Chapter Thirty Two

Naomi stood up from the table. "You two know each other" she gasped, looking between them. Her mouth hung open. She was completely dumfounded. How did they know each other? Naomi noticed Gabby putting a hand over her stomach and gasped again. "That's him"?!

She turned back to Jake. "This is her"?

Without breaking eye contact, Jake and Gabby answered simultaneously. "Yes".

But while Jake was too busy wondering about the woman who had disappeared from his bed twice, a different thought occurred to Gabby. She finally turned away from him and looked at her old friend. "Wait, how do you know him, Naomi"?

Naomi suddenly felt uncomfortable; she wanted so badly to squirm. If Jake was the father of Gabby's baby, how would she react to the history Naomi shared with Jake? Keeping it professional, Naomi cautiously answered. "We're business partners. We run this practice together".

"And how do you know her" Jake chimed in, his tone a little accusatory.

"She's been my friend for over twenty years; one of my closest friends in fact. We went to medical school together. Sam and Addison know her as well".

"And you didn't feel the need to tell me" he demanded.

"Tell you what? I didn't even know about your mystery woman until I forced it out of you less than thirty minutes ago" Naomi quipped back defensively. "And I didn't know our friendship required listing every friend of the opposite sex I know. Even if it did, you didn't know her name. How was I supposed to know this was the woman you met in a bar"?

"Don't play dumb Naomi. If you're such good friends, surely she would have told you something about what happened on those nights; you're a smart woman. I'm sure you figured it out and just refused to tell me".

"That's not true, Jake. I've barely had time to process it, let alone play detective".

"Then what was with that coy remark you made earlier? I said that I doubted I would see her again and you all but guaranteed I would. You knew and you set me up" Jake accused.

"It was just a hunch" Naomi shouted. She took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Look, I shouldn't have to explain myself to you but since emotions are running high, I'll give you a pass. For your information, it's actually been a few years since she and I have spoken. We were in the middle of reconnecting when you barged in; I had no idea she was coming to see me today".

"Whatever Nae; if you want to protect her because you've known her longer, fine. But just say you don't want to talk about it; you don't have to lie".

Naomi looked at Jake in wonderment. Jake never lost his temper, never played the blame game. He was always the cool, calm, reasonable, and rational one. Gabby must have really gotten under his skin during their two brief encounters. She was about to respond but Gabby beat her to the punch.

"Jake, is it? I'm sitting right here. If you have any comments or opinions about me, you can direct them towards me and stop referring to me as 'her'. I have a name; it's Gabby" she retorted, her feisty persona starting to rise as the initial shock of seeing her anonymous lover wore off. Now, she was just pissed.

"Why would I talk to you, Gabby" Jake said derisively. "The two times we've interacted, you harassed me, forced me to buy you a drink, bullied me into bed, and then disappeared without a word".

"Bullied you into bed" Gabby said incredulously. "How is it even possible to bully a heterosexual man into bed? Don't act cute in front of Naomi. You wanted me, I know you did".

"Yeah, I wanted you to leave me alone".

"Then why didn't you tell me to go away"?

"I did. You wouldn't listen".

"Well, you could've fooled me. For someone who was bullied into sex, it sure didn't take you long either time to rip my clothes off. It must've been so hard getting so hard at the mere touch of my hand; not to mention how difficult it must've been for you to penetrate me before my back even hit the bed. The struggle is real, isn't it"?!

"You and that mouth of yours" Jake growled, his hands balling into fists out of frustration.

"What about my mouth? You sure didn't have any objections to it when I was…."

"Okay, just calm down you two" Naomi interjected. "Clearly, this conversation has gotten off on the wrong foot. Just take a step back and get your bearings".

Jake paced back and forth. "What is she even doing here, Naomi? We specialize in fertility and obstetrics…" his speech broke off mid sentence. A sense of foreboding filled Jake; he turned and looked directly at the woman who had been haunting his dreams for weeks now. "What exactly are you doing here, Gabby"?

