Page 55 of More Than a Fling
Several hours later, they all listened to the Doctors prognosis, “He is in recovery. The procedure was successful so now it’s just a matter of him resting and healing. We’ll keep him overnight for observation. He has suffered a slight heart attack at some point, but no major damage. Hopefully he can kick the cigarette habit and barring complications, he should be back to normal in a week or two.”
“Great news!” Gabe said.
“Thank God!” Pepper said. “Thank you, Dr. King.”
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to report good news. Have a good day,” he said, and briskly walked away.
They all looked at each other, their relief palpable. “Well I guess I’ll get back to the salon; my afternoon and evening are jam-packed,” Annie said.
“Go, I’ll stick around until Slim is allowed to have visitors,” Pepper said.
“I’m going to stay long enough to say hi, then I’ll have to get back to the farm,” Gabe said.
Annie gave Gabe a kiss on the cheek and left after getting assurances that they would keep her informed. She hated to leave but knew she wasn’t needed and those most important to Slim would be there for him.
25
“I think I’d like to go a little blonder this time,” Annie’s client requested.
“As is platinum?”
“Yes.”
“I think we should pull a darker shade in as well to make it look more dimensional and natural,” Annie said.
“Whatever you think. I trust you completely.”
The door jingled and Annie looked up to see the same girl that had been in Gabe’s arms at the bar, walk in. This couldn’t be good.Robbie.
“I need to talk to you!” Robbie said in obvious distress.
“I’m sorry but it will have to wait. As you can see, I’m with a client.”
“That might seem like a priority to you, but honestly I don’t give a damn about your client or your business!”
Annie stepped away from her client and walked over to stand directly in front of Robbie saying firmly, “You might not give a damn, but I do. If you have something to say to me, we will do it in private. Excuse us Sue, this will only take a minute,” Annie said to her client, as she steered Robbie to her back office.
Shutting the door Annie said, “Now what is this about?”
“Do you have any idea what you have done?” Robbie said.
“Um, that would be a no.”
“Since Gabe won’t man up, I guess it’s up to me to fill you in. I’m pregnant. With Gabe’s baby. We were trying to work on things before you entered the picture.”
Annie’s face lost all its color and her eyes grew wide in shock.
“I can see by your expression that he hasn’t told you. Typical.”
“I don’t know what to say. Of course, I had no idea.”
“Well I thought you should know. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to ruin any chance we have, especially with an innocent baby on the way. One that deserves to have a father in the picture. I wanted to give you a chance to do the right thing,” she said.
“I don’t want to be insensitive, but I was under the impression that there never was any relationship between you two and that your one-night stand was a long time ago,” Annie said.
“He would say that. I know that I was a convenient piece of ass when he needed it. But it was more than that to me. He used me, led me on and now doesn’t want to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions. But don’t believe him when he tries to say it was only a one-night stand.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to say or for that matter to do. Isn’t this between you and Gabe?”