Something in the Way You Move [O'J]

Irma's News

Warning: This chapter may contain material that is upsetting to some readers. You've been forewarned.

Danny's POV

"Irma." It's the only thing I can say. Is this what shock is? It must be, right?

"Danny," she replies, smiling. "It's good to see you!"

I shake my head. "What do you want, Irma?" I ask slowly.

"Just to talk."

"Well, spit it out, then."

"Er...could we perhaps, um, go inside? It's not something I want people to overhear..."

I turn to Jessie, wondering what she thinks. She shrugs as if to say "your ex, your choice." I sigh and mutter, "Fine." I walk over to the door and unlock it, fumbling with the keys for a second or two because I'm shaking so bad. I don't want this. I don't like this. After a second I open the door and step inside, leading Jessie and Irma.

"I'm going to put Callie to bed, Danny," Jessie murmurs to me. "I'll be back down in a minute or so." I nod in response and she heads upstairs.

"So---" Irma begins.

"Not yet," I snap. If she's going to try to split us up just by having Jessie hear the wrong thing, I'm sure as hell not letting her talk until Jessie's able to hear the entire conversation.

"I was just going to ask whose daughter, calm down," she says, putting her hands up in front of her. I take the time to study her. She's gained weight. A lot of weight. Don't get me wrong, she still looks incredible, but she never gains any weight and she can eat as much as I do. I frown and start pacing around my flat in agitation. Why did she gain weight?

About a minute later, Jessie comes down and sits on the couch, looking at me expectantly. I turn to Irma and mutter, "Say what you will."

"So whose daughter was that?" she asks.

"Mine," I state, finally stopping my pacing.

"Since when did you have a daughter?" she demands.

"Since a few months ago. Why do you care?"

"You sure you didn't adopt her just to fill the void from missing my daughter?"

The thought never even occurred to me. I clench my jaw in frustration. "Of course not," I growl.

"Are you saying you didn't miss my daughter at all? Because she misses you awful bad, Dan. She misses her Dan Dan." I flinch as she uses her daughter's nickname for me. It's been so long since I've been called that...

"There was a time when I missed her. And you, too, if I'm being honest. But that was a long time ago. I've got my own daughter now and a girlfriend who won't leave me for some scumbag she met at a strip club," I retort coolly.

"I...I left him, Danny," she murmurs. "I left him because...well, because I missed you."

I roll my eyes and laugh coldly. "How stupid do you think I am? You think you can just show up here, bat your eyelashes and tell me you've missed me and I'll just take you back in a heartbeat? Sorry, but that's not happening. I think we're done here."

"Don't you want to know why I've gained weight, Danny? I know you noticed."

"Humor me."

"I'm pregnant."

"Why are you telling me? It's not mine."

"Yes it is."

I freeze on the spot, my blood turning to ice, the color draining from my face. "How many months?" I ask quietly.