To those who celebrate, I hope everyone had a good thanksgiving. Sorry this took so long. Please enjoy and excuse errors!
The coffee shop down from her building was her favorite so far, a small café that had served her more times than she could remember recently. In the past few weeks, she had been trying new things, whether it was a new route to work or a new diner, but this coffee shop had quickly become her favorite.
Gabby couldn't quite put her finger on what attracted her to it so strongly, but she had learned not to question the little things that brought her joy. Perhaps it was the deep brown interior of the plethora of books that lined the walls or the nostalgic feel of its distance from modernity that reminded her of her grandparents' house in the hills.
The bell above the wooden-framed glass door rang, announcing Gabby's entrance. Warm greetings from the workers filled the space, assuring her that they would be right with her. As she brushed the fallen snow off her coat, she waved them off, expressing that she was in no rush. Opting for a seat at the bar aligned with the window, she settled in, allowing her to observe the city slowly being blanketed in white. Retrieving her laptop, she dedicated her time to checking emails, catching up on work, and confirming her schedule for the upcoming week.
In the midst of her tasks, the attentive barista delivered Gabby's regular order, seamlessly blending into the comforting routine of her visit.
This newfound hobby had become her refuge, chosen from the many options available after the draining night that followed the unexpected appearance of her father. It wasn't an intentional act of isolation in Gabby's eyes, but to those around her, that's exactly what it seemed. She was overwhelmed and desperately searching for something to ground her.
Choosing to run from the issues rather than confront them was her coping mechanism. It wasn't just a singular problem that she avoided; it was a cluster of many problems caused by one man, one unit — her parents.
For the past weeks, Gabby filled her time with consecutive shifts at Molly's, and it wasn't long before Herrmann noticed and became concerned. Although she held an equal stake in the place, when he insisted she should go home and rest, she eventually complied, mostly wanting to avoid one of his talks that she just couldn't face.
She had only seen her best friend at work because whenever she and April would invite her out, she was using the tired mom excuse that worked every time, but Shay could tell it wasn't the whole truth. The blonde had just decided to give her some wanted space.
But a few days ago, is when she started to come down from whatever cliff she was on after she was dragged back to her home by an angry Kelly. An hour away from Chicago, she had a bit too much to drink at a random, admittedly stupid and irresponsible on her part being that she was alone, with no phone service, and dancing on a man much more sober that her. If Cruz hadn't coincidentally been the bouncer on duty, and called him, it would have had a different ending that she couldn't stomach the thought of.
After he practically carried her into her apartment, the only memory she had of the night was a voicemail on her phone from him as he yelled how stupid and irresponsible she had been for pulling such a stunt. Probably using every unholy word in the book to express his frustration. Though she got the verbal part, the man that was seconds away from taking her to God knows where got the physical part, given Kelly's current bruised knuckles.
This wasn't her. Running, maybe, but getting wasted at random bars was not her usual behavior. Her days had been spent reflecting on what the hell was wrong with her, questioning why she was acting like this.
She was embarrassed, she had ignored his constant calls, messages, and pecks at her front door that he had attempted because it would all inevitably lead to him fussing and yelling and prying. She wanted none of it.
Her phone began to ring, a subtle jingle cutting through the quiet hum of the café. Quickly, she fumbled to silence it, not wanting to disturb the serene atmosphere for the few guests engrossed in their own worlds.
"Hello?" she said, lowering her voice to a hushed tone.
"Gabriela, hi." Her grandmother's warm voice emanated from the other end. "I feel like it has been months since we have spoken."
"That's a bit dramatic, don't you think, abuela," she laughed softly. "I talked to you a few days ago."
"Far too long. What are you up to?"
"Nothing much, just finishing some work," she replied, glancing around the café to ensure her conversation remained not a disturbance to others.
"Where are you? Why are you whispering?"
"Coffee shop down the strip," she said. "Any particular reason you called?"
"Are you trying to rush me off the phone?" her grandmother asked. "Ale, your granddaughter is trying to—"
"I am not," she replied with a chuckle. "Just curious."
"Is it a crime to call you just because?" She asked. "Also, when will you send us the pictures of Mina in her Halloween costume?"
