Page 82 of Moving to Love
Monday morning, Joci called her doctor. The nurse took the information and said one of them would call her back. She tried to work, but her mind kept tossing things around. She called Jackie and talked to her about her symptoms, along with her thoughts and her fears.
Jackie laughed at her. “Joci, it’s different this time. You’re in a great relationship, and you’re getting married. It isn’t like last time. Try to enjoy this time for you two. You didn’t get to when you were pregnant with Gunnar. If Jeremiah wants to get married right away, we’ll all pull together and get everything done for you. To be honest, I’m pretty excited to be an aunt again. What does Gunnar think about having a little brother or sister?”
“I haven’t said anything to him yet. I don’t want to until I know for sure. He called this morning to tell me my bike is ready, and it was hard not to say anything. I’m waiting for Doctor Wan to call back. I’m on pins and needles.”
They finished their conversation, and Joci tried getting a few things done around the house. Jeremiah called three times to see if Dr. Wan had called back. He was nervous and excited. She hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed.
Finally, at three thirty, Dr. Wan’s office called and asked if Joci could come in for a pregnancy test. She called Jackie to come with her then Jackie could drop her by the shop so she could bring her bike home. Nothing could clear Joci’s head like a great motorcycle ride.
After the doctor visit, the two sisters were headed to the shop. The ride seemed endless, and she was nervous about the whole thing. Jackie chattered all the way about everything, which gave Joci a headache.
Pulling up to the back door, Jackie turned to her sister. “Call me when you get home. I want to hear all about it.”
“I will. Wish me luck.” Without waiting, she turned and walked into the shop.
She said hello to Janice and Angel and walked up the stairs to Jeremiah’s office. She opened the door to see LuAnn sitting in a chair in Jeremiah’s office, crying. “Well, look, Joci’s here to gloat,” she spat.
“What are you talking about?” Joci looked at Jeremiah, her brows furrowed.
Jeremiah stood. “LuAnn is just leaving. For good.”
Joci held his eyes with hers for several heartbeats.
“You two piss me the fuck off,” LuAnn exclaimed as she rammed Joci with her shoulder and stormed out the door.
“You fired her?”
“Yes. You’ve had enough; I’ve had enough. If we’re going to have a baby, I don’t want her anywhere near you. Speaking…”
A loud crash sounded down in the shop, and somebody screamed. Jeremiah ran to the door, Joci following close behind. As they landed on the bottom step, Jeremiah ran across the shop just as LuAnn grabbed one of the bikes on the floor and pushed it over.
“Goddammit, LuAnn, what the fuck are you doing? Get out. Get the fuck out now,” he roared.
LuAnn flipped him off, headed to the shelves, and began throwing the stock onto the floor. She picked up an oil can and flung it toward Joci. She had moved out of the way before it hit her. Jeremiah grabbed LuAnn’s arm before she threw another can of oil, getting hit in the arm himself. He pulled both of her hands behind her back. Everyone else in the shop scrambled around.
LuAnn screamed while leveling her eyes at Joci. “You fucking bitch; you ruined everything.”
She kicked back at Jeremiah, who held her hands tighter while trying to dodge her feet.
“I hate you, you bitch. I hate you! I hope you die,” she shrieked.
Jeremiah yelled to Joci, “Go home, okay? I’ll be there as soon as I finish here. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Jeremiah’s gaze held Joci’s. LuAnn’s heel landed on the top of Jeremiah’s shin, and he bellowed and hopped to the other foot, “Fuck, LuAnn. Knock it off.”
Chase ran from the back to see what was happening. “LuAnn, what the fuck? Cool it, for crying out loud.”
“This fucker fired me. Can you fucking believe that? His girlfriend is jealous as hell, so he fires ME!” she yelled and squirmed trying to get away from Jeremiah.
Chase walked closer, never taking his eyes off LuAnn. “LuAnn, honey, please calm down.” His hands held out in front of him, imploring her to calm down.
Deacon had been getting ready to leave for home, but he rushed in and picked up the bike LuAnn had pushed to the floor. He turned towards Jeremiah. “Deac, get Joci out of here.”
Jeremiah’s eyes flicked over to Joci. He jerked his head toward the back door; she nodded and backed out of the shop toward the garage. Deacon followed her out.
Joci glanced back and saw JT and Ryder each grab one of LuAnn’s arms to help Jeremiah.
As she zipped up her jacket, her hands shook. She had never seen anyone lose it like that.
