The Crash Zone (The Zone Series Book 2) Read online

  “Yeah well, neither did I, but it would seem like forces are bringing us together.” She says.

  I look at her with a puzzled look. That’s a weird statement. And I motion to the living room for us to sit. She takes the recliner and I take the couch and face her.

  “Before we start, do you want anything to drink?” I ask standing back up, suddenly feeling nervous.

  “This is a weird request, but would you happen to have any pineapple juice, or any pineapple anything?”

  I walk into the kitchen and look in the cupboards. We have a small can of pineapple slices, that I usually use for my pulled pork sandwiches. I get myself a glass of water and retrieve a fork from a drawer and I head back to the living room where Tatum, the girl who left me a Dear John letter after a what I would assume was a wild night of sex that for the life of me, I can barely remember.

  “Thank you.” She whispers taking the can and fork from me.

  “So, last week you stayed in the car when you and your friend picked up my brother. Why?” I ask.

  “Pride.” She says placing a piece of pineapple in her mouth.

  “But here you are right now, sitting in my living room, eating pineapple and wanting to talk now?”

  “Before, we didn’t have anything to talk about. If I would have come inside, it would have been awkward. Hey, remember me – we hooked up and I left while you were in the bathroom. Yeah, that would have been awkward, especially in front of your brother, who I happen to work with and Sammie.”

  “That’s a good point.” I look at my watch. “So you said before but now, you imply that now there’s a reason you want to talk?” She’s not looking directly at me, but focusing between on the can in her hands and at the window off to the left of me. She’s chewing on her bottom lip and her eyes are slightly glassy like she’s about to start crying.

  “I’m not going to beat around the bush, but I feel that you should know that I’m pregnant.” Her bottom lip is back between her teeth as she’s looking me dead straight in the eyes. “Before you ask the standard questions, yes I’m sure because I’ve taken at least 20 tests this past week. I’m 100% sure that it’s yours because you’re the only person that I’ve had any sort of sexual contact with in the past 6 months and I honestly don’t remember if we used protection or not.”

  I feel like a cartoon character where the jaw hits the floor.

  “I need a milkshake.” I say standing up and walking back into the kitchen. Tatum is definitely confused with my reaction as her jaw seems to have hit the floor too. She stands and follows me.

  As I’m readying the ingredients, I look to her. “Would you like one?” I offer.

  “No thank you.” She’s confused and I should probably explain to her why the sudden need for a milkshake but the front door opens and Davis walks through. He’s whistling some odd tune and when he comes into view of the kitchen with Tatum and myself in it, he stills and practically drops his bag and keys.

  “Hey! Tate. What’s going on?” He asks, with a concerned look on his face as he looks back and forth at the two of us. Then he looks at everything that I have out on the table along with the pineapple can in her hand. He knows!

  “Is everything okay?” He asks looking at me.

  “Yeah, um Tatum came over here to talk. And I need… I need a milkshake.” I stammer out.

  Davis nods in understanding. “Okay, um… I’ll let you guys talk. I’ll be um… in my room if either of you need anything.” He turns and walks towards the hallway.

  “Does my brother know?” I ask, wanting to get that out of the way first.

  “I think he’s piecing the pieces together. Max, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spring this on you, so that’s why I wanted to…” The blender basically cut her off. As soon as everything was blended, I shut it off.

  “I need a milkshake before we can continue this conversation.” I explain as I grab a glass. “Do you want more.. pineapple? I think I have another can in here.”

  “No thank you, I’m good for the next hour or so.” She smiles.

  I take a drink from my glass.

  “So what has my brother told you about me, that I didn’t mention the night we met?” I ask, gauging if she knew about my alcoholism.

  “He hasn’t really said much, but to be fair – I never asked. Once I knew you guys were brothers, I kept those two separate.”

  “Okay, well then Tatum, we barely know each other, but now we’re about to do so. This is going to get heavy because we’re both unloading some.. well heavy information right now. So while you started, and I soooo acknowledge the pregnancy, I want to go into some, um background on me right now to explain… myself.”

  “Um, Okay. What does this have to do with me being pregnant?” She asks.

  “Everything and nothing.” I start taking a deep breath and gesturing back to the living room.

  We sit down beside each other this time.

  “When we met, I was drunk.” I start.

  “No shit Sherlock!” She laughs.

  “Yeah, I had probably been drunk daily for a year and half. And that vacation of mine was a week-long bender, my breaking point. I was in a downward spiral after a car accident.”

  “Your brother did mention you were missing.”

  “Yup. I escaped to the hotel and drank myself silly. I remember fragments of my week there, like I remember you, your legs, and parts of our evening together. Before you think it, I’m not making any excuses, I’m just telling you what’s happened. Anyways, Davis and Dane, my friend you met earlier came to the hotel, gave me a “come to Jesus” and then the next day I was in rehab.”

  “That’s why you weren’t here for the BBQ!” She exclaims.

  “BBQ?” I ask.

  “Oh, Davis had a BBQ, you weren’t here. He said you weren’t going to be around. I wasn’t… I wasn’t going to come. I didn’t want to… make it weird.”