"It honestly slipped my mind." She admitted. "I'll make sure to send them when I get home."
"Did she have fun?" Alejandro joined in.
"It was too cold outside, so her dad and I took her to Med, the director gave candy bowls to the patients that were up for sitting outside of their doors in a wheelchair to candy into kids' baskets. I think she had a good time, though. The patients did too, boosted their spirits a bit."
"Good." her grandmother began. "I was hoping that you and your friends would be up for dinner tonight since it did not happen the week we were there," she proposed, injecting a note of enthusiasm.
"I'm kind of busy these days," She excused, hoping it would be enough. "Plus, it's probably a bit short notice for everyone to come to the hills today." Gabby pointed out, quickly.
"We just made it to Chicago," her grandmother revealed.
"What?" she exclaimed, quietly. "Why?"
"Just green lighting a few things at headquarters."
Gabby sighed, a mixture of surprise and reluctance evident in her voice. She ran her fingers through her hair, contemplating the sudden change in plans and the thought of being in the same room as the people who she was distancing herself from. "I don't know, abuela. I'm kind of tired, and I'm sure everyone is busy."
"I suppose it is short notice," her grandmother sighed, the weariness evident in her voice.. "Fine, but I made a few things for you and Mina that will reheat well. We can drop it off before we head back out."
Gabby nodded, a sense of acceptance settling in. "Sounds good. I'll see you then."
"See you then," her grandmother replied, the connection on the phone briefly replaced by the distant murmur of life outside the call. Then, a pause. "Wait, Gabriela."
"Yea?" Gabby responded, the slight tilt in her voice conveying curiosity.
"You abuelo asked if the service mechanics came to pick up your car?" her grandmother inquired, a note of concern seeping through the wires.
"Oh yeah, they did," Gabby reassured her. "They said I should have it back tomorrow evening, apparently everyone made appointments for today."
"Okay. I can have a driver sent to you for the next few days—"
"That's not necessary, abuela. It's just for a day, and I have feet to get me around," Gabby declined, a light chuckle threading through her words, creating a melody of reassurance.
"It is below freezing outside, mija," her grandmother pointed out, the concern evident in her voice, a gentle undercurrent to their conversation. The winter chill seemed to creep into the tone, and Gabby watched the snowflakes fall outside the window as she spoke "You walking while being covered in flakes when you do not have to be is not a picture I want to paint in my head. What if you are paged to the hospital?"
"Then I will take a taxi. Really, abuela, it's fine," Gabby spoke with a soothing cadence "I will see you two later. Love you."
"Alright then," her grandmother unwillingly gave in, knowing that Gabby had set her mind. "See you soon." With that, the call ended, and Gabby closed her laptop, figuring she had done more than enough for the morning. She packed her stuff away before going to the counter to pay, leaving a tip in the jar.
The walk back to her building didn't take long, but it feels like it did because of the chill that nipped at her nose Entering the lobby, she was greeted by the doorman. "Miss Dawson," he said, tipping his hat in a respectful nod.
"Mr. Mike," she replied with a smile, her breath forming a small cloud in the crisp air.
"You have quite the package waiting for you behind the desk. I can arrange for someone to bring it up at your request," he offered, leading her to where a large cardboard box sat against the wall.
Curiosity crept onto her features as she loosened the wool scarf from around her neck. "Who is it from?" she asked, studying the unmarked package.
"Doesn't specify, but we do know that it's not a bomb." He said half joking, half serious.
"That's always good." She spoke.
"Would you like for someone to bring it up?"
"Whenever you have the time is fine," she responded, and he nodded. "Thank you."
Heading towards the elevator, she ascended to her floor and entered her home.
As Matt entered the diner with Mina in his arms, he felt her tiny breaths against his neck. She mumbled about the cold, seeking solace in the warmth of her father's embrace.
With scattered patrons throughout the space, it wasn't too loud. The gentle hum of conversation mixed with the clinking of utensils as a couple at the lined bar scraped their plates clean with metal forks.
