All You Wish For

Chapter 18

"So, how did you catch Delilah? I'm sure you had to do something big." George said as they drank some beers at a bar.

"I just told her I loved her." Steve said.

"And she fell for that?"

"I love her, dude!"

"Steve, you're incapable of loving. What else did you do?"

"You know Tom, my son? She loves him too much, and she came with him. And let's say I got some leverage on her."

"His mother is Delilah's maid, right? Whatever happened to her?"

"Oh, it's tragic. He died not too long ago."

"Wow, people are dying left and right around here."

"So, tell me about you. How's Sally, have you gotten married already?"

"No, I broke up with her."

"You broke up with Sally? But, why? I thought that was a done deal. You were so in love it used to make me sick."

George chuckled. "It turns out she was after my money the whole time."

"In my case, I'm the one after the money." Steve said, chugging his beer.

"I knew there was something else. Does she know?"

"No, and she doesn't have to, you hear me?"

"Does she even love you?"

"We like each other, that's enough. We are happy together. Now tell me this, what are you really doing here? Your parents sold everything and bounced out of this town. What made you come back?"

"I'm planning on opening some offices here. Some of my father's ex-partners are helping me out."

"Really? In this lousy town? You could go big somewhere else."

"What's wrong with this town? It's a beautiful town. And the women, God, they are gorgeous. I still remember high school. All those girls after me, but I was with Delilah."

"Yeah, I knew it wasn't all about a job." Steve laughed.

"How can you leave your beautiful wife alone for so long?" George said, looking at his watch.

"Maria is moving in today. Figured out it was better to let the women do their thing and not get in their way."

"Why is your father's widow moving in with you?"

"Have to keep the women in line. The family together, no reason to separate it. I just got a job and start tomorrow, you think you can help Delilah out with some of the moving tomorrow?"

"Sure, no problem. Don't you think we should stop drinking if you go to work tomorrow?"

"No, we are good. Bartender! Two more, please." Steve said to the bartender.

"She's so beautiful." Delilah said holding Maria's baby. "My dream was always to have a baby girl first. What's her name?"

"Emma." Maria answered.

"What a beautiful name for a beautiful baby girl."

"So, where's the ogre?"

"He went out for drinks with George."

"George? As in George Lyons, your ex?"

"Yes. And that's not all. He will be moving in too."

"I can't believe it. And I can't believe Steve left us alone."

"He knows I won't dare leave. But you can, Maria. Take Emma and go away, far away from him."

"I wish I could, my parents cut me off when they found out the baby was Steve's. He registered her as his today. I have nowhere to go."

"He's a monster, he has us all tied up to him one way or another."

Delilah was taking some boxes out of her car, when a hand suddenly brushed against hers and took hold of the boxes. "Oh, George. You scared me. What are you doing here? Steve's at work."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Your husband sent me to help you out."

"How thoughtful of him."

"Are you alone?"

"No. Maria is upstairs with the kids making the place a mess." She laughed.''

"Well, show me in."

When they entered the apartment, Maria looked from some boxes, surprised. "Um, Delilah?" She asked, confused.

"Maria, you remember George from school. George, Maria. Remember I told you he will be staying with us for a while?" Delilah said.

"Nice to see you again, Maria. It's been ages." He said putting the boxes on the floor. "What a view." He said walking towards the terrace and leaving them alone.

"Great, now we have two of them. I thought we would at least have some freedom while Steve was at work, but now he sent this one to watch over us." Maria said slumping on the couch.

Delilah sat next to her. "I don't know, he's different from Steve. He was always so nice and gentle. Let's just hope he didn't learn anything from Steve while they were away at college." She said as Emma started cooing from the room.

"I better check on her, she must be hungry."

"Where's Tommy?"

"Sleeping like a baby in his room." Maria said, walking towards her room to feed Emma.

"Where's she going?" George asked, walking back inside. "She's not happy I am here, is she?"

"She's going to feed her baby. It's not that, don't take it personally. She's just surprised by all the changes. Her husband just killed himself. So, want me to show you your room?"

"Sure, lead the way." He said following her. When they entered the room it had a desk, chest and a bare bed.

"There's bed liners in the closet." She said opening the closet. She grabbed a chair, climbed on it and tried to reach for the liners. As she grabbed them, she lost balance and George was quick grabbing her before she fell.

"You should be careful. I'm not always going to be around to catch you." He chuckled as he put her down, still holding to her waist.

"I'm so sorry. I just got really dizzy." She said as he let go of her. "But, thank you so much. It would've been quite a spill."

"You're welcome. Now, give me that. I can do it. You guys are already doing a lot for me." He said taking the bed liners out of her hands.

"George? Can I ask you something?" She asked, sitting down on the chair.

"Sure, what is it?"

"What did I do wrong to make you ghost me?"

"Del, you didn't do anything wrong." He said walking towards her and kneeling in front of her and grabbing her hand. "It was me, I was immature and stupid. I didn't value what I had. I messed up and now it's too late." He quickly got up. "Um, I'm going to go get my stuff out of the car. I can also take the rest of your boxes out.""Sure, thank you." She said still sitting on the chair.