Never by Blue Saffire

Chapter 45

The Reasons

Gutter

When I get back to the reception, my gaze lands on Terry and Sal, talking in the corner once again. If Sal I won't talk, Terry's about the spill. I March over to them and grab Terry by his forearm, dragging him with me.

“What's going on, what are you two keeping from me?”

“Pier, this is between you two. Sal should be the one to tell you,” he replies.

“I've tried that already. Is there something I should be worried about?”

“No, Pier, I think you need to show her it's safe to tell you,” he says.

“Why wouldn't she feel safe talking to me?”

“I don't know, but you guys need to figure it out, you're both driving me crazy. ”

I tug at my hair in frustration. I don't know what else to do. Terry taps his hand against my chest.

“Listen to me, have you shown her, does she know?” he nods at the stage where the band had just taken a break.

I groan and roll my eyes. “Yes, she knows. She also knows why I wouldn't do that here.”

“Perfect, which is exactly why you should show her you can change, take away that fear. If you can do this, you can do anything.”

I look from him to the stage and bounce on my toes. For Sal, I would, I want to if she needs to know I can change and this will show her I will.

No matter how much it feels like my insides are burning, I muster up the courage and start to walk toward the empty stage. I feel Terry following at my back, and I already know he's going to do this with me. He runs ahead and sits at the drum set. I step up to the mic, trying not to hyperventilate. Looking around the club at all my brothers, I see a bunch of curious faces, but it's not until I see Sal’s face and the smile on her lips that I nod my head at myself, knowing this is the right thing to do.

If she needs to see change, I'll show her change.

Sal

“What's going on with you guys now?” Eva asks as she pats the seat beside her.

I take the seat next to my sister and wrap an arm around her, placing my palm on her protruding belly. “I have something I need to tell him, but I don't think he's ready for it.

“Is it what I think it is?

“Depends on what you’re thinking,” I say.

Eva turns to me with her mouth gaping open. She reaches a shaky hand out to touch my belly. It's then that I see Gutter step his big frame on the stage. I gasp and cover my mouth.

I’m mesmerized as Terry starts to beat the drums. I know the tune instantly it’s “The Reason” by Hoobastank.

“Oh my God,” Eva exclaims.

My heart fills to the point of exploding. I know he’s only doing this for me. He belts out the lyrics and tears spring to my eyes. The man has such a beautiful voice. Terry’s not doing bad playing the drums either as his thick dark hair flies about around him. I let the lyrics to the song sink in, each one having so much meaning.

“He’s so good,” Eva gushes.

“I know.” I lock eyes with Pierson as his hair falls into his eyes and he belts out the chorus of the song. He’s looking at me through his lashes and it's the hottest sight I've ever seen.

I’m mesmerized by the way he points at me as he really gets into the performance, while singing that I'm the reason. I can't believe he's doing this in front of everyone. Maybe if he can do this, maybe he is ready for me to tell him the truth.

“Go up there, go get your man,” Eva says as she pushes me from my seat.

I stand from my seat and start for the stage as I whistle and shout. The rest of the brothers and their ladies stand around clapping and cheering as well.

I run for the stage as he steps down. I fling myself at him and wrap my arms and legs around him. He catches me and holds me tight against his chest. I know it's now or never. I lean into his ear and whisper, “I'm pregnant,” I breathe and back away to look him in the eyes.

His blue-gray eyes are wide with surprise. He bites down on his bottom lip as he starts to rub my back.

“Did you really think you couldn't tell me that?” he says as he nuzzles the tip of my nose with his. “I'd do anything for you, be a father, stand on a stage in front of all my brothers and sing, anything.”

“I love you,” I say through my tears

“I love you too and I'm never letting you go.”