Tug (Irreparable 3)

“I’ve discussed it with her, but she assures me the last instance was a combination of postpartum, losing the baby, and leaving Brady. She seems down, but I’m a dumb guy and can’t tell if it’s hormones or something I should actually worry about.”

Her fingers comb through my hair. She reaches up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek, which makes me smile. “You’re not a dumb guy. You’re a sweet guy. I have to get Javier to school before I head to the Center, but I love you. Try not to worry.”

“I love you, too, and I can’t wait to have our own place.” I kiss her goodbye, untucking her shirt and attempting to slip my hands inside before she wiggles away.

“No you don’t. I have to go.”

I groan and watch her breeze out the door.

After grabbing my suit coat from the closet, I go downstairs.

Tori’s at the kitchen table, staring at her laptop. Tears fall from her chin and drip on to the keyboard. “You shouldn’t read the news. It’s depressing.”

She laughs but the sound isn’t joyful. It’s forced. “It’s the gossip sites I should stay off of.”

Her closed mouth smile when I sit next to her is enough to make me want to call Brady and tell him to come home. I figure it’s best to take Maria’s advice and speak with her first. “More made-up stories involving Brady, groupies, and orgies?”

“Yep, only now they come with photos.” She spins the laptop. Brady’s in a bar with two half-naked girls on his lap. They’re kissing the side of his face.

“You know this is crap, right?” I say, pointing at the photo of the groupies. “I’m sure they asked for a photo and kissed him without asking.”

“I know and if my hormones weren’t in control of my emotions, it wouldn’t bother me.”

“Okay, preggers,” I say and close the laptop. “Stay off the internet please.”

“You’re right. I’m driving myself crazy. I hate the distance and Skyping is great, but I miss him.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay with me and Maria moving into my place?”

“I’ll be fine,” she says and s

wipes under her eyes. “You guys need your own space, and I’m happy for you.”

While she said “happy” her expression is quite the opposite. I move the chair closer to her and tuck her hair behind her ears on both sides of her face. I hate seeing her sad.

“We’re going to come visit all the time,” I reassure her.

“I know you will, but I’m going to miss you guys and the house is going to feel empty without Javier and Drew running around.”

Her smile is all wrong. She’s trying too hard to keep it on her face. I’m doubting if Maria and I moving is the right decision.

“Are you depressed?” I come right out and ask directly, knowing the situation is serious, and humor, although easier, is the wrong approach.

Her brows lower and she lets out a long drawn out sigh. “I hate that if I’m not chipper all the time, everyone thinks I’m depressed. It’s annoying.” Her voice, a mixture of anger and sarcasm, makes me feel bad for asking, but I don’t regret it.

“I wasn’t trying to annoy you, but I’m worried about you.”

“I’m fine!”

“Okay. I believe you. Promise me something.”

“What?”

“Actually, promise me two things. One; stay off the gossip sites. Brady loves you and whatever is on them is a lie. And two; if you need my help for anything, or if you’re just in a funk and need to talk, call me. I’ll come over.”

Her hand reaches for mine and she presses our palms together, our fingers interlocking. “I promise,” she agrees and smiles softly, gazing into my eyes, her baby blues, cloudy from her earlier tears, but always gorgeous. “I’m so happy you’re back in my life, Tug. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I release her hand and press my palm lightly to her cheek. “I’ll always be here for you.”