The Choice

Chapter 25

"You what?" Ricky asks, and he stands up. 

"Please, sit down," I say, and I'm counting my lucky stars that Clay didn't come with me.

"I'll kill him," Ricky growls, grabbing his keys off the table.

"Please, stop," I frown, stepping in front of the door. "Let me explain."

I grab Ricky's arm, and he calms a little at my touch. I guide him back to the table, and he sits back down.

"I came onto him," I tell Ricky, sitting back down across from him.

"You did?" Ricky asks.

"It was right after I miscarried. I wasn't in the right headspace," I frown.

"He didn't take advantage of you, did he?" Ricky asks, and I watch as his nostrils flare.

"Of course not. If anything, I took advantage of him," I say.

"I don't want to talk about it," I tell Ezra, staring at the ceiling above.

"You haven't talked about it at all. How are you feeling?" Ezra asks.

"I'm fine," I lie.

I just wish Ezra would stop calling me so much. Every time I hear his voice, I long to know what our baby's voice would sound like.

"Jo, please talk to me," Ezra pouts, and I cringe at the sadness in his voice.

"I have to go," I tell him.

"Jo wait-"

I don't wait though, and I hang up on him. My thumb holds onto the power screen, and I watch as my phone loses its life, just like I've lost mine.

I grab my keys off the counter, and I drive to my local bar. It's not unusual to find me here when I don't have the kids.

Once I step inside, I notice a familiar face at the bar.

"Clay?" I ask, taking the seat next to him.

"Hi, Jo," Clay smiles.

"Drowning out your sorrows too?" I ask Clay, and I order three shots of tequila.

"Something like that," he says, and I see the half-drunken scotch in his hand.

I down the three shots fast, and I order myself a martini.

"Wait, aren't you pregnant?" Clay asks me, and my heart sinks.

"I was," I frown, and the realization hits him. 

I take a big swig of my martini.

"I'm sorry," he frowns.

"Things happen, I guess," I sigh.

"Are you sure this is the best place for you to be?" Clay asks me.

"I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me," I say, finishing my martini.

After both of us have had plenty to drink, I find myself dancing with Clay, and I know we both look like idiots, but I could care less.

"This is so weird. I'm dancing with my old professor," I say, and I can't stop the giggle that follows.

Clay rolls his eyes, but that doesn't stop the smile on his face.

"I never would've pictured us here together," he laughs.