Ste was sad. Ste was lonely. Winter was bringing him down. Maybe he had a head cold. Maybe he had no business being out. He found himself slowly realizing he wasn't with Gabby anymore.
He couldn't say when it exactly happened. She'd said she was sick over a month ago. Of course, he wanted to know what kind of sick. Should he be worried? Even then, he knew it was a lie when she said she had Strep Throat.
Now, the back of his eyes hurt. He found it hard to smile. He wouldn't have been here if it hadn't been for Valentina. Still, he felt he was in a room full of strangers. Before he knew it he was holding baby Jake, Lux's little one.
Jake looked him over as if he might know him. He settled back on him and soon fell asleep. Next thing he knew Will looked at him as if he'd done the unthinkable.
"Did I do something wrong?" Ste looked up at him. He wasn't used to babies. He hadn't seen his nephew since Christmas. Ste felt his eyes full of tears, but not a drop shed. He blinked, drew a breath and handed Jake over to Will who put the baby on a blanket.
Finally, Ste got a plate full of food. He ate it, even if he didn't really taste it. Of course, he didn't say much. He could see Valentina trying to laugh, but she really didn't. She couldn't. He was certain she felt miserable too.
She came over with a sack of goodies. He didn't know what to make of the celebration. She'd given him shaving cream, body wash and one of the sock critters she made. Ste briefly smiled.
If only he could sleep, he felt he hadn't slept in weeks. He knew no one would believe him, but cold winters were meant for sleeping together. That's when the best sex happened. Maybe he was a Neanderthal, after all. His brain must be wired differently.
But he kept quiet. Maybe his heart wouldn't hurt for long if he met someone. Still, it hurt to think he was that kind of person too. Only, he wasn't going call Gabby again. She hadn't answered nor texted. So be it.
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