"Jake…" Naomi started.

"No, It's okay Nae. He has a right to know" Gabby said quietly, putting a hand on her friend's arm and standing up slowly. She was shaking violently on the inside, but she stood her ground and squared her jaw. "The truth is I'm pregnant".

Jake went as pale as a sheet. "Who's the father"?

"You are".

"Are you sure"?

"Yes".

Jake plopped down into the nearest seat, at a near loss for words. He grabbed his hair and shook his head. "No, No, this doesn't make any sense. We….just last night. You were drinking" he exclaimed.

"I'm eight weeks along so that would mean I got pregnant the first time we had sex; and I was drinking last night because I didn't realize I was pregnant until after I left you this morning. It suddenly occurred to me that I hadn't had a period since before I met you".

"It just conveniently occurred to you after you saw me again" Jake asked skeptically. "What kind of fool do you take me for"?

"Excuse me"?

"I said what type of fool do you take me for" Jake repeated angrily, rising back to his feet. "Before this goes one step further, I want a paternity test. I don't even know you; there's no way I'm taking you at your word".

"You son of a bitch" Gabby shouted, ready to lunge for Jake.

"Gabby, don't". Naomi held her back and gave a disapproving look to her business partner. "Jake, I can't believe you just said that. You're one of the kindest people I've ever met but looking at you now, no one would ever know it. Right now you're being the world's biggest jackass".

"Me? I barely know this woman and she's already trying to put a baby on me. How am I supposed to react"?!

"Let me go, Naomi. LET ME GO" Gabby screamed.

Naomi held her tighter. "No, Gabby. You need to calm down. I know he's being an asshole but you have more than just you to think about right now. You're pregnant". She looked back at Jake. "I don't know who you are right now Jake but you need to get it together and fast. I know this is a shock for you but at the end of the day, you and Gabby were two consenting adults who decided to have unprotected sex. This is the end result. Do you honestly think she's trying to pull one over on you? Look at her Jake; really look at her. She's scared out her mind and you're not helping one bit".

"Her being scared has nothing to do with me. I just want to make sure the child is mine before I even lift one finger".

Gabby felt like her skin was burning; it was wonder that Naomi's fingers hadn't been singed yet. She was so angry she couldn't see straight. But most of all, she was hurt. In the back of her mind, she had started to think there might have been a connection with the mystery man from the bar. But he was just like every other man on the planet; a complete asshole. Tears began to stream down her face as that painful reality hit her; because discovering who Jake really was still didn't change the fact that she was carrying his child. "What makes you think I need anything from you? You're fucking worthless" Gabby said shakily, as her tears turned into sobs.

Jake was about to come back with another smart comment but Naomi held up her hand and cut him off. "Get out, Jake. I don't want to look at or talk to you until you come back to your senses. I'm sure you have patients to see anyways. As a matter of fact you can take mine as well because I'm canceling the rest of my day. I have to be here for my friend who you've hurt and completely disrespected. So, just leave us alone and get out" she said shortly, as she enfolded Gabby into her arms.

"Nae…"

"GET OUT" Naomi screamed, leaving no further room for arguments.

Something about the force behind Naomi's words knocked Jake out of rage induced cloudy vision. As if suddenly coming out a trance, Jake shook his head and the saw the picture in front of him clearly. He saw one woman in tears and another woman whose face was completely disgusted and crestfallen as she tried to comfort her friend. The words that had just come out of his mouth…had he really said them? Had it really been him? He had turned into an absolute mad man; he didn't even recognize himself. What had gotten into him? He had to fix this situation immediately but the death stare Naomi was giving him let him know he would have to wait. Uttering one more word in that moment would endanger his life. Nodding hesitantly, he opened the door and slipped away.

"Everything is going to be fine Gabriella. I'm taking you home with me and we're going to spend the day together. Everything will be fine. I'll stay with you as long as you need me" She whispered, as she rubbed Gabby's hair and let her cry on her shoulder.

