Page 103 of Missing Marcus

Gabby winced. His voice was cold and formal, not the relaxed one she experienced over the last few days.

“I filled your water bottle and the snacks are on the seat behind me.” Marcus informed her.

“I didn’t consider a minivan when I thought about what type of car I’ll want to purchase. These ride comfortably. It seems like it has plenty of room for baby items and such, too,” she said, trying to break the tension between them.

“It’s your decision. I’ll pay half,” he announced.

She gave a little snort. “We agreed to half the baby items, not my car payment.”

“My child will ride in whatever vehicle you decide upon. You’ll need it to take the baby to appointments and such. It’s only fair I split the cost. I’m sure Saint can help you pick one with all the safety features you might want.”

Gabby hesitated. “Marcus. Did I do something wrong?”

His mouth thinned as he kept his eyes on the road. “No.”

“Then why do I feel like you’re upset? Your jaw’s clenched and if you grip the steering wheel any harder, it’ll break in half,” she said as she watched him.

“I’m trying to get you to the courthouse on time. We don’t want to miss the divorce proceedings. Since I agreed not to let the court decide how we parent, why don’t you make your demands? Do I get a say or will I always be punished for screwing everything up between us? We both know you’ll never let me forget.”

Gabby straightened in the seat. “Do you want to discuss something now?”

“No.”

“What’s your problem?” she asked. “You seemed fine before I left to speak with Bryanna.”

“Nothing,” he said icily.

“Won’t you talk to me? You said we needed to communicate,” she asked.

“Yeah. I guess the rule only applies to one of us,” he snarked.

“What do you mean? I’m trying to talk to you now,” she exclaimed.

“Really? It seems you can talk to everyone but me. I’m well aware my mistakes caused severe damage to our relationship. Something you’ll never forget. I hoped to show you how I plan to support you, but I get the feeling nothing I do will ever make up for it,” he bit out.

She sighed and glanced out the window. “If Saint did this to Bryanna, what advice would you give her?”

“I’d beg her to leave him. Don’t worry. I’ll get you to the courthouse on time to sign the documents,” he replied.

Gabby rubbed her belly and stifled the sob. He overheard her venting to Bryanna. Didn’t he understand how conflicted she felt? Not to mention how awkward it seemed to be riding shotgun with the man you planned to divorce. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” she said softly.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you either,” he snapped.

“Pull the car over. Now,” she demanded. Gabby refused to ride for several hours in a van with an angry Marcus.

Marcus pulled to the side of the road. Gabby opened her door to get out.

“Stay here,” he ordered as he opened his door, stepped out and slammed it shut. She watched him in the rearview mirror as he stalked to the truck pulling in behind them. He gestured stiffly to the van and spoke adamantly with them. A minute later, Patch slid out of the passenger seat and jogged toward the van as Marcus took his place.

Patch got in and smiled. “Wow. It must be a world record somewhere. Not even a half hour and butthead got booted from the car. Don’t worry. I’m a much better driver and ride along partner. Shadow drew the short stick and he’ll bitch when we make it to the hotel.”

“It’s my fault,” she admitted sadly. “He overheard me speaking to Bryanna.”

“It doesn’t matter. You’re stuck with me. Why don’t you find us some road trip music?” Patch suggested.

“What kind of music do you like?” she asked.

“Anything. I prefer the oldies but can listen to anything except sappy love songs. Claire makes me listen to those and I want to pull my hair out.”

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