Page 56 of More Than a Fling

“What do you think I want you to do? Take yourself out of the equation. He doesn’t need the temptation of you pulling him away from doing what’s right. He obviously isn’t strong enough to do it on his own.”

“I need to get back to my client now. Thank you for telling me and I wish you all the luck in the world.”

“I need more than luck. I need you to let go of Gabe. He won’t come back to me with you in the picture,” Robbie said.

“And that is between Gabe and me. I need you to go now.”

“I hope you’ll do the unselfish thing and put yourself in my place. You are the one that will have to live with your decisions. I’ll let myself out.”

Annie sat down heavily at her desk. She needed a minute to pull herself together before returning to her client.I can’t do this!But she would and she could.Suck it up and put on your professional cap girl, you got this.

Returning to her client Annie said, “Thanks for waiting, now about that color…”

“Are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” her client said.

“I’m fine I just received some unexpected news, but I’ll be fine.”

“If you’re sure, Annie we can always reschedule, I’m okay with that.”

“Thank you but no, don’t worry. The distraction will be good for me.”

“I won’t pry but if you need to vent, I’m right here.”

“Thanks Sue.”

* * *

Annie managed to hold it together until she finished with her last client for the day. She had worked alone for most of the day, but Zoey had showed up while Annie was working on her last cut and immediately sensed that Annie was not her usual cheerful self.

“Can I see you for a minute in the back room?” Zoey asked.

“I’m kind of in a hurry,” Annie said, putting her friend off.

“It will only take a sec.”

Annie followed her into the office and Zoey closed the door behind them.

“Spit it out. What’s wrong?”

“I can’t talk it about it right now or I’ll fall apart.”

“What did he do?” Zoey said.

Annie held her belly like she was about to be sick and said, “A girl came in and interrupted me with a client today to inform me that she is pregnant with Gabe’s child.”

“Oh my God! Is she legit?”

“I saw her with Gabe when I went to one of his shows. He told me that he had a fling with her, supposedly only once, a long time ago.”

“I’m so sorry Annie.”

“I’ve really got to go,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.

“I’ll check in with you later, but if you need me now, I can cancel my appointments and come with you.”

“No. I’m supposed to have dinner at his place tonight. I think I’m going to show up anyway and give him a piece of my mind!”

“Make sure you give him a chance to explain.”

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