In his grasp 2

Dinner

 This is the first time that Joe has taken me out to dinner. I couldn’t contain my excitement. He had laid out a selection of dresses on the bed for me and I looked at each one careful. There were three; one was a cocktail dress that was a musky green colour, one was a long navy dress with a v neck and a slit all the way up the leg and the other was a white tight dress that hugged my figure nicely. I loved the navy blue dress but it was more for a formal dinner instead of going out for on a date. I picked the white dress and grabbed my white heels from the cupboard to match. I have had these for years and never found the right occasion to wear them... until today. Once I was ready I finished applying my make up and touched up my hairstyle which was put into a wavy bun. 

Joe told me to meet him at the car so I grabbed my phone and my clutch bag that matched my outfit and rushed to the elevator. Once I had got to the bottom floor I walked towards the exit and saw Joe by his car through the big glass windows. He was minding his own business until I reached the door and he gazed over at me. He was in a trance for a moment and shook his head so that he came back to reality,

“Baby girl, you look... wow!” He stuttered and I blushed. 

The ride to the restaurant wasn’t that far but it was pretty quiet in the car. I don’t think either of us knew how to act since we weren’t really use to this. We got out of the car and Joe gave his keys to the parking attendant. I looked up at the posh restaurant, it looked as though it was made out of gold. I felt very out of place and like I wasn’t going to be allowed in. It was beautifully built with every detail carefully crafted. Joe guided me with his arm around my waist to the door and spoke to the woman behind the front desk.

“I’m sorry we are fully booked this evening” she said without even taking the time to look up. 

“I’m sure you will find space somewhere” Joe said spitefully. She jumped and looked up quickly with embarrassment.

“Oh my, Mr Stone!” She exclaimed. I couldn’t help but shiver at that name, I don’t think I will ever get use it, since Arthur would punish me for calling him anything else.

“I do apologise, please follow me” she said grabbing two menus quickly. Joe placed his hand in the direction of the receptionist to indicate for me to follow. I walked in front of him, feeling his eyes watch my curves as they wiggle with each step, and she took us to a quiet booth at the back that had the words reserved on the table. 

“Please take a seat, here are your menus and I will bring your appetisers whilst you decide, any drinks for you?” She asked and I looked up at her. Before I could open my mouth Joe said “Pinot Grigio”. “Would that be a bottle sir?” She asked politely and Joe flashed her a rude look. She began to tremble slightly and said “of course, right away” and hurried off. 

“That was a little rude Joe” I said and Joe just chuckled at me. “Oh baby girl, you have to know how to deal with snobby people to get the service you deserve you know” he said. I couldn’t help but think that he was the snob in this situation. He looked down at the menu and scrolled through the list. 

After a while, our wine had arrived and our orders were placed. I grabbed the wine glass and then reached for the bottle. Joe grabbed it before I could and tutted at me. “Your getting the full treatment baby girl” he grinned and held his hand out for my glass. He filled my glass and then gave it back. He rose his and toasted “to a fresh start” and I blushed and said “to us”. He smiled at me, as if the word ‘us’ has a deeper meaning to him. 

“You look stunning tonight Lauren” he complimented seriously. I blushed and looked down at my hands. “But I’m not going to lie, the thought of ripping that dress from your body is very tempting” he smirked and I looked at him with a childish grin. “Then maybe you should stop thinking about it” I lifted my leg to his bulge under the table and brushed it slightly with my heel. He jolted at the surprised sensation and gritted his teeth. I chuckled at his reaction and continued to play with him. “Lauren... I swear to god if you don’t stop then I’m going to...”

“Salmon?” The waitress said holding the plate of food, completely unaware of what was happening under the table. Joe cleared his throat and tapped the table, trying to keep himself composed I smirked at how uneasy he was. I lowered my foot as the waitress put my food in front of me. She stood back and asked if we needed anything else and of course Joe asked for another bottle. I swear he is trying to get me drunk... f**k! If I am pregnant then I could be harming the baby by drinking! I was so lost in the moment of being on an actual date with Joe, I had completely forgotten about my situation. I called to the waitress before she walked away and said “actually, could we get a jug of water?” Joe looked at me with his eye brows lowered in confusion. She nodded and walked away. 