  “Ah. Okay. So there, I’m a recovering alcoholic and the sudden and extremely random need for a milkshake, has well, replaced alcohol. I drink my milkshakes when I have any, even minuscule thoughts that would send me to drink, it doesn’t necessarily mean I want to. It’s become a crutch.”

  “Ahh okay, that makes sense. I thought it was strange, but I didn’t want to ask you why you were so weird, right off the bat. Don’t worry, I have to have something pineapple at least every 45 minutes to an hour to refrain from becoming a blubbery mess.” She smiles, this time it’s a real smile.

  Man, she’s beautiful. And Fuck! She’s pregnant. I made her pregnant. The reality was settling in as I sipped on my milkshake and stopped talking as I looked at her over the rim of the glass.

  “So, what do we do now?” I ask.

  “I don’t believe in abortions.” She stated quickly.

  “I would never ask that. Plus, I’m cool with women’s lib. It’s your choice.” Fuck, my life went from super boring to straight up drama in less than a day.

  “Well, that’s a relief. I honestly don’t know what to do. I took a week to get the nerve up to come over here and tell you. I don’t know what’s next.” She admits. “I have to say that I’m surprised you aren’t freaking out.”

  “Well, case and point, milkshake. But I’m freaking out, you just can’t tell. I’m more speechless.”

  “That makes sense.” She smiles.

  “Have you made a doctor’s appointment yet?” I ask.

  “Yes, it’s Monday morning.”

  “Can I, can I come?” I ask.

  “Sure.” She pulls out her phone and gives me the information.

  “You might as well give me your numbers too, just think, things can’t get more awkward now.” I try to joke, but it lands badly and she doesn’t get it. She hands me her phone and I put my number in her contacts and then text myself so I have her number as well.

  Well shit. Can you strap a car seat on the back of a Harley?

  Chapter 17 – Tatum

  I left Max’s house confused. He had no crazy
reaction to my news other than his random milkshake desire, which he later explained. I expected more of a panic and definitely not a calm and understanding presence. I had 4 more days until I would see him again, and I was already nervous. We’re not jumping into a relationship, but then again we are but it’s very unconventional. The guy who I thought was just an impulsive roll in the sack and I end up strapped to each other for life.

  I pull out my phone and go through my contacts. I pull up Davis’s information and press the call button.

  “Is everything okay?”He asks as soon as he answers.

  “Everything is fine. Is Max, did Max…?” I don’t even know what I’m wanting to ask.

  “He is in the shower, he’s been in there for a while.” Davis explains. “So, are you okay?”

  “I’m hungry, but other than that, I’m okay. I got over the hard part, I assume you know what’s going on?” I admit.

  “Yeah, Where are you, do you want me to meet you and we can grab a bite?”

  “I’m sitting in front of my apartment complex. I’m not sure what I want right now.” This sucks!

  “I’m gonna put on my shoes and I’ll be right over. I can bring anything?”

  “Pineapples.” I know that much.

  “Let’s get something other than pineapples in you, please?”

  “Fine. A double cheeseburger, no onions and no mustard. Onion rings and, and a strawberry milkshake.”

  Davis laughs. “Max rubbing off on you already?”

  “His milkshake looked good, shuddup!”

  “I’ll be over in 20 mins. Should I call Sammie?”

  “No, she’s team screw Max right now.”

  “Ouch.”

  We hang up and I go inside and place my belongings on the kitchen counter. I toe off my shoes and change into my yoga pants. From my bedroom, I can hear my phone text message notification go off. I don’t rush to the phone, and instead remove any makeup that I had on and use the restroom.

  I grab my phone and see that Max had texted me.

  Max: Before Monday, do you want to meet up for a meal or something?

  I laugh. His text almost seems nervous as I think of a reply to send back to him. A meal?

  Me: In my condition, I can always eat!

  Immediately, I see the thought bubble pop up on the screen for his reply.

  Max: Saturday work? Lunchtime? I have plans with Davis tomorrow, some big reveal he wants to give me. But does that work okay for you? Or Sunday? Anytime really, how about right now?

  Again, I laugh.

  Me: Actually, Davis is coming over right now with food for me. Sorry. But Saturday is fine with me.

  The thought bubble appears quickly.

  Max: Davis is coming over to your place? That’s why he ran out of here?! Don’t listen to anything that he says about me that is bad! We can’t become friends when you already hate me.

  Me: I don’t hate you. Remember, I’m the one who left that morning without leaving my number, you can always say that I was the one who used you.

  My buzzer goes off, I walk to the wall to buzz Davis in as I laugh at the bank and forth banter.

  Max: So, what you’re saying is that I was just a piece of meat to you that night? ;)

  Me: Oh look, your brother is here! Have a good night.

  How do you reply to something like that without coming off like a slut?

  Max: You realize that sounds like a synopsis for a romance novel. Guy gets ditched by his one nighter who’s preggo with his baby for, dun dun duuuun his brother! Gasp!

  Me: Did you just type out “gasp”?

  I open up the door and step to the side for Davis to enter. He has grocery bags along with fast food bags, I notice.

  “Hey, sorry it’s your brother harassing me about you coming over.” I say waving my phone.

