I'll Be There For You

** 10 **

Zacky's POV

I wanted to laugh so hard.

But I couldn't.

I looked from Jimmy to Gabby's new friend Keystone.

Ever since she walked through that door, Jimmy has not been able to take his eyes off her.

And by the smile Gabby is wearing, I'm pretty sure she knew this would be the outcome.

That sneaky, sneaky woman.

I've got to hand it to her though, she's got Jimmy pegged good.

Last time Jimmy was this transfixed on something he was running after a duck in a park.

Takes something pretty amazing to catch Jimmy's eye.

I looked over at Gabby as she helped Val out in the kitchen.

Think we're having burgers tonight.

I rubbed my rumbling stomach and chuckled.

I heard the pounding of feet and turned in time to see Nadia barreling towards me.

I grinned widely and kneeled down to catch her.

She squealed happily and wrapped her arms around my neck.

I don't remember the last time I've been this utterly content.

The date between me Gabby and Nadia went great.

We had an amazing time.

And spending some one on one with Gabby was fantastic.

She's an amazing woman.

And the fact that she treats her daughter like gold goes a long way in my book.

And the fact that I fucking love her kid.

Nadia makes me smile until I feel like my face can't take it anymore.

"How are you doing princess?" I heard Matt's deep voice say from behind me.

Nadia giggled when he tickled her stomach and she hugged me tighter.

"This little beauty is stuck to you like glue." Matt said.

I grinned and rubbed Nadia's head.

"Yeah. I like it too." I said nonchalantly.

I heard Matt chuckle.

"And I'm assuming by the way that you're staring St her mother, that you've got it bad." Matt said.

I laughed.

"I like her. But I don't have it bad. Jimmy, now he's got it bad." I told him, pointing over to Jimmy.

Matt chuckled and clapped me on the back.

"Hate to burst your bubble, but that's the same look that is on your face whenever you look at her." Matt said.

I whipped around quickly and that only made Matt laugh even louder.

"Dude, no I don't." I said.

Matt chuckled.

"Its just me Zacky. I've known you for years. I think I know what you look like when you like a woman." He said.

I looked back to Gabby and felt myself smile.

"Okay. I do really like her. You think she would say yes if I asked her out? Listen to me. I'm not a fu--freaking teenager anymore." I grumbled at my conflicted feelings.

"I'd wait a little while before asking her out. Get to know her more. Spend more time with her and Nadia. She's not going to rush into a deciding. Give her some time to know you too." Matt said.

I laughed at him.

"Okay. Thanks Dr. Phil." I told him.

He grinned and pushed me.

"Haha smarta--, I mean dumbie." Matt amended.

It was hilarious to say the least to see my big and tough looking friend watching his language in front of Nadia.

I looked away from Matt and down at Nadia.

Its insane how quickly I've gotten used to having her in my life.

I looked up and Gabby  had the oddest expression on her face.

I instantly walked over, wanting to soothe her.

"What's wrong, Gabby?" I asked, setting my hand on her shoulder gently.

"I'm fine. Feeling a little light headed." She said softly.

She reached out and rubbed Nadia's back and the harsh lines on her face softened.

"Do you want to sit down? I can get you some water." I suggested quickly, not wanting her to be upset.

She smiled warmly and looked up at me.

"I'm fine. Thank you." She said with a sweet smile.

I looked at her for a minute and then nodded before walking away.

I really hope she's okay.

Gabby's POV

I grinned as I watched Zacky walk away with Nadia snuggled against his chest.

Nadia and Zacky make such a pretty picture.

And I'm so happy that they get along so well.

I find myself liking Zacky more whenever I see him with my daughter.

I laughed along with the girls as we whispered to Krystin about Jimmy.

"So...what do you think of Jimmy?" I asked nonchalantly.

The shyest smile went across her face and her cheeks reddened with blush.

"You think he's hot! Ha!" Val exclaimed.

Krystin looked down and I grinned widely.

"I had a feeling you would like him." I said.

I didn't hear anyone's response because my phone rang.

I was still laughing over everyone's reaction to Krystin thinking Jimmy was cute when I answered my phone.

"Hello?" I said, still chuckling.

"Think you're fucking smart, don't you bitch?" That deep and chilling voice said over the line.

My mouth dropped open and my hand started to shake.

"Now you have nothing to say?" He seethed.

I still couldn't formulate words.

How had he gotten my phone number?

"You think you can fucking take my daughter from me? That you can fucking humiliate me that way? You wait til I get my hands on you." He growled, before hanging up the phone.

My hand was shaking so badly now that I had caught some attention.

"Gabby are you okay?" Val asked.

I couldn't answer her.

And the last thing I remember hearing was a high pitched scream before everything went black.