Chapter 33

33 CALLING MOM

SEB

It’s been three days in hell. I was broken, jaded, and defeated when I left her apartment. She didn’t want me anymore, she didn’t love, and she’s filing a fucking divorce.

We’ve been only married for less than a fucking month, and this is driving me shit. Jesus, I want to die, and I want to fucking kill whoever is stalking her, and I swear I make him pay.

Just thinking that I’m going to lose her very soon. No, I’m not going there. No. Not happening. I’d rather die, and I want Abby back. I want my Abby back.

“Did you hear anything from her?” Pat asks, and he’s sitting beside me in my minibar.

“Nope. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Not a single fucking word, single blank message, a single call, or single voicemail.” I drink another shot of whiskey—this has been my water for the past three years.

“Any news about the message?” He drinks his shot too.

“The same fucking result. This fucker knows how to cover up his own trail. Whoever did this? He must know that I will fucking find him and kill him. He fucking ruined my marriage. Abby had her words. She hates me, and she doesn’t want me. She—she wants a divorce. Can you believe that? She doesn’t even care about her mom’s assets anymore, what more caring about her husband?” I sniff and massage my throbbing temples.

“I’m sorry, man. I wish I could help, but I sent her voicemail, and she didn’t call back. Trixie did the same thing.” He shakes his head, and I feel like her face starts to spin. I have to squeeze my eyes shut. I’m getting drunk. “Trix likes her. She’s funny and sassy, but too stubborn. I got it why you love her. She got into your bone.” He chuckles.

God, I miss her, her eyes, her lips, her touch, and the sex was perfect-mind-blowing.

“She’s fine, though. She moved on, I guess, and it’s killing me. I can’t accept it. She can’t move on. She’s mine.” I swallow. “She went to school, she laughed and talked to fucking Mallory and fucking Foley, but not to us. I can’t fucking believe it. That easy for her to forget me. Is that easy to forget me, Patty?” I look at him and wipe my face. I know Pat saw my tears, but he doesn’t say a word. He remains silent. “Talk to me, asshole.”

A few minutes later.

“I believe she still loves you, man. Just give her more time. I can see it in her eyes. She felt betrayed, Seb, by you, her dad, and her best friend. If it happens to me, I will give them a hard time too. Just have more patience for as long as she’s safe there. Those guys did a good job, and you threatened them enough to keep their eyes on her. Is she dating someone?”

I glare, and I want to punch him again. “The hell she is. We’re still married, asshole. I’ll fucking kill whoever tries asking her out. She’s not allowed to date. Never. She’s mine.” I blow a huge breath.

Patrick laughs. “Relax. I think you had enough drink for today. I’m just asking you because you said she moved on. I thought she went out with someone.” He hides his smile, but I can still see it.

“God, I’ve never been this helpless and hopeless in my entire life. My bank account can’t even fucking help me. I think there’s always a first, isn’t it?” I pour and drink another shot.

“I think that’s enough. You get into alcohol intoxication. When was the last time you showered? You just changed your clothes and not take a shower? And why are you sleeping on the couch?” he asks and looks at the couch where I have my blanket and pillow.

“I don’t want to take a shower, in my room, and everywhere. Everything we did together is coming back to me like a deja vu.” My tears fall, and I have to scratch my head.

“Jesus, Seb. You’re crazy in love with Abby baby. You never cried over a woman before. Never cried. Period. You don’t have to tell me what you did in your bedroom or the shower.” He laughs at me. This asshole just laughed at me. “You can go home if this place reminds you of her.”

“She was there too.”

He taps my back. “You got it pretty bad, cuz. You’ll win Abby back, I promise you, Seb. You’re the kind of man who never gives up until he gets what he wants. And you will never give up on her now, now that she’s your wife, and I know she still loves you. Love won’t just vanish like that, man. I will help you with everything I can. You just have to pull yourself together and get back on the game. I’ll even kidnap her for you if I have to—”

“Don’t you fucking kidnap her if you still value your fucking life, Patrick. Don’t you fucking dare!” I grab his shirt and look him directly in the eye.

“Seb, you’re drunk.” He looks frightened through my blurry visions.

