That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 26

We finished dinner quickly, with me eating three servings. "Damn, Mom. That was delicious."

She laughed as she grabbed my now empty plate. "I'm sure. I'm glad you enjoyed it and watch your language."

Gabby smiled as she handed my mom her plate. "Thank you, Mrs. Price."

"Sweetie, please call me Teresa."

I looked at Gabby as I reached across the table for her hand. She looked back at me. She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Let's go for a walk," I said to her.

She didn't respond but got up and headed for the front door. 

"Mom, we're going for a walk," I called out as I followed after her. 

I grabbed my jacket and stepped into the cool December air. Gabby was waiting at the end of my driveway, arms crossed as she was looking at the stars.

I walked until I was standing next to her. "Ready?"

She took my hand and we started down the sidewalk. 

"Want to tell me what's on your mind?" I asked. 

"Not really," she answered honestly.

"All right, I'll tell you what's on mine." I took a deep breath before continuing. "Being in that place, was indescribable. I had a cellmate who didn't sleep, which creeped me out. No privacy. The food was shit." I stopped for a minute, clicking my tongue I added, "But, the worse part was, there was no you."

"Hayden-"

"No, Gabby," I cut her off as I stopped walking and turned to face her. "I know you blame yourself for everything that's happened. It's not your fault. None of it is." I let out a long breath. "My father planned out my whole life since I was three. He made me want what he wanted. I had no idea I was living a lie. Then, I found you. I found you, Gabby. You kept trying to push me away. You were the first thing I ever truly wanted for myself."

I let out a small chuckle at that. "Maybe that's why I'm so selfish with you. I've never had what we have. I didn't even know I wanted a real relationship. I know you're pulling away from me, Gabby."

She looked away from me, unable to confirm or deny. 

The next part was hard for me to say, but she needed to hear it. Hell, I needed to hear it. "Right now, I need you. You're my constant. With everything going on, I need you."

She met my gaze and softened a little. She rested her hands on my chest, like that time we were at Bonfire Pointe. Her eyes were full of unshed tears. "I need you, too."

I leaned forward and kissed her softly. She let her body melt against mine. Finally. This feeling right here, this is what I missed the most. 

"Come on," I said, taking her hand and walking back towards my house. "You're staying the night."

"What about your mom?"

"Gabby, she knows we aren't going to have sex in the house. Well, at least not with her in it," I added, shooting her a sideways smile. 

She did her normal shy smile and I wish I had a camera with me. That's my Gabby.

We got back to my house and went upstairs. I needed a fucking shower. Taking a shower in jail was a nightmare. Not only was there no privacy, but some of the guys there tried to get extra friendly. Yeah, I'm all set. 

We went in my bedroom, shutting the door behind us. 

"How about a bath?" I asked.

"That sounds wonderful," she answered to my surprise. I figured I would have to do a little coaxing. She walked over to me and lifted my shirt, pulling it over my head.