Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



Gilbert frowned, showing his reluctance. "You know how I feel about street food. It's just not clean."Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Sherilyn said with a pleading look. "Just this time, please? I've got a real craving today."

"Alright, fine."

Gilbert gave in, remembering the old wives' tale that if a pregnant woman craves something, you have to let her have it. Otherwise, she'd hold it against you forever, bringing it up as a grievance at every chance.

He couldn't bear the thought of Sherilyn feeling that way.

Taking her hand, they headed towards the convenience store, with Gilbert reminding, "Just a little, okay?"

"Got it!"

As they turned, Caroline stood before them.

"Caroline," Gilbert was taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

"Just around," Caroline replied with a forced smile, clearly feeling left out. Was she invisible to him now that Sherilyn was all he could see? Suddenly, Sherilyn let go of his hand, making Gilbert worry she was upset again. "Sherilyn?"

"Go talk. Abel can come with me," Sherilyn said brightly, nodding toward Abel.

"You're not mad?"

Gilbert touched her face, seeking reassurance.

"I'm not a balloon, Gilbert. How many times do I have to tell you?" Sherilyn rolled her eyes, tossing her hair with a flourish that emphasized her slender waist.

"Abel, you coming?"

"Right behind you, Ms. Gomez!"

Caroline scoffed, "So, she's here to see you or to eat?"

Gilbert's expression darkened.

"Caroline," he began, turning to face her with a measured gaze. "Don't talk about Sherilyn like that. She's pregnant. She can't go hungry." "What?" Caroline gasped, disbelief written all over her face. "But her baby isn't..."

"Mine," Gilbert cut her off, his anger barely contained. "I'm saying this one last time. The child is mine won't have you slandering her again."

He paused, as if carefully choosing his next words. "What I owe you has nothing to do with my partner and child!"

With that, he turned and strode towards the convenience store, leaving Caroline frozen in place, shocked by his declaration of love for Sherilyn.

Sherilyn emerged from the store, biting into a hot dog that burst with flavor, just as Gilbert approached.

"Easy," he cautioned, a small, amused smile playing on his lips. "Is it good?"

She choked slightly, swallowing before responding, "Yeah, delicious."

"Really?"

Gilbert eyed the hot dog in her hand, taking one for himself to taste. "Let me try."

"Hey!"

Sherilyn's eyes went wide with disbelief. "A bite was all you needed! Why take the whole thing?"

"Weren't we agreed on just a little?" Gilbert chided, pointing out her slip. "Let's count them together, shall we? One, two, three, four, five... Sherilyn, did you learn math from your gym teacher or something?"

Grabbing another hot dog, Sherilyn bit off a large piece in defiance. "Like your math is any better! Your whole family's good at math!"

Gilbert couldn't help but burst into

laughter. My whole family? Well t

we'll see about our kid. But th

mom's math skills are definitely questionable..."

"Gilbert!"

"I'm sorry, okay?"

Fearing she might get upset, Gilbert quickly wrapped his arms around her. "Let's just eat this one, no more after that..."

Just then, a sleek black SUV pulled up in front of the convenience store, drawing to a slow stop right where they stood.