“I’m not fucking drunk, motherfucker.” I release him, and I’m still full of rage. “She was kidnapped when she was in high school. That was three years ago, and she was tortured to death. She was lucky she survived.” I wipe my face, and I’m still shaky to pour my glass. Pat stays silent.

“Seven days of beatings. I can’t fucking think straight to know that my poor Abby has suffered too much. I can’t fathom how she must be so terrified in that dark place. That’s the reason why she moved to Boston.” I sniff and take a deep breath. Every time I think of that file, it gives a chill in my bones.

“Someone heard a gunshot in an old abandon house and called the police. That’s how they found Abby there naked, barely breathing, with a dead bugger. The authority said the bugger was killed by another person, possibly the kidnapper. He’s still out there.”

“Is it possible he’s the one leaving Abby a message?” Pat looks at me like he can’t believe what I said.

“Possible. Who else? He seemed to know a lot about her even her real name. He didn’t touch Abby, though. He just beat her pretty badly.”

“Psychopath. Jesus, she’s been through hell.” He shakes his head.

“That’s why I have to hire people to look after her. Her dad gave up when the authority couldn’t connect any leads. He only hires Tennings to keep her safe.”

“I’m sorry, Seb. I don’t mean like that. I swear. I will never hurt her, and I swear I have no idea.” He sounds hurt and terrified.

“I know, and she’s Mackenzie.” I pour another shot, and Pat grabs it from me.

“Figured when you two fought. I think that’s enough. Get some rest, Seb. You’ll have her back. Just have patience.” I go to my couch and lie down.

The ceiling is rotating. Jesus, I’m drunk. I’ve never been drunk like this before.

“I’m leaving. Are you sure you’ll be fine?” Pat looks down at me with worry on his face, but he starts to clone himself the longer I look at her.

“I’m fiiiiiinnnne.”I close my eyes.

I wake up disoriented, fall on my couch. I want to puke.

I run to the nearest bathroom and throw my guts out. That’s the time I shower and brush my teeth.

My stomach grumbles, and that’s when I realize I haven’t had eaten something. It’s already dark outside when I have my dinner. Alone.

I grab my phone and call mom—the last person I should’ve asked for a piece of love advice.

“Mom, can I talk to you?” I take a deep breath.

“Of course, honey. Are you okay? You sound upset.” The worry in her voice is clear, but I need her right now.

“I’m far from okay, Mom.” I sit on my couch and lean back my head. I still have a terrible headache.

“Do you want me to come or strangle someone who upsets my baby?”

“Mom, I love her, but she doesn’t want me anymore.” I look down at my finger that has my wedding ring. God, I’m losing my shit.

“Oh, boy. How come I didn’t even hear anything about it? Who’s the lucky girl, and very soon will be unlucky? Because if I get a chance, I’ll strangle her pretty neck with spaghetti? How could you keep that from me, honey? You know I’ll love her whoever you choose to love, even if it’s not Mike’s daughter. She’s beautiful though,” Mom says, emphasizing the beautiful word.

“I know, Mom. She’s gorgeous and those big green eyes—” I sniff. “I love her so much.” I sniff again. My lips start to tremble, and I can’t talk anymore. It hurts like hell.

“Sebastian Christopher, are you telling me you’re in love with Abbygail? How come I didn’t know about it. I’m your mom, Seb. You know I like her for you, and your dad too. You didn’t even bother telling us you’re dating Mike’s daughter? Oh, my god. I can’t wait to plan a wedding.” She starts singing.

“Oh, Seb, honey. I’m so happy for you. Oh, and what’s wrong, honey? Why are you so upset?” Jesus, Mom. I can feel the excitement in her voice.

“Mom, are you even listening? She doesn’t like me anymore.” I rub the back of my neck.

“Why? Did you cheat on her?” She sounds worried again and even accusing.

“Jesus, Mom. You’re not listening. I said I love her. Why would I cheat on her.” I groan. This conversation is going nowhere.

“Then, what happened? How can I help?”

“I don’t think you can help me. I just wanna talk to you.”

“You were with her this weekend, weren’t you? That’s why you missed our family dinner.”

“Yeah, and something happened. Now she’s not talking with me, She even planning on divorcing me.” I almost yell at mom.

“What divorce?” she shrieks from the other line.

Fuck!