I’ve felt angsty as hell this last week. Like I seriously want to make myself cry. So, I’m either writing or reading angst. I hope I snap out of it soon.
Any way, heartfelt passages gets worse before it gets better. So does the Petwr Stoneverse drama/angst…
//here’s the drama y’all been wanting.//
“Oh, Peter,” you sighed. Your husband was passed out on the leather couch in his home office again. He still had an empty tumbler in his hand. Taking it from his hand you set it on the end table. Glancing at the half-empty bottle that had been full two days ago made your stomach churn. Counseling wasn’t working, and he could never seem to make an AA meeting.
Peter’s breathing was easy, mouth slightly open, face relaxed. He was sleeping the sound sleep of a drunk. For a moment you just stood there admiring his beautiful face. Maybe you and the kids weren’t enough for him to fight his demons. Absentmindedly you rubbed your belly. Tears filled your eyes. What were you going to do?
“Good morning, darling,” Peter said in a chipper tone. “Breakfast smells great.” He leaned over to kiss your cheek.
All you could muster was a tight smile. He acted like nothing was wrong like he hadn’t passed out almost every night. Most nights he made it back to bed or you would find him on the couch, the office.
Peter cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen after breakfast. “What time do your parents want us there this evening?”
“6:30pm.”
“You okay? You’ve been quiet.” Peter’s brows knitted together as he looked down at you leaning against the counter.
“Been a long week. Wish we didn’t have dinner at my parents’,” you confessed. And not for the reason Peter thought. Peter and your Dad merely tolerated one another and that was being generous. There was always so much tension in the room and it just filled you with anxiety.
“You and me both,” he concurred.
“I need a favor.”
“Anything for you, darling,” Peter replied with a wink.
It took everything for you not to roll your eyes. “Please. Don’t drink this evening.”
At 6:30PM sharp, you knocked on your parents front door. When your Mom opened the door a big smile crossed her face. Once inside, Peter helped you with your coat and hung it along with his on the coat rack. “You are absolutely glowing,” she gushed and pulled you into a hug. “And there’s my beautiful babies.” She hugged Julian and Audra.
“Thanks, Mom. You look great.”
“Peter, come here and give you favorite mother-in-law a hug.” She gave Peter a kiss on the cheek. “Let me get your picture.”
You rolled your eyes but obliged her. You gave her two minutes before she had the picture on Facebook, Instagram.
“There’s my baby girl,” your Dad said as he entered the room. Instantly Peter tensed beside you. You gave his hand a squeeze. “And my sweet grandbabies.”
“Hi Daddy.” you greeted him with a smile before you hugged him.
His demeanor changed dramatically when he greeted your husband. “Peter. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Harold. Happy Thanksgiving.”
The two men shook hands. “Thank you,” your Dad replied. “Still liking SVU?”
“It has its moments. Different beast for certain.”
“I can only imagine.”
Watching the interaction, you breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be as bad as you had originally thought.
When dinner was over you, your mom, sister-in-law, Sabrina and kids went to the living to talk and let the kids play. The last you’d seen Peter was about a half an hour ago. He had been nursing a brandy and smoking a cigar with your Dad on the balcony.
Yelling from the other room got everyone’s attention. Moving as fast as you were able to you find your Dad and Peter standing way too close. Both had their fists balled up, faces red, and yelling.
“She’s way too good for you. And you know that!” your father said to Peter and pushed a finger into his chest.
“Don’t touch me again, Harold,” Peter growled through clenched teeth.
“Peter. Dad. Stop this please,” you cried out. It was like you weren’t even there.
“You’ve brought her nothing but grief since you’ve been together. Following you around when you played baseball, supporting you when you finished law school, stood beside your decision to move back to New York. She gave up her career so you could further yours. Then the rape allegation…I doubt you’re even innocent.”
Peter pulled his fist back making contact with your Dad’s jaw. Your Dad stumbled back, regained his footing then lunged at Peter.
9Julian, Audra and your nieces started crying you hadn’t noticed they came into the dining room. Your brother-in-law jumped in trying to pull them apart only to be punched and pushed onto the table. Dishes and food flew everywhere.
“Stop. Please. Stop!” you yelled. “Peter! Please!”
“Harold!” your mom yelled.
“Stay out of this, Y/N. I’ve put up with this son of a bitch for 10 years,” Peter bellowed.
“You’ve put up with me? It’s the other way around. You’re a sorry excuse for a husband and father! I wish-”
Turning on your heel you put the kid’s shoes and coats on and left without a word. “Why is Pappy and Daddy fighting? It scared me.” Julian said crying.
“I’m sorry buddy. They shouldn’t act like that.”
Audra clung to you, sniffing. “I want Daddy.”
When you and the kids were halfway home your phone started ringing and buzzing with calls and texts from Peter, your mom, brother. And you ignored all of them. Finally, you texted your Mom letting her know you and the kids were home safely.
The kids were tucked in when Peter walked through the door. “What the hell Y/N. You just leave me there?”
“First of all lower your voice. The kids were scared, I was scared. I begged both of you to stop fighting. It was like you didn’t even hear me.” You crossed your arms over the chest. “I asked you not to drink just one night and you couldn’t do it.”
“So, this all my fault. Your Dad started all of this.” He pointed toward you. “You’ve never had my back when it comes to him.”
“Are you kidding me? I didn’t talk to or go around my Dad for years because the two of you hate one another so much,” you shot back. “And don’t worry, my Dad will be hearing from me too.”
Peter stared you down, he knew it was the truth.
Continuing your speech you spoke softer. “You get passed out drunk every night. One night Peter, that’s all I asked and you couldn’t do it. You have demons that I can’t excise. I refuse to live like this, not knowing when you’re coming home if you’ll come home drