The Sister Between Them

Chapter 47

Rocco was enjoying a nice quiet night to himself. He had taken the entire visit with Gavin off work this time.

He wanted to try and fill this otherwise bad time in his life with good memories. So, when he looked back, at least he could say it wasn't so bad. Today was a day full of activity. They got up early, went out to breakfast, and then spent the morning getting Gavin some new clothes. He was growing fast and had already outgrown everything Rocco had here for him. Gavin had a lot of fun trying on clothes and was showing off to all the ladies that worked there.

After that, they packed a picnic lunch to take to the beach. Gavin's swimming has gotten even better since last weekend. Among all her other talents, Dani was apparently a great swimming teacher.

Gavin had a blast putting his newfound talents to the test in the "big water," as he called the beach.

By the time they got home, they were both starved and exhausted, Rocco ordered a pizza, and they watched movies until Gavin passed out.

It was a different routine, and it was weird. But he was happier here than he had been with Alyssa for a very long time.

Gavin seemed to be doing okay with everything too. He had been so full of worry, but the boy was adjusting. He didn't cry or make a fuss when Rocco picked him up or dropped him off.

He was always excited to go home because he'd miss Dani all weekend. He went on and on about her and all the beautiful things she was doing with him. It seemed she had the same goal as Rocco with Gavin. Keep him busy and happy and build other memories. She understood exactly what his son needed. It was so unfair; she was perfect not just for Gavin but for him, so why was the universe so against them?

Hearing her name a hundred times a day didn't help Rocco's goal to try and get over her. His feelings had deepened without her. He missed her all the time. He was always picturing her. Every outing, every activity, and meal, he wished she was there laughing and living with them. If he was being honest, never getting a chance with Dani hurt more than his marriage ending.

His phone went off, signaling a text message.

"This late?" He questioned out loud as he unlocked it to read the message, it was from Alyssa, and there was a photo of Dani dancing with some guy and a message, that said, having fun at the club! XX Lys. His body tensed at the idea of Dani with anyone, especially in that tiny dress she had on. As his jaw clenched he stalled, remembering to think logically.

What in the world would Alyssa send him this for? He peered closer and saw Dani looked really drunk, and his concern started growing. What was Alyssa up to?

"Damn it, why did she stay?" he asked, but he knew, for Gavin, she stayed for Gavin. Truthfully he was glad she did because he was broken without her. He'd have shattered if she'd have left town and him forever.

He couldn't let Alyssa hurt her. He needed to get up to that club and make sure she was okay. Even if that meant he was playing right into Alyssa's hand.

He'd only spoken to Jeanie a few times, but they'd bonded, and she'd shared a lot of information with him about this apartment. He hoped it wouldn't upset her to wake her so late but what other choice did he have? He knocked on the door. After a minute, she answered and looked like she had just woken up.

"I'm so sorry I woke you. I have an emergency, and I have to leave. Can you watch Gavin? He's sleeping." His voice probably sounded urgent because she seemed to wake up quickly, her eyes becoming more alert.

"Of course! Go! I got him." She ushered him on.

"Thank you." Rocco said as he raced out to his car.

Luckily traffic was almost nonexistent this late, and he got there fast.