…

"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but someone just woke up" James said softly, as he approached the living room, toting Isaiah who was still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. As he entered the room, he observed Naomi and Gabby sitting on the couch, dressed in comfy clothes, snuggled under blankets, and drinking hot tea. The scene looked liked they belonged in a cold and drafty house in Vermont instead of a light and airy house in California. However, it was understandable. They were both going through a rough time and if having a lazy day on the couch in warm clothes made them feel better, he was all for it. He wanted his little sister and Gabby to be happy. Hell, he'd viewed Gabby as his little sister too ever since he'd met her almost twenty years ago.

"It's fine" Naomi smiled tiredly. "He can meet mommy's old friend, isn't that right Zay-Zay" she cooed as she put down her coffee mug and took Isaiah. He immediately snuggled up against her chest. "Looks like someone might still be sleepy".

"I can put him back down if you want" James offered.

"No, it's fine. He can stay right here with me" Naomi said, kissing his forehead and rocking him.

"Fine, if you say so. I'm about to get out of the house for a while, run a few errands. Do you ladies need anything"?

Gabby, who had been silent up until that point, shook her head. "No, but thank you for the offer; I still can't be you're here. It's so good to see you after all these years".

"It's good to see you too. Hopefully we'll have even more time to catch up".

"Trust me; I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. That would be great James" she agreed warmly.

"Nae, do you need anything" he asked his sister again.

"No, I'm fine. Stay gone as long as you need; take a little time for yourself".

"Will do, but I have my phone on me. Call me if you ladies need anything" he waved before heading towards the front door.

"Bye" they repeated simultaneously.

"Say hello to mommy's friend, Gabby" Naomi encouraged as she continued to rock Isaiah. He turned to Gabby and smiled shyly but didn't say anything. "Since when are you shy" Naomi teased, tickling him. He doubled over and laughed hysterically, his deep dimples making an appearance.

"Hi Isaiah" Gabby waved.

This time Isaiah acknowledged her by waving back and shouting "aaahhh".

"He's so beautiful, Nae".

"Thank you".

Gabby tried to tread carefully with her next words. "I couldn't help but notice that he's almost the spitting image of Sam".

At the mention of his father's name, Isaiah immediately became even more excitable. "Dada, DADAAA" he squealed, jumping up and down in Naomi's lap.

Naomi shook her head. "You just had to say the 'S' word" she sighed, trying to calm her son down. "I guess by Zay's obvious enthusiasm, you've gotten the answer to your hidden question".

"Yes, I did. But I have another question and I'm willing to bet you already know what it is".

Naomi put Isaiah down on the floor. Apparently being tickled and hearing Sam's name had warded off any lingering symptoms of sleepiness. As soon as he was set free, he waddled over to one of his numerous toys spread around the living room. Naomi looked down at her stomach and touched it gingerly. "Yes, this baby is his too".

"And"?

"And, what"?

Gabby rolled her eyes. She knew the game Naomi was playing and despised it. Why was it so hard for the woman to give direct answers without making someone work so hard for them? "And...are you two back together"?

"No".

"Then how did this happen"?

"We had sex".

"Naomi" Gabby exclaimed, exasperated.

"We had a lot of sex".

"No. I'm not playing this game with you. I want to know how all of this happened, the whole damn story. And in case you have a hard time choosing where to start, start at the very beginning".

"This day is supposed to be about you" Naomi hedged. How many times would someone demand she share her life story?

"Oh, knowing you, I'm sure we'll get back to me. But right now, I want to know about you. So, start from the beginning and don't leave anything out".

Naomi sighed. Gabby was just as stubborn as she was. There was no way to get around it. Looking over at Isaiah, she checked to make sure he was okay before delving into her story.

After hearing Naomi's account, Gabby almost didn't have any words...almost. "So, let me get this straight. You love him, he loves you, you're about to have another baby by him and you're STILL not together"?

"How am I supposed to trust him after Addison? He didn't have a fling with her. It wasn't just sex. He dated her for two years! He considered having children with her"! Naomi shook her head. "That's something I can't get past".

