Chapter 180

Nobody enjoyed their dinner after that.  Jon had excused himself after a huge argument with Richie, got into his car and drove away. Megan knew where he was going to and her heart felt heavy.

“I’m sorry Meg. But fucking hell! How could he do such a stupid thing?”

“Rich, Jon has some issues he is dealing with and I think assuring that Dorothea and the baby are safe is his way to work through it.”

He saw the shadows in her eyes and he felt so damn sorry for her.

“And who suffers because of that? Just you Meg. You and the baby we all know is his. Not maybe. Definitely.”

Megan’s eyes widened.

“What are you talking about Rich?”

Richie knew he had said too much.

“Nothin. Just something that’s been on my mind for a while.”

“Rich. I know you mean well, but don’t look for something that isn’t there. We’ll have to accept that that the baby Dorothea is carrying is Jon’.” As hard as it was for her, she had to try and convince herself off that fact.

“I wont accept it, until the paternity test, comes back.”

“Dot is not going to have a paternity test Rich or do you know something I don’t?”

“I’ll get behind this all, even if I have to convince Jon to get a paternity test. That is NOT Jon’s baby.”

Hope flicker for a moment in her eyes. Suddenly the light was doused and tears shot into her eyes.

“Don’t say things you cant prove Rich. Please dont let Jon find out what you’re up to and don’t tell me. I don’t want to know and for God’s sake Rich, don’t upset Dorothea or Jon will have your ass.”

She stood up but he gripped her hand.

“I’m doing this for you honey, only for you and Jon’s happiness. IF I’m wrong I’ll accept it BUT if I’m right, everything could change in the blink of an eye. I won’t make unnecessary waves, not that you could see anyway. But I’m going to expose Dorothea for the lying bitch I think she is.”

~~

Jon came home late that night and found Megan fast asleep. The next morning he woke up, she was gone already.

Staring at the ceiling he felt control slip from his hands. What’s happening to them? Life seems to throw curve balls their way and it always happens that it separates them.

The scene of yesterday flashed through his mind’s eyes and he growled as he stood up. Why did he feel frustrated about Meg helping Jason and he expects her to support him with Dorothea? Was he going insane? Was he losing his damn marbles?

~~

Dorothea heard footsteps slowing right by her door and she turned to smile at the visitor, certain that it would be Jon. It wasn’t Jon.

“What are you doing here?” Fear clutched at her bosom as she stared at the flower arrangement in his hands.

“That’s a stupid question. I heard you were in hospital. I worried about you!”

He placed the arrangement next to Jon’s and turned towards her. He had dark circles under his eyes.

“Are you and the baby ok?”

“Yes, we are alright.”

He leaned forward and kissed her softly. The unleashed hunger for her threatened to lash out and he quivered, fighting the battle.

“Robert, please!” Jon would be here any moment now! Shit!

“I miss you darlin’.  You drive me up the walls. Please let me look after you and our baby?”

Someone walked in and Dorothea’s heart almost gave out. A nurse smiled apologetically. This wasn’t making sense. This man talking about his baby and Mr. Bon Jovi sitting here day in and out, fear eating away at him. Was this woman playing the field or something? A slight frown dug into her forehead as she excused herself.

She found a stocky little man in the hallway. He appeared to be lost and she offered her assistance.

~~

Jon walked in to find a blond stranger next to Dorothea’s bed. Dorothea looked like a wild animal caught in headlights. Confusion flashed in the stranger’s face as Jon held out his hand, introducing himself.

“Robert is a good friend of mine. He brought me beautiful flowers. Look Jon. Isn’t it gorgeous?”

Robert knew Jon well.  Dorothea was heartbroken after her break up with him and he picked up all the pieces. What the hell was he doing in her life again?

Robert didn’t stay long after that. He had this distinct feeling that Dorothea didn’t want him there.

~~

Megan was emotionally and physically drained by midday. Jason was shaken to the core, leaving her to do the majority of arrangements.

Jason was on the brink of a breakdown. Worried sick about him, she called the doctor.

He administered him a mild tranquilizer and not long after that, did Jason drift off.

She kept herself busy by tidying his place. He usually was a neat freak, but his house was in disarray! Washing the dishes, doing some laundry and cooking him a light meal she felt the need for a light meal herself and a much needed cup of coffee.

After doing the last dishes, she wrote a quick note, telling him that there was supper in the oven for him.

She left the light of the hallway on, checked on him, seeing that he was out cold, she left.

Jon was already home when she walked in the front door. Her body was tired and achy. All she could think of was a warm bath and a soft bed.

Jon found her in the bedroom, sitting tiredly on the bed. He could hear the bath filling and smelled her favorite bath oil  the air.

“You’re back late.” He kept his voice light.

“I know. I helped Jason at his house a bit, made him a meal and so on.”

If she’d looked at him she would have seen his tightly balled fists.

“I called a doctor to give him something to sleep. He is really in a bad way. The funeral is on Friday, maybe he’ll be ok after that is over.”

Poor, unselfish baby! Here he was simmering knowing that she was in his house, although she actually played the good Samaritan.

Closing the taps for her she drew her into his chest. He stilled immediately. Jason’s scent was all over her again. For fuck’s sake!

Megan couldn’t understand why he shoved her lightly from him and walked out without even  as much as a hello kiss.