He stared at me as if he was waiting me for to explain myself but I tried to avoid his eyes. It was impossible with the silence that awkwardly filled the atmosphere. “What?” I said as I took a mouthful of my food. He hadn’t even picked up his cutlery to begin, he just continued to stare. 

“There you go” the waitress said placing two glasses and a jug of ice cold water in front of us. She looked over at Joe’s untouched food and asked. “Is everything okay sir?” He didn’t answer. I looked up at the waitress and smiled apologetically. “It’s perfect, we were just in the middle of talking, sorry” I tried to ease the tension and she nodded and then walked away. I gazed over at Joe, disgusted with how he was acting. “What is the matter?” I snapped and he continued to stay silent for a moment longer.

“I’m waiting for you to tell me what is going on, you love Pinot, you have been very off with me since you came back and you keep starting a sentence and then discarding it” he said sternly whilst folding his arms. “So are you going to tell me what’s going on!?” He raised his tone. I placed my knife and fork down firmly and glared at him. 

“I think I’m pregnant” I blurted out. He didn’t change is expression or his body language. He was still and silent. I waited for his reaction. “Why do you think that?” he asked bluntly. I tensed my jaw and said “I’m late”. 

“Well it’s fine, we will get a test done and find out”. He unfolded his arms and began to cut his salmon, not seeming slightly bothered by the news he had just received. I was stunned at his inability to comfort me when I was anxious about the situation. “And if I am?” I bravely asked. He continued to eat his food as he replied emotionless. “Then I will come with you get an abortion”. My heart completely sunk to the pit of my stomach. I was shocked. How could he be so selfish and detached from reality?

“What?” I managed to say and he repeated himself, still munching away at his dinner. I felt my anger increase the second time that he said it. “And that’s it? We just abort it, no discussion?” I snarled and he finally removed his eyes from his plate. He finished his mouthful and sighed. “Do you want it?” He said. I was beginning to lose control of my anger. Tears started to form in my eyes from anger and hurt. 

“It doesn’t matter if I want it or not, it’s our baby! You just want to kill it and be done with it!”. Why am I talking as if I am pregnant? I don’t even know if I am yet. He saw the tears in my eyes and seemed to soften for a moment. “Lauren, I’m not ready for a child, I have got too much going on”. He reached for my hand and I allowed him to hold it. “Neither are you...” he looked down and sighed. “So I will come with you to have an abortion baby girl” he let go of my hand. I felt the rage come back, his soft hand soothed the beast inside of me for a moment before I was snapped back. “So that’s it? I don’t get a say.” I yelled and he raised his eye brow at me. 

“Your being pathetic” he said and I stood from my seat and grabbed my clutch. “f**k you Joe” I shouted and all of the posh people who were enjoying their peaceful dinner stopped and looked at me. 

“Lauren, sit down” he commanded sternly. I grunted and stormed out of the restaurant, leaving him there alone with nothing but a table full of food. I carried on walking in the direction of the unfamiliar street. I didn’t care where I was going as long as it was away from him. His own baby! He would get rid of his own baby with no remorse, no guilt, no regret. It’s as if it was just another task to deal with for him and I didn’t think he would ever be like this. I grabbed my phone from my clutch as I was beginning to feel chilly and needed to get back to the apartment. I left my coat when I dramatically exit the restaurant. 

I took in a deep breath, trying to clear my thoughts and figure out how I was going to get back without any money or a car. I can’t ring Ryan because I couldn’t bring myself to be around him right now. I also didn’t want to feel any more pain than I do already. Mum... god no, I’m not even going to go into the long list of reasons why I won’t ring her. My brother... he will just tell mum and even if he didn’t, he would give a long lecture like he’s my dad. What am I going to do? Wait a minute. I held the phone to my ear after pressing call and waited for an answer.

“Tom? Oh thank god, I know it’s late and your off duty but I’m kind of stranded and need a lift, I don’t suppose your able to pick me up?” I asked him and he was happy to help. I gave him my location and told him not to speak to Joe about it. I waited and waited, hoping Joe wouldn’t find me before Tom does. 

Suddenly I saw Tom’s black merc and he pulled up next to me. I jumped in and he drove me towards the apartment.