"Yet, you were perfectly fine sleeping with him"?

"I was horny. I wasn't thinking".

"Finally, something we can agree on; you weren't thinking. Because if you were, you would realize there is no way in hell you would've wound up in this predicament if it was just sex".

"That's not true".

"Oh yeah, then let me ask you this. Did it ever occur to you to use a condom or any other form of contraception at any point during this affair with Sam"?

"No" Naomi exclaimed. "He's my husband...was my husband" she replied, trying to catch herself.

"You had it right the first time. He's your husband. The divorce didn't magically change how you feel about each other. He dated other people and you dated other people but you still love each other. Stop being stubborn and go get your man".

Naomi shook her head defiantly. "I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. You wanted to kill both Sam and Addison when you found out about them. As a matter of fact, I vividly remember you cursing me out for being so calm about the whole situation. Now you want to act like my ex-husband dating one of my former best friends is no big deal? You want to act like you don't hate Addison"?!

"I never hated Addison; I just knew she was capable of pulling some shit like this without being called out on it, or at least not immediately. If I had done the same thing, it would be a different story. You would've instantly dropped me from your memory".

"Gabby..." Naomi started, feeling guilty.

"I didn't say that to make you feel bad, Nae. I actually take it as a compliment. It lets me know that you trust me enough not to even expect I would do something like that. I don't think you necessarily expected Addison to betray you as deeply as she did, but when you really think about it, are you really surprised"?

Naomi took a moment to really consider Gabby's question. She was shocked to discover she agreed. Though she and Gabby had grown up in nice upper middle class families, Addison was still in a different league. She came from a world of affluence and endless privilege...white privilege at that. And though she couldn't help the color of her skin - and certainly never tried to take advantage of it - her color and wealth had helped inform how she saw the world. As a consequence, when Addison believed in or really wanted something, she tended to put blinders on. As long as she could justify her actions to herself, nothing and no one else's opinion mattered. In fact, she would look at anyone who didn't agree with her like they were the incompetent ones. Deep down, Naomi had seen this day coming. She just never expected it to involve Sam. "You're right" Naomi sighed.

Gabby nodded. "That has always been what irked me about Addison. The betrayals to her friends and family. Think about it. You weren't even the first she's done this to. She slept with Derek's best friend, Mark, and then proceeded to date him after they got caught".

"Why do you think people keep giving her a pass" Naomi asked.

"I don't know. I don't think I would forgive her. Then again, she knows better than to ever try me. But unlike me, you have such a kind and forgiving nature; so does Derek; so do a lot of people she's met over the years. I'm not trying to imply that she only seeks out weak people to befriend; if anything she sees those qualities as strength. Because even if she can't see it in the moment, Addison is aware of how flawed she is. I think she subconsciously tries to surround herself around people who will love and accept her, despite her flaws. And even I have to admit, the moments when she's able to overcome her flaws, she really is one of the best friends you could have. Her beliefs also make her fight just as hard for her friends as she would for herself".

"I hear what you're saying. But she has stretched the limits of my forgiveness capabilities. Even if I wanted to forgive her, I don't think I should. Sam is the love of my life and...and she..." Naomi's voice began to tremble. "And if anyone knows me better than myself, it's Sam. How could he not even think about what being with Addison would...would do.." Naomi stopped talking. She didn't want to cry. She was tired of crying.

Gabby put a hand on Naomi's knee and spoke softly. "Sam messed up unbelievably bad. On a scale of 1-10, it's a 15. When I found out about him and Addison, I was so angry. I too wondered how they could do that to you. If I had gone near them, I think I really would have killed them so I took my anger out on you, hence the cursing out. I sincerely apologize for that. But Nae, despite everything that happened, your feelings for Sam refuse to go away; same with him. Nothing has changed the fact that you love each other. And after all the heartbreak, you're carrying his child. That has to mean something".