  “Harassing you? I didn’t tell him I was coming over.” He says setting his bags in the kitchen.

  “He wants to meet up to eat, he offered tonight, and I told him you were on your way. He said to not listen to you trash talk him.” I smile as my phone vibrates in my hand.

  Max: Isn’t that how they do it in romance novels? Ask Davis, he reads them.

  I laugh and set my phone down.

  “What?” He asks.

  “He said that you read romance novels and I should ask you if they actually spell out ‘gasp’ when it happens in the books.” I nudge him with my elbow.

  “I don’t read those. My girlfriend does. He found one in my room one day and since he keeps making fun of me.” Davis explains.

  “Hey, if you read them, more power to you. Those have some good suggestions sometimes on… things.” I offer. “So your brother said you and him have a date tomorrow night.”

  “I need to talk to Max about moving out and in with Kat. But geez, what didn’t you guys talk about?” He laughs.

  “Well, you know once you tell a man you’re with child, he lets his mouth run.” I joke.

  “I’m honestly surprised he was so level-headed.” Davis admits.

  “I am too. I don’t know him well enough to know what to expect, but you hear often enough bad reactions to that sort of news.”

  “My brother, while he’s been an asshole for most of the time I’ve lived with him, is a really good guy. He’s been handed some shitty cards and therefore he’s had bad taste, present company excluded but he’s turning shit around now.”

  “Did you see his new baby?” I ask referring to the motorcycle that he was pawing when I pulled up to his house earlier this afternoon.

  “You mean the one in you? That would be a no.” Davis asks confused.

  “He thought I was you when I first showed up, and he wanted you to see his new purchase. It was a motorcycle.”

  “Holy shit! He might have to trade it in for a mini-van now!” Davis laughs.

  I gasp. “Oh god. I’m going to be a parent. I don’t know how to be a parent!” I start to breathe heavily.

  Davis’s hand is rubbing my shoulder. “Tate, you’re a kindergarten teacher, out of everyone that I know, you would be more equipped than most on how to be a parent.”

  “I don’t keep the kids though, they go home, to their own parents!” A tear escapes and I struggle for a breath, I’m starting to hyperventilate.

  “Look, you got this. And my brother, he will get this too. You guys will co-parent and that little kid will have an awesome uncle who will spoil him rotten.” Davis is good at this.

  “Max and I didn’t even talk about logistics. Oh god, how is this going to work?” I grab a can of pineapples and open it as if I’m dehydrated.

  “You have 9 months to figure that out. You two have plenty of time to discuss the logistics.”

  “We’re going to meet up on Saturday and then he’s coming to the doctor’s appointment on Monday. Should I be nervous?” I ask feeling completely bare.

  “Not one bit. Like I said, my brother all around is a great guy. He’ll do the right thing and he’ll be a good dad.”

  “He mentioned his drinking.”

  “He told you that?” Davis asked.

  “Yeah. How well does he take stress?”

  “Honestly, I’m still trying to gauge that. I would say that growing up, he did great, but his drinking was provoked by an event that pummeled him. And since he’s come back from rehab, he’s been working a lot more, going to meetings and running. I would say he’s got new outlets now for his dependency on drinking.”

  “Like milkshakes.” I smile.

  Davis nods.

  I pick up the milkshake that Davis brought me with my burger and took a sip.

  I’ve got 9 months to figure this out.

  Chapter 18- Max

  After Tatum came and broke the news that I was a proud co-owner of a fetus swimming around in her, I needed to get rid of the tension that I felt brewing, but strangely, I still didn’t have the desire to drink, I was more anxious and over thinking things than anything. I should have gone to a meeting, but instead
I jumped in the shower and just stood there for a good half hour with the water pouring over my shoulders. After I was finished, I spent some time texting back and forth with her, like we were teenagers

  At first I was obsessed with the thought of her because she humped and dumped me, so the roles were reversed in the situation. I almost wanted to have a repeat performance, so I could have been the douche that I’ve been lately and make it right, at least in my mind. However now, the tables have definitely turned and as much as I’m scared to say completely out loud. I’m going to be a father and Tatum and I will have a relationship stemming from our one night of fun.

  This isn’t how I thought that becoming this role would pan out. No, I thought I would have been married to Betsy and then eventually she would kick out some puppies. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. I’m moving on with my life, remaining healthy and holy fuck, I’m going to be a father. I think as I shake my head.

  First things first, I need to obviously get to know Tatum. After all, she’s more than a conquest now and I should probably get my previous thoughts of reversing the roles thrown out the door. Sure, the thought of fucking her is still in my mind, purely on a basic level. I’ve made plans with her on Saturday and then I plan to be involved as much as she allows.

  Then I need to talk to Leo. I think as I pull out my phone to shoot him a text while I’m rearranging my life mentally.

  Then I need to go to Dane and Sterling’s and stay busy with them. And I shoot off a text to both of them that I’m coming over and to put some clothes on. I’m not feeling the itch necessarily to drink, since I’m staying focused on other things, while the itch still is in the back of my mind to casually have a drink – I’ve got other things now that will become more important, things like a baby on the way. Holy Fuck!