He chose a cozy booth by a window, carefully settling Mina into the seat beside him. However, sitting beside him wasn't good enough for her. With a frown, she took it upon herself to crawl into his lap, nestling against him. Her head found a comfortable spot on his chest, each tiny leg draping over either side of him.
"You can't eat like this, baby," he gently reminded her.
"Too cold," she mumbled with a pout, looking up at him, her head still against. Matt nodded, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. Understanding her need for warmth, he let her be until she was ready to eat, confident that the chill would go in a few minutes. He took his coat off his body, draping it over her back.
"Not many newcomers in these parts," he heard, glancing up from the menu. Turning toward an older woman with bronze skin and salt-and-pepper hair, her red apron cinched around her waist, he found himself captivated by her warm, welcoming smile. "But a handsome face like yours around here is a real rarity, so I'm not complaining."
Matt gave the woman a smile as she casually sat in front of him on the other side of the booth.
"Just passing through..." He spoke before his eyes flickered to the nametag on her shirt, chuckling at the coincidence. "…Gaby."
The little girl in his lap perked up at the sound of her mother's name, scanning the room in search of her. The older lady chuckled at her reaction, while Mina, confused upon not spotting Gabby, looked up at Matt. He planted his hand on her back, silently telling her that it was nothing.
"Her name?" She asked.
"Her mom's name." He corrected and she nodded.
"Hey, punkin'," she said to Mina, her southern accent a giveaway that she wasn't originally from up north. Mina, being the friendly little person she was, looked back at the woman and waved before turning her body around completely, now leaning back against her dad, rubbing her eyes.
"My lord, she is a doll." the woman said. "How old is she?"
"She'll be four at the end of next month," Matt responded with a warm smile, appreciating the friendly interactions.
"She definitely looks like a Christmas time baby," another woman nearby added, overhearing their conversation.
"Just a few days shy of it," Matt informed them.
"Your pockets must have holes in them by the end of the holidays then…" Gaby teased.
"I'm Mina," she said, joining in the conversation, fiddling with Matt's hand.
"Well, isn't that just a precious name, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Mina." Gaby said, her eyes twinkling with genuine delight. "I'm Gaby, and this here is my diner."
Mina's eyes slightly lit up at the coincidence, and she offered a sleepy but sweet smile.
"You two coming or going?" Gaby asked.
"Going... home to Chicago."
"City boy," she commented. "Where you coming from?" she asked with genuine curiosity. Matt raised his eyebrow, chuckling the prying questions.
"I'm a nosey old woman," she continued, "We don't get many new people 'round here with angel-like daughters. I'm not ashamed." She shrugged.
"Springfield. I have a small construction company. We were down there for a consultation."
"Construction huh?" She spoke, intrigued by the information. "Hiring? My grandson needs a job."
"How old is he?" Matt asked.
"Eight," she said, and his laughter echoed throughout the diner.
"You want me in jail for child labor violation?" He grinned, "I thought we were off to a good start, Gaby."
"He's too high maintenance for me. Needs his own income," she sneered playfully. "But I suppose I could get someone less pleasing to look at, to bare the violation."
"Tell him to give me a call when he can hammer a nail," Matt noted with a chuckle.
Gaby smiled and nodded. "I think I've poked into your life enough. What can I get you two this morning?"
Without the need to ask Mina what she was craving, he asked for an order of blueberry pancakes, and for himself, a simple breakfast platter, knowing she'd probably eat from his plate as well. Gaby jotted down their order and walked to the back.
"Still cold?" Matt asked, and she shook her head. He gently took the fuzzy brown trapper hat from her head, and his coat that blanketed over her as well. "Do you want your coat off?" She shook her head again, not wanting to move from his embrace just yet.
A different, younger woman, her apron crisp and her smile warm, brought over their drinks. Matt thanked her with a nod, unwrapping a straw to place into Mina's orange juice, the sound of the wrapper crinkling in the semi-quiet diner.
A few minutes later, Gaby brought out their plates of hot food, a smile on his face as he noticed the blueberries on Mina's pancakes formed a smiley face.
"You two holler at me if you need anything, okay?" She said and Matt nodded, thanking her.