"Does it? Then what does carrying Jake's child mean for you and him" Naomi asked, flipping the script on her friend. She had to take a break from thinking about Sam to keep her sanity. "Because unlike me, you're the contraception queen. So what happened? It has to mean something".

Sitting up straight, Gabby smiled wryly. "Nice segue, well played".

"I learned from the best and you did say we would get back to you. Seriously, what happened, Gabby? Not only did you break the contraception rule, you broke your one-night-only rule. You saw him again just last night".

Had it only been last night since she'd been with him? After this morning, it felt like years. She tried hard to think but no answers would come to her. "I...I...I don't know" Gabby stuttered, her mouth gaping open like a fish.

"I think you do know. Deep down, you feel something for him, don't you"?

"If you mean hatred, then yes. I could kill that man. The things he said to me..." Gabby trailed off, blinded by rage. Her cheeks turned a flustered shade of red. "I don't even know why I entertained him in the first place. He has been a complete asshole since the second I met him".

Naomi glanced down at Gabby's abdomen. "And yet, he managed to impregnate you. Please, explain".

"Nae, come on" Gabby moaned.

"No, you come on. You forced me to lay all my shit bare; time for you to do the same".

"But I don't know what happened" Gabby exclaimed. "I don't know" she repeated softly. "Maybe it was my ego. Guys never turn me down, Nae. You know that. How many countless exploits have I told you about"?

"Too many".

"Exactly. So when I approached him and he gave me the cold shoulder, I think I was in a mild state of shock. But instead of walking away like I should have, I took it as a challenge".

"So, Jake was right. You did seduce him".

"Yeah, seduced him, not bullied him; the way he told it, you would have thought I drugged and raped him. That's not how it went down. I might have pushed his buttons but once we were in that room together, with no one around, it was different. We both dropped pretenses and gave each other a glimpse of our true selves. I stopped being the overtly sexual flirt and let him see the real me, let him see how nervous and insecure I was. When he noticed my vulnerability, he saw me in a different light. He stopped looking at me like I was a pain in the ass and saw me as a real person; as a woman that intrigued him; as a woman he wanted to get to know. Nae, the way he looked at me in that moment, the way he smiled softly and grazed my cheek...he made me feel like.. Like I was..."

"The most beautiful woman in the world" Naomi finished for Gabby absentmindedly, going into a momentary daze. She knew that look. Jake used to look at her like that.

Red flags immediately popped up in Gabby's head. She took a closer look at Naomi. "Exactly how do you know Jake again"?

Naomi's leg jerked reflexively. "I told you. We're business partners".

"Yes, but how exactly did you two meet".

"When I first moved back to down, he stopped by the practice to introduce himself. He wanted to know who was stealing all of his referrals from the hospital. Apparently, Sam had been recommending me before I even got back to town".

"So, you two just met and automatically decided to start a business together".

"Not exactly" Naomi said nervously. "There was a little more to it".

"You fucked him, didn't you"? A strong bout of jealousy began to rise from Gabby's soul.

"NOOO" Naomi shouted. "No, I promise I didn't. But...we briefly dated".

"I see" Gabby replied, still on guard. This nightmare of a day refused to end. The father of her child was a man she barely knew and a man who had said the most awful things to her; but despite his cruel words and her reluctance to admit it, every second that passed she was beginning to realize Jake wasn't an ordinary one night stand. Maybe it was the baby growing inside her, but she was feeling things for him she shouldn't. Now, to top off the worst and most confusing day, it turned out that her best friend had already dated him. Gabby was afraid to learn anything else but she had to know. "Why did it end"?

"Does it really matter, Gabby" Naomi hedged. "Obviously it didn't work out or we'd still be a couple".

"Why didn't it work out, Nae"?

Naomi sighed and looked down. "He broke up with me because I wasn't ready to take things to the next level. He was convinced I would never get over Sam. He was right".

"So... basically he was head over heels in love with you but knew you would never feel the same way. I'm just a rebound".

