Chapter 60 The Bar
Arden's POV
I had some dinner with Sebastian. He is part of my dad's team, so he came with me to New York. We have another meeting tomorrow, so I hope that things work out in the meeting. I hope that Lana will be okay to do it. When I followed Sebastian out of the restaurant, I spotted Lana, she was having dinner with someone. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions because what is done is done.
I hardly ate at the restaurant. Walking on the sidewalk with Sebastion, he came to a stop. He was around my age, a bit of a dark complexion, hair slicked to the back, dressed in a black suit. I was in a black suit too. "You have been awfully quiet the entire time, maybe you need something for that," he said, turning to face me.
I felt like I was in a zone, I was becoming a father again, something that I wanted to prevent from happening. I cannot do anything about it now, because it is here. I need time because I'm not ready at all. I am stressed and afraid about what the future might hold with another kid. Before it gets out of hand like it did with my wife, I am not going to even take steps further because of a child, no matter how much I love her.
"What is that?" I asked.
"The bar, you need something strong with whatever you have on your mind. I know Lucinda is crazy and all, but while you are here, you need something strong and just forget about her," he said.
"I don't know about that, and drinking won't solve any of my problems," I replied.
"Just one drink, man," he insisted.
"Fine," I said, and we went to the bar which was down the street.
Drinking one glass of this whiskey is not even going to take anything away from me that is a problem. My added stress is the baby.
"I think you should start dating again," Sebastian said, sitting beside me at the bar counter. "Maybe you should try to go on a date with Leah."
"Who the f^ck is Leah?" I asked. Sebastian was on his third glass.
"My sister, she always had the hots for you. Now that you are back at Queen Tower, give it a shot," he shrugged.
I let out a little laugh, "Not interested," I replied, before taking a sip of my whiskey.
"You need fun, you used to be fun before...before you got married."
"Well, things change and people change. I have responsibilities. I am not interested in more responsibilities," I said.
"You f^cked a student, that's your way of having fun. Just give it a try," he pleaded.
"I did not f^ck her. Just because my past was filled with f^cking doesn't mean I am that same man, because I am not." I was annoyed.
"I can see why you f^cked her,"
"Stop saying that," I tried to remain calm.
"She is rich and her father owned a company that is great to do business with, you can just easily f^ck her again," he shrugged.
"Seb, there is nothing going on between her and I. She broke up with me and wouldn't want me back even if I tried. So what makes you think that she will give in?"
"Seduce her like you did with the other women."
I scoffed. "If you only knew my life so far." I said more to myself. I took a sip of whiskey. "I wasn't with her because she was rich and because her dad owned a well-known business. I was with her for her, and I still love her," I said.
"Maybe I should f^ck her and see how that goes," I stood up so fast, pulling him up and off of the bar stool. I gripped his shirt by the collar, pressing him against the bar counter.
"If you ever lay just one finger on her, I will f^cking rip your head off your body and you won't be able to reattach it again...stay the f^ck away from her!" I hissed at him through clenched teeth. I didn't care if I made a scene. But this is Lana he is talking about and I don't want anyone to talk this way about her.
I pushed him away and I walked out of the bar, catching my breath from the anger that I was feeling. I cannot work for my father if this is the constant talk. I am torn between my situations. Two kids and I have to figure this sh^t out. Where do I live? New York or Seattle? Work for my dad in New York? Or teach at a school or university here in Seattle? Leave Charl behind with his mother alone while he is thrown at both of us in each city? Or be with Lana and my unborn baby?
Closing my eyes, as I came to a stop on the sidewalk. It was dark already. I let out a breath, opening my eyes. I don't know what to do. It would've been better if I had been extra safe with Lana. Thing is...Lana is okay, she is strong, and she can do anything, despite her panic attacks. On the other hand, Lucinda is a different story. I should've made sure that Lana and I were more protected during s^x and I failed in that regard. Lana is also to blame for forgetting to take her pills when she had to.
What the hell do I do in this situation? Where do I go from here? I cannot talk to anyone else because I don't have trustworthy people around me. Miranda is in New York and perhaps she would give me an answer or a way. Even though she screwed up in her life, she is an amazing sister. She has always supported me through everything. I need to think about this more. I want to make the right decisions and I hope that I do.