Page 88 of Loving Wild

“No. No, no.” I quickly cut her off. “But he likes to throw and punch things rather than sit down and have a conversation, and that’s not normal behaviour, and it’s definitely not behaviour I want to be around.”

“This is what he was like when the whole Jackie thing went down.”

My eyes immediately dart to Dani because she has no idea of the Jackie/Gabe situation, but she’s animatedly retelling today’s events to Jo.

“But he was fifteen then, Jess. Time to grow up, don’t ya think?”

“It is, but I also think he needs professional help. He just doesn’t cope when things are out of his control.”

Knowing that Jess works as a counsellor for child protective services, I ask, “Are you able to help us find someone? I want him to get help.”

“Already on it,” she replies.

Relief washes through me. I know that talking to a counsellor won’t fix us, but it might fix Gabe, and right now, that’s my main concern.

“Thank you,” I whisper through another tingly nose.

“I’ll keep you updated. Coop said you told Gabe you’ll move back home on Sunday?”

My belly does a little freefall at the wordhome.It’s only been a short while, but it was already starting to feel that way. Likeours, and not justhis.

“If he’s got his shit together by Sunday and has agreed to counselling, I’ll meet up and talk to him, but I’m not sure moving straight back in is a good idea at this stage. We have a lot to work through.”

“Fair enough, I’ll make sure he understands that and doesn’t expect you to just skip off into the sunset with him come Sunday.”

“Thanks, but as far as I’m aware, Gabe doesn’t skip. He’s more the type to throw me over his shoulder and carry me into the sunset.”

“Hmm, so using his strength to force you into something that might otherwise be against your will. There’s a lot to unpack there.”

“I’m sure there is, but I kinda like the whole Alpha, caveman type behaviour.”

“See, this is where it all gets complicated. There’s a fine line between Alpha behaviour and abuse. There’s hair pulling, and throat squeezing . . .” she pauses, “then there’s hair pulling and throat squeezing,” she adds breathily including a groan for effect at the end.

“Yeah, I see your point. I’ve witnessed both kinds of behaviour, so believe me, I know the difference. Gabe’s behaviour isn’t what I would call abusive, but it’s also not acceptable.”

“We’ll get him some help, maybe even some couples therapy would be good for the pair of you. In fact, I think that might be a great idea. You’ve both been through a lot of trauma that you’re yet to deal with. Would you be up for that?”

“Absolutely,” I state. “I love him, Jess. I’ll do whatever it takes,” I add quietly, my throat clogging and nose tingling once again.

“I know you do. It’s obvious to anyone in your company how you feel about each other.”

“Is that Jess?” Dani interrupts our moment and asks. I nod, and she makes grabby hand gestures towards my phone. I hand it to her.

“Hey, Jess. Listen, Ren’s friends have organised a girls’ night to cheer her up tomorrow night. Just drinks down Main Street, but I’ve just been invited, and thought you and Sam might like to come too?”

My eyes slide from Dani to look across at Jo, who’s leaning against the bench next to the sink, sipping on wine.

“Sorry,” she mouths from behind her glass. I shrug and shake my head, having no issue with Dani, Jess, and Sam coming out with us.

* * *

After makingarrangements for everyone to meet at Jo’s for pre-drinks at seven Saturday night, Dani leaves, I borrow more of Jo’s clothes and makeup, and we head down to a tapas bar, just a few streets from Jo’s place.

Set high above a row of shops, the covered outside seating area has views right across the bay, and we sit and watch the world go by as we share a plate of sticky ribs and wings, a bowl of fully loaded nachos, and a decent bottle of red.

It’s after six, and as the sun has just set, I stare out into the growing darkness wondering what Gabe’s doing, hoping that he’s still sleeping, that he sleeps right through till morning.

“Your hair looks nice,” Jo interrupts my thoughts. “Got your nails done too, I see,” she adds with a smile.