"Gabby it's not like that at all. Yes, he had feelings for me and though I couldn't reciprocate them fully, I had feelings for him. In a different world, maybe we would have been together. But it didn't work out and we both were able to move past our feelings and remain friends and business partners. If Jake slept with you, it's because he wanted to, not because he couldn't have someone else".

"God, you're so naive sometimes. You've never understood the power you have over men. They literally worship the ground you walk on".

"Gabby..."

"No, let me explain. I've always been the flirt. I can get any man's attention at least for one night. Addison has always been the trophy. She has always been seen as some big prize that men have vied for. But because those men didn't really get to know her once the shine of a new relationship wore off, they were automatically ready to move on. You, on the other hand, have always been the wife. When men flocked to you, they automatically saw a future with you. I bet if we called up any of your exes, even Archer, they would say you were the best thing that ever happened to them. Half of them are probably kicking themselves for letting you get away and the other half, who have managed to move on, still think of you periodically".

Naomi shook her head vehemently in disagreement. "You're crazy. Even on the less than one percent chance you were telling the truth, what does that have to do with you and Jake"?

"How can you not get it? Jake didn't break up with you because he didn't want you; he broke up with you because he couldn't have you. So, anyone he meets after that he's just settling for".

"That's not true, Gabby. Besides, why do care? Unless...you like him" Naomi observed. She'd had the inkling all day that Gabby had real feelings for Jake; this confirmed it.

"It doesn't matter. He likes you" Gabby pouted, her whole body looking dejected.

"Correction. He did like me. He's moved on. He likes you".

"Naomi..."

"No, it's my turn to explain. You're not the flirt you think you are. You're just like me, you like commitment. But ever since Damon..." Gabby covered her ears but Naomi immediately yanked her hands back down and kept them firmly gripped in hers. "You need to hear his name. Ever since Damon broke your heart, you haven't been willing to open yourself up to the idea of loving someone again. But I'm here to tell you; despite your best efforts, I think Jake has managed to get pass your guard. Your feelings for him are very real and seemingly very strong".

"But he likes you" Gabby repeated, near tears.

"No he doesn't, Gabby. Trust me when I say he has very real and very strong feelings for you too. The way Jake was acting this morning...I've never seen that type of behavior from him. He never lets anything ruffle his feathers. But just the mere sight of you set him on edge. There is no way he would have reacted that strongly unless you had gotten under his skin too. I guarantee he's beating himself up and already thinking of a way to apologize".

"Whatever" Gabby muttered, looking down.

"Don't whatever me. I promise you beyond the shadow of a doubt that the doorbell is going to ring before the day is over and that Jake will be standing on the other side. And when he apologizes for being an asshole, I want you to forgive him and give him a real chance, Gabriella". Naomi paused to grab her friends chin and lift it so that they were making direct eye contact. "Don't let fears, doubts, your history, or his history prevent you from pursuing what could be your best shot at true love and happiness".

"Nae, I'm scared. You're right, I think I do like him but I can't have my heart broken again. I wouldn't survive it".

"Yes, you would. I've had the same man break my heart over and over again but I'm still here. You will survive; if not for yourself, you'll do it for your child. But it's a moot point because Jake is not going to break your heart, he is going to heal it. I don't know how I know, I just know. This whole situation feels like destiny. Jake is a great friend, but I'm starting to believe he only came into my life so he could meet you".

"Nae" Gabby whispered, tears dripping from her glistening eyes.

"Stop it" Naomi demanded. "Stop crying before you get me started. I've done enough crying over the last few years to last a lifetime and I'm tired of it. Besides, don't you want to look good for when Jake comes"?

"Don't you mean if"?

"No, I mean when; so, be ready".

"Fine, I will; but on one condition".

"What"?

"That you give Sam another chance".

"Sam and I have a completely different situation. There are so many more factors involved".

"Maybe so, but it all boils down to the same thing. You're afraid of being hurt again just like me. I love you Naomi and you deserve to be happy too. Take your own advice and take the leap. Will you"?

Naomi racked her brain for an answer but before she could come up with one, the doorbell rang.