing that in the future." That's when Jay turned his head and saw Alex yawn. "Uh oh, somebody looks like they're getting tired." Alex took a breath as she heard Jay say that. "Yeah, I would say I am." Jay then moved his hand to her back and stroked it with his thumb. "How about you go up and take a nap babe?" Alex then smiled at Jay. "Care to join me?" That's when Antonio look at the both of them. "You're going to have to feed your kids soon, so I can leave."
Jay then looked at Antonio. "I thought we were going to work on Casey Police." Antonio sighed. "I think I'm actually going to go work at Casey Fire for a bit, just help Kelly with that….I mean, we do have a lot of people. Might convince Matt to let me be acting CEO for a bit, just until things die down and I can concentrate on something for them." Alex looked at Antonio as he said that, really liking that idea. "I think that Matt and Gabby would really appreciate that Antonio." Antonio agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware that was the case. "I'm going to wait a couple days, but I'm going to try and get caught up with Kelly." That's when Antonio decided to send Kelly a text. 'Do you mind if I come over? I want to run something by you.' It was as if Kelly had his phone in his hand already, as he answered pretty fast. 'Are Matt and Gabby okay? He already told me, but other than that…are they okay?' Antonio then proceeded to reply to Kelly. 'Business, I want to talk to you about something on my mind.' Kelly agreed. 'Okay? Come over and see us at office.'
Antonio agreed with Kelly, before looking up at Jay. "Listen, I'm going to talk to Kelly at his place if that's okay? I just…" Jay already understood what he wants to do. "I'll walk you out? How about you go upstairs Alex?" Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, before getting up; or, tried to get up. "Here, let me help." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, before watching as he got up; after which, Jay put his hand out so that she could grab it (and get up). Doing just that, Jay smiled as he felt Alex grab it; helping her up afterwards, Jay just smirked as she got close to him. Putting her hands on Jay's chest, Alex smiled as she leaned in and kissed him softly. "Thanks." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, before watching as she walked over to Antonio. "I think what you're going to offer to do is the right thing to do, for what it's worth Antonio." Antonio agreed with Alex as she said that, before going to hug her. "Congrats again you guys." Alex agreed with Antonio as he said that, before proceeding to walk away so that she can go upstairs to bed. "See you soon Alex."
Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, before putting her hand on his chest as she walked past him; and let's just say that Jay really liked that feeling, as it gave them a quick chance to be (somewhat) intimate with each other. But now, she's gone and on her way upstairs so that she can go to lay down in bed; at the same time, Jay turned to look at Antonio so that he can let him out of the house today. Walking over to him, Jay smiled as he started to talk to him (and watched Max follow him)…however, he just took him out; so rather than do that again, he turned around. "Alex?" Turning around to look at her husband, Alex smiled. "Yeah Jay?" Jay then looked down at Max. "I want to talk to Antonio alone for a minute." Alex agreed, before calling for Max. "C'mon Max, let's go cuddle in bed. Wait for Jay." Max then ran over to Alex, following her to bed. At the same time, Jay turned back around to lead his friend outside; that way, they can talk quickly about how noble it is for him to want to take over as acting CEO for a bit…and how he thinks it's the right idea.
Standing at the door with his friend, Jay smiled as he could see that he was a bit nervous right now; not that he really had a reason to be nervous, not when he should be happy. What he's doing for Matt and Gabby is extremely noble, and he should be happy that he's going to do it for them; and he'd be so happy to have a brother (in-law) like him, if he was in this situation. He can just tell that Antonio is a bit nervous about asking them what he thinks. And that's why he's going to give him reassurance. "So, Noah's really crawling now?" Antonio snickered, agreeing with Jay. "Matt texted me for baby gate suggestions, and how many they're going to need." Jay agreed with Antonio when he said that. "Well, that's going to be interesting." Antonio nodded and agreed with Jay. "By the way, how are things with Emily? I forgot to ask." Antonio smiled. "Things are great, haven't been this happy in a while." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that. "Think you finally found the one?" Antonio laughed. "I'm not getting married again, so slow down Jay." Jay agreed.
"Of course, right." Antonio smiled as Jay said that, before getting close to him. "But between you and me, she's a ten in bed…if you know what I mean." Jay just laughed as he heard Antonio say that, before pushing him away. "God, you're disgusting." Antonio agreed with Jay as he said that, well aware that was the case. "You sound like my daughter when she complains that I kiss Emily too much." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Okay, well I'm just glad that you're happy." Antonio smiled. "Same for you Jay, I just hope that things keep going up for you." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that, wanting the same. "Same here. Now, how about you get out of here and go talk to Kelly? Then, you can become acting CEO for a bit; maybe until the new year." Antonio agreed. "And then for a bit after Gabby gives birth, because he's going to need to take time." Jay sighed as he heard Antonio say that, hating that they're going to have to be in the hospital again. "Another hospital birth, here in Hawaii." Antonio agreed.
"Yeah, that's what she's going to have to do; all because of a miscarried triplet." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that, well aware that's the case. "Well, I just hope that Kelly agrees that what you're doing is the right idea." Antonio agreed with Jay as he said that. "If not, I think that my mom will agree with me; and I know that with her help, then I'll be able to convince Matt that it's a good idea." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that. "Well listen, I hope you know that you can always tell Matt to call me if he needs to talk; you know, because we dealt with it when we were first married." Antonio took a breath, before looking at him. "Unfortunately, this is the third child they lost." Jay was confused. "Third?" Antonio nodded. "2015, your brother; 2017, Louie; and then 2018, miscarriage." Jay sighed as he heard Antonio say that, having previous been unaware of just how rough Matt and Gabby have had it recently. "Wow, that's a lot." Antonio agreed with Jay as he said that, well aware that's the case. "They need to take this time together."
Jay agreed with Antonio, smiling at him. "And I promise that I'll pick up the slack at Casey Police, then you can concentrate on the entire company." Antonio agreed with Jay as he said that, glad that was the case. "Thanks Jay, you have no idea just how much I appreciate that." Jay smirked as he heard Antonio say that, before watching as he proceeded to walk away; at the same time, Jay took a breath and then closed (and locked) the door behind him. Turning around, Jay then got ready to go upstairs so that he can spend some time with Alex in bed…where they want to hold each other, and just take it easy. And let's just say that Jay is not prepared for just what Alex is going to be wearing for him, as it's going to be extremely sexy; and quite unexpected. Something that he wants to have, but just doesn't know that he wants to have it yet. And just what might that be? Some nice lingerie, that looks great on her post-baby body, which is already really sexy after all that time in the hospital. So, let's just say that they're getting sexy today.