Even When (Ricky + Nini)

chapter 10 - i should've known you were bad news

[a/n : title is from trouble by iggy azalea]

Nini bounced her leg up and down anxiously, her palms were sweaty and her stomach was in knots. The party was in two hours and Ricky is going to be here any minute know. She wasn't sure she'd be able to look him in they eye after what happened, but she was going to tell him today. It felt wrong to keep this from him, but she couldn't possibly tell him on the phone.

"Girl, you're driving me crazy.." Kourtney said, "Stop bouncing your leg up and down like a child."

"Sorry. Just want today to go well... and Ricky's gonna be here soon."

"It's a birthday party for a 4 year old. It'll be fine, hon. It's just gonna be messy when all Joel's friends come and ruin your home."

"Mommy... where's daddy?" Joel asked climbing into Nini's lap, "He's coming right?"

"Of course he is, baby. He'll be here any minute now." Nini said, "In the mean time, why don't you enjoy your birthday cookies that aunt Kourtney got you?"

"I'm hooomee! Birthday boy where you at???" Just in time, Ricky entered the apartment and Joel came running straight to him.

"Daddy! You're home. I've been waiting for you all day!"

"Happy birthday, buddy." Ricky picked him up and peppered his face with kisses. "You're a big boy now."

"Welcome home." Nini said walking towards him, "Did you have a good flight?"

"Yeah I had a great flight, baby." Ricky hugged her and she felt like she couldn't breathe. "So what's the plan?"

"Party starts in a bit. Some of Joel's friends from school are coming, we got some games going, and then he wants to open presents." Nini said ruffling Joel's hair. "And Red is bringing in a special treat for this big boy."

"I think it's pizza!" Joel said excitedly, "And are you sure Miss T can't come, mommy?"

"She had other plans, sweetheart." Nini shared a look with Ricky knowing that he had a major crush on his teacher, "But most of your friends and uncles and aunts are gonna be here. And your dad is already here. Isn't that exciting?"

"Yeah. I guess so. But can we save some cake for her?"

"Of course we can, bud." Ricky kissed his forehead, "Hey, why don't you show me what you're gonna wear for your big boy party?"

"I'm gonna wear a Thor outfit thing and I'm gonna use my hammer ... "

Joel led his dad to the room and he talked Ricky's ear off about Thor. Nini watched her two boys and smiled, they were her entire world, and she was going to ruin it with her news.
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The party went well. Lots of Joel's friends came and Ricky got to catch up with the gang. But most importantly Joel was happy today and Ricky was here for this milestone. There was only one thing that was off today, his wife had been distracted and anxious all day, and now that everyone had gone home and Joel was knocked out.. Ricky was determined to find out what was going on. He spotted her in the living room sitting by the window just staring into the distance.

"Hey." He took her hand and kissed her forehead.

"We need to talk." She said seriously, "Ricky I-"

Ricky wasn't sure when he leaned forward but he hadn't kissed her since he got back, and he just needed to get it out of the way.  But she pulled away and stood up abruptly.

"I'm sorry. I can't." She paced the room frantically, "Ricky, I n-need to tell you something."
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Ricky looked hurt when she pulled away, so she can't imagine what this would do to him. But she couldn't let him, she didn't deserve it, and she she knew that after she told him, he wouldn't want to kiss her.