I nodded and slowly stood up from the couch. “Well, I’ll get out of the way.”
35Strobe Lighting
Cassie
IT HAD BEEN SIX WEEKS since I got out of the hospital, and a light knock sounded from the door. I wasn’t expecting anyone, but it might be Brock or Cecilia since they knew Gabe would be here. Though, as I debated that, they would’ve texted first.
When I saw Gabe’s mom through the peephole, my jaw dropped. Gabe, Brock, and Vamp had dinner with her a few times in the past six weeks, but Gabe didn’t elaborate afterward. He was trying to give her a second chance, but something told me it was going to be slow going with him.
I didn’t know she knew where I lived, but I opened the door to her.
“Hi, Dr. Scibearis. Come in, please.”
She shook her head. “No, Cassie. I don’t mean to impose. I just wanted to know if Gabe was here. Brock told me he wasn’t at their place, and gave me your apartment number.”
I nodded. “He’s in the shower. Getting ready for his Friday night shift at Club Eclectic.”
She nodded and finally stepped inside.
“Is everything all right?”
She smiled. “Yes, everything is fine. Truth be told, I thought I’d see how you were doing also.”
I took a glass of water to her where she was sitting on the couch. “Me? Why?”
She swallowed a sip. “Finding out your sister is your half-sister can’t be easy. Not to mention everything else that came with that revelation.”
I shot a closed lipped smile at her. “You’re right. Knowing my devoutly Catholic mother cheated on my father is hard for me to accept. But, Dad’s determined to give counseling a shot. Of course, they’re only three weeks into it.”
She nodded. “With the right counselor that might work out, but what about you? Gabe mentioned your sister treated you poorly before. Has that changed now that you know the truth?”
I shrugged. “Our phone conversations are more civil, but that’s not really saying much.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry to hear that. It leaves you without anyone to commiserate with, doesn’t it?”
Gabe strode into the room wearing his black button down shirt with the shiny crimson stripes, and I swallowed, since I loved when he wore that shirt.
He stopped so he was looking down at both of us, but his eyes speared his mother. “Oh no! You aren’t treating my woman. I know we’re getting along better, but that’s a hard line.”
I chuckled. “But what if I wanted her to?”
Pauline caught my drift, and she put in, “Yes. I’ll be sure not to ask about her life behind the bedroom door.”
It might have been his temper or it might have been embarrassment, but I’d never seen Gabe turn such a vibrant shade of pink and I leaned back on the couch with laughter.
When I stopped and opened my eyes, Gabe’s glittered at me. “You got me that time, Daughtry, but don’t expect to do it again.”
I grinned. “Doesn’t mean I won’t try, baby.”
“So, what brings you by?” he asked Pauline.
She smiled. “Your brother and his fiancée have set their date. Since it’s the day before New Year’s Eve, I wondered if you two have looked at hotels. It’s pricey to stay anywhere in Florida around the holidays, and I thought maybe you two would like to split the cost of a condo with me or something.”
Gabe’s lips shifted, and I expected him to turn her down outright, but I spoke before him. “Can we think about it and get back to you? I’m not sure what my plans will be for New Year’s, and Gabe will likely have to work since the Club’s planning a big New Year’s Eve bash.”
She exhaled and I knew she hid a sigh. “You’re right. I didn’t even think about the club. Well, let me know. I’ll email you some places I was thinking of in case your schedules permit.”
I smiled. “I’m sorry you came all the way over here just for that.”
She stood. “No, not just that. I genuinely wanted to make sure you’re doing all right, Cassie. You’ve been through quite an ordeal, so make sure to take care of yourself.”
Gabe moved forward and gave her a quick hug which didn’t seem as awkward as the first few times I watched him do it.
“I’ll walk you down to your car. Maybe we can do dinner Monday night or something.”
She smiled up at him. “Sounds good, but it has to be some place with NFL Football on. I have a fantasy team.”
I chuckled because Gabe’s facial expression was almost as good as earlier. Then Pauline quirked a brow at him “Gotcha again, Gabe.”
He laughed as he walked out the door.
Gabe
WHEN I WALKED INTO the club, I dropped by the office to say hello to Adam, who had taken over Ryan’s position as general manager of the club.
“Sullivan,” he called out. “So glad you’re here. Want you to meet tonight’s talent. This is Terry, but he goes by T-Minus in the booth.”
I thought I was in the booth tonight. It was part of the contract I’d signed with Pruitt three months ago.
Shaking Terry’s hand, I realized I recognized his name because he hit many of the more inner-city urban clubs. “You’ve done New Year’s Eve at Church Street Station in the past, haven’t you?”
A lack-luster smile hit his lips. “Yeah. Back when there was a Church Street Station.”
I gave him a closed-lip smile. “Sorry, man. Forgot about how things have changed down there.”
He let go of my hand and shook his head. “No problem. Just wish Church Street was what it once was, you know?”
I grinned. “I do. But, everything changes, right?”
Adam said, “You got that right. Speaking of changes, I know you were supposed to be up tonight, but I think it’d be better for you to