Gently moving her to sit on her own it became obvious that she was too short for the table. He scanned the surroundings, and noticed the absence of any booster seats, so he improvised, folding his coat and placing it beneath her knees to offer a bit of cushioning from the solid surface. After making sure she was comfortable, he let her pour her own maple syrup.
"What's the plan for the rest of the day?" He asked her.
She thought for a second, her little finger tapping on her chin rhythmically as Matt cut her pancakes into smaller pieces.
"And 'The Princess and the Frog' doesn't count," Matt countered before she could even bring it up, chuckling at her expression. "We'll watch it, but what else?"
"Swim?" she asked, hooking her arm behind and around his neck simultaneously reaching for her orange juice with her free hand. Matt helped her bring it to her lips and put it back down.
"It's cold outside, princess," he said, trying to reason with his determined daughter.
"Daddy…" she whined, her face scrunching.
"How about we finish breakfast, go home and be lazy, then a little later we go to the aquarium?" Matt suggested. "You can watch fish swim, but it's too cold for you to swim."
"'Quarium?" Mina asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity, and he nodded.
"Sound good?" he asked, and she nodded, smiling in satisfaction.
"Mommy go to 'quarium too?"
"Mommy is probably busy, today." He said and she nodded as she continued eating.
They engaged in random conversation with each other, Matt responding to everything she said no matter how random it seemed to be. All while she kept up with the impressive multitasking of eating small portions of both his food and hers.
"I believe that it was rude for Miss Mina here to introduce herself to me before you did." Gaby said, coming back over to their booth with a pitcher of orange juice, refilling their cups. "You've got a name?"
"My apologies." He told her, chuckling at her blunt, yet comforting hospitality. "Matt Casey."
"How'd you get lucky enough to meet two Gaby's in your lifetime, Matt Casey?"
"I don't know, but I'm thinking of playing the lottery tomorrow, See how far this luck will take me." he said, eliciting a burst of laughter from her.
"Charming and funny, too" she smiled. "How old are you?"
"Twenty-four," he answered.
"Ah, so young," she spoke, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. "You remind me a lot of my son."
Everything about the woman seemed genuine, so he took the comment as a compliment, appreciating the idea that she had raised decent children.
"It was nice meeting you, Matt Casey." She smiled. "You too, Miss Mina."
The little girl giggled, sipping from her cup.
"She has your dimples," Gaby observed, her gaze shifting to Mina.
Matt followed her gaze, laughing because the dimples that imprinted on her cheeks were the only thing she had stolen from his gene pool.
"That's the only thing. Otherwise, she's a carbon copy of her mother."
"Must be a beautiful woman." She said genuinely. "Should I be happy to share a name with her, she's not a serial cat-snatcher, is she?"
And Matt laughed again as the corners of her lips turned up.
"Very beautiful." He said without hesitation. "And she's not a fan of cats."
"Good to hear." She placed the check down on the table and Matt pulled out his wallet, placing a few bills in her hand, not expecting the change back.
"Dogs, however…" He teased causing her to laugh once again.
"Stop by if you two are ever passing through again, I'll be counting on it. And bring this 'Gabby' with you next time."
"Will do." He smiled and began helping Mina put back on her hat and coat. "Nice meeting you, Gaby."
Her feet on the couch of her warm-toned, dimly lit living room, her fingers delicately flipping through the pages of a dystopian novel when her phone started to ring on the coffee table. She answered it, bringing it to her ear.
"Good morning, mommy," she heard her daughter's voice pierce through the speaker.
"Good morning, bug," she matched the girl's excitement. "What are you doing?"
"Watching 'The Princess and The Frog' with daddy" She said.
"Of course, you are." She smiled.
"Come to 'quarium with us?" She heard and raised an eyebrow at the question. "Please?"
Gabby couldn't help but smile at Mina's innocent invitation out. "And where is your dad?" she asked, sensing a bit of mischief in her daughter's tone.
"In the kitchen," Mina replied, looking up. "Oh, he's here."
Gabby patiently waited until Matt had the phone in hand. "Good morning, Gabriela," he greeted, taking a seat.
"Morning, Matthew," she responded. "I've been invited to the aquarium?"
Matt's eyebrow quirked in confusion before he glanced at Mina, who was now engrossed in the colorful world of television. "Her idea," he clarified,. "But If you accept, then I'll take credit for it, though, but if you decline she can keep the credit."
Gabby let out a chuckle, the sound carrying through the phone as she casually rested her head on the sofa's arm behind her. "Throwing your own child under the bus, father of the year," she teased.
"She's a resilient kid, she'll bounce back," He responded. The little girl leaned into him, her eyes slowly becoming heavy as she watched the familiar movie unfold on the screen.
"What time were you planning on going?" Gabby asked, the idea of spending the day with her daughter sounding increasingly appealing compared to the solitude of home and the persistent calls she sought to avoid.
He smiled at the swift acceptance of the invitation. "After she's had a nap, she's nearly asleep now," he explained, using his left arm to gently pick up the drowsy Mina. With his precious cargo in his arms, he made his way upstairs to her bedroom. The room mirrored the one at Gabby's place. They had decided some time ago to design her bedroom the same in both houses, aiming to create a sense of continuity and normalcy for Mina. Designed by her and every piece of furniture built by him. "So maybe around 1 o'clock, shouldn't be too busy since it's the middle of the day."
Gabby nodded. "I'll meet you there." She said softly, hanging up the phone.
Gabby took advantage of the time before meeting Matt and Mina at the aquarium to freshen up. She stepped into the warmth of the shower, allowing the water to wash away the traces of the morning. The steam filled the bathroom, creating a comforting atmosphere as she let the water take a shot at taking away any lingering stress.
As the taxi pulled up to a stop, she gave the woman the fare before stepping out of the vehicle spotting Matt crouched down to Mina's level, adjusting her coat and looking up as he saw her walking from the cab. He was about to make a comment before Mina ran towards her mother, Gabby scooping her up immediately, planting kisses all over the girl's face.
Matt walked over to the scene, giving Gabby a once over before smiling and dropping a kiss on her forehead, her not giving much thought to it.
"Taxi?" He asked motioning in the direction of the yellow car that left.
"Uh... yeah. My abuelo scheduled for my winter tires to be put on today, so..." Gabby trailed off, looking up at Matt as he nodded.
"Can we see the penguins?" the little girl asked, and Matt agreed, diverting his gaze from Gabby's.
Guiding the way into the expansive building, Matt reached for his wallet to cover their admission. Gabby, aware that arguing with him about payment was a battle she would lose, refrained from wasting her breath.
The atmosphere wasn't overwhelmingly busy at the moment, a fact that both Gabby and Matt appreciated. Gabby found solace in the calmness, perhaps a bit more than Matt did. The only distinctly audible sounds were the echoing barks of seals in the area. Despite being indoors, it was still relatively cold, so they decided to let Mina keep her hat and coat on, following suit themselves.
Mina requested to be put down from her mother's hip. After reminding her not to run off, Gabby agreed, placing her on her feet, with both Gabby and Matt walking closely behind her.
They didn't do it as often as they both would've liked—going out with just the three of them, the decision being silently made on Gabby's part.
"Careful, EmCee," Gabby said as she approached the glass barrier of the beluga whale tank, even though the glass was tall, she wanted to be cautious. She crouched down to her daughter's level, admiring the animals swimming gracefully under the water. "What animal is that?"
"Beluga whale!" Mina exclaimed, jumping up and down, pointing. "My favorite!"
"It is." Gabby replied, her heart warming at the joy on her daughter's face as her eyes followed the movements of the majestic animals.
"Look daddy!" His smile the same as Gabby's before he crouched as well watching as the smile that they continued to keep on her face brightened. "Mama, can I get a beluga whale?"
Gabby chuckled before nodding her head. "Of course, you can, it will just have to live at your and daddy's house instead of ours." Afterward, she quickly felt a playful pinch on her arm, prompting a laugh from her, half at the joke and half at the contact.
"What mama meant to say was, we can get a nice little goldfish, and you can name it 'Beluga Whale'? Deal?"
She didn't need much more convincing as she eagerly nodded her head, excitement dancing in her eyes.
As the aquarium gradually became more crowded, Matt lifted her back up, her arms encircling his neck as she eagerly pointed to every majestic animal that caught her attention over hour that they had been there. Their next destination was the elongated glass tunnel that stretched from one end to the other, providing a captivating view of the marine life above their heads and beside them. Fortunately, there weren't many people around, so Matt let her down again, allowing her to explore on her own while they kept a watchful eye on her.
Every giggle that came from her lips was a result of a dolphin looping around or an angelfish chasing her finger as she traced it on the glass. They each played an equal part in keeping her the cheerful girl that she was, putting her before themselves the moment she was born.
"Thank you," Gabby said softly, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the water, her eyes fixed on Mina.
"Don't thank me," he responded, his words carrying a subtle warmth. "Ever."
Gabby chuckled, her gaze shifting to meet his. "You won't even know what I was thanking you for."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Still."
"Well…" She began, her tone a teasing one "I kind of have a small speech already planned in my head. I worked on it for hours, you know? So, if you would just let m—"
Before she could finish, he cut her off, his arm circling her shoulders in a casual yet comforting embrace. He draped it from the other side of her neck, pulling her closer, and she willingly leaned into him as she grinned.
"We had breakfast at this diner this morning," he shared, guiding them both as they followed their daughter down the tunnel bathed in dark blue light. "You'll never believe the owner's name."
Gabby arched an eyebrow, looking up at him with anticipation. "You're really going to make me guess?"
"Gaby," he revealed with a mischievous grin, and she sighed, feigning impatience before playing along.
"Ruby," she guessed, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly.
"No, her name was Gaby," he clarified with a warm smile. "A very obnoxious woman. Rude and impatient, much like the one I know."
She let out a dramatic gasp, hitting his chest playfully. "Don't be an asshole, Matthew."
He chuckled, his laughter echoing through the dimly lit tunnel. "It was just a bit past Ford, small and not too crowded," she explained, a playful glint in her eyes. "Probably the sweetest person I've met in a while."
The corners of her lips turned upwards, a subtle smile playing on her face. "…Much like the other one I know…" She trailed off, waiting for him to recite her words.
"Very much unlike the one I know," he countered. She leaned into him a bit more, savoring the banter between them. It was a relief, weight off of her shoulders to know that the night of the Gala a few weeks ago hadn't altered anything between them.
"Did you bully her like you bully me?" Gabby asked.
Before he could respond, Mina walked up to them, stretching her arms out to Gabby before perching her on her hip. They both knew Mina well enough to recognize the signs of her fatigue, so, with a silent understanding, they decided to call it a day, exiting the building.
The time had changed an hour back just a couple of days ago, so the sun was already behind the tall buildings preparing to disappear for the day. Mixed with the light snowflakes that began to fall again, she pulled Mina's hat down a bit more.
"Okay, bug. I'll see you bright and early in the morning, okay?" Gabby spoke to Mina.
"I'm taking you home," Matt told her.
"I can get home, Matt. I'm a big girl. I can tie my own shoes and everything," she insisted.
"I'm offering, so for once, Gabby, let me do something for you without pushing back," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.
She took a second to look at him, her brown eyes apologetic. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded. Matt walked over to the slightly lifted black four-door pickup truck, an investment from a few years back, distinctly different from the one he used for construction. He had chosen it for safety, opting for a rear seat for the toddler instead of the front. Once Mina was securely strapped in, she carefully stepped down and Matt closed the door before opening the passenger's side for Gabby. He then walked around to the driver's side and settled into the driver's seat.
The 25-minute drive to her building unfolded in a cocoon of comforting silence, the hum of the engine accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the city outside. Matt expertly navigated the streets, the gentle glow of streetlights casting fleeting shadows across the truck's interior and as they pulled in front of her building, the soft lights spilled through the porte cochere above.
The doorman stood ready to open her door. However, she raised a gentle finger, a silent request for a moment.
She sighed, resting her head back on the headrest, closing her eyes briefly.
"Thank you." She told him.
"Stop doing that." He told her.
"I want to, though."
"It was just a ride, Gabby." He spoke.
"Not for the ride." She clarified. "I mean, yes for the ride but for today, too. I needed that." She turned her head towards him, taking a deep breath.
"Gabby?" He asked and she hummed, signaling that she was listening. "Hypothetically speaking… you'd tell me if you weren't okay?" He doesn't know why he asked, knowing the answer himself is a firm 'no', but he felt the need to ask anyway. "If you weren't doing well?"
The first thing that crossed her mind was that he heard about her late at night a little over 72 hours ago, and her mind going blank. She tripped over her words a little but not enough to indicate anything.
"Of course, Matt… you know I would." She said but the words themselves weren't convincing at all, he knew she wouldn't, but the thing that worried him the most was that she was looking at him laser in the eye while saying it. It was too easy for her. "I can um…" She cleared her throat, averting her sight from his because it felt like he was burning a hole. "I can take her now, so you won't have to come all the way back in the morning." She told him, bringing her purse onto her shoulder.
"It's fine… I promised her a movie night and I don't think she'd let me live it down if I don't follow through."
"Definitely not," Gabby agreed with a smile, leaning over the armrest to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek. She wiped away the gloss residue with her thumb. "Thank you again."
"Anytime," he smiled, and she opened the door to get out, then opened the door to the backseat were Mina was nearly asleep.
"Bye, mama. I'll see you in the morning, okay?" Gabby said, kissing her nose.
"Bye, mommy," Mina murmured. "Love you."
"I love you too, baby," Gabby whispered before stepping down from the truck mount and closing the door. She waved as Matt waited for her to go inside.
As she passed by a few people in the lobby, she heard her name called from the desk.
"Gabby!" Gavin, a much younger concierge, and the only one who called her by the name she preferred, greeted her. He had started a few months ago and had adjusted well. She smiled, walking over to him.
"Mike went home for a family emergency, and he told me to take your package up, but I forgot until I just saw you, and I'm sorry. It's just been kind of crazy around here today. Mrs. Riddle on the second floor yelled at me about her dog's nails not being properly trimmed, and I'm not even sure why it was my fault. We don't even offer grooming services and Don't get me started on Mr. Carmichael, his son…"
"Breathe, Gavin," she told him before he rambled further, lightly coaching him to inhale and exhale as he was on the verge of hyperventilating. "It's okay. I promise. I just asked him to have it brought up whenever anyone had the time."
"And I have time right now!" He exclaimed. "I'll be up in 2 minutes. I promise."
Gabby nodded, giggling, attempting to ease his nerves as she walked towards the elevator, beginning the journey into her home. She hung her keys on the hook, removed her coat, and stood in the walkway. Suddenly, the weight that had lifted from her shoulders for a few hours came crashing down even heavier.
The smile that had spent the better part of the day tattooed on her face was slowly fading the moment she left his truck.
The realization hit her with a bitter taste that lingered throughout the day. She had been deceiving herself, allowing him to be so close, indulging in the pleasure of kissing him on the cheek simply because it felt good, felt right—she despised the selfishness of it all. The entire time, she hadn't spared a thought for Ramon until now, recognizing her actions as reckless and, above all, selfish.
The knock at her door broke her from her thoughts, but she didn't hesitate to open it figuring it was Gavin from downstairs.
"I think that was record time, Gav—" she paused, nearly choking on her words as Kelly brushed past her and ventured into her foyer. The sudden intrusion left her doorway feeling like a breach in her personal space. "Are you crazy?" she asked, her gaze sharply returning to him as she instinctively closed her door.
An agitated look etched on his face, his jaw clenched, and weariness evident in his eyes. "Let's get this over with."
Okaayyyyy. I think I've made y'all wait long enough. This was really just a filler chapter and the calm before the storm. And an excuse to get some of Matt being a rightful girl dad in there. I love this chapter so much and I hope you all did as well!
AND Just in case no one understood the nickname "EmCee" for Mina it's because her name is Mina Casey making her initials M.C, spelled out EmCee like Master of Ceremonies blahh blahh. I just thought it was kinda cute.
See you next time! Leave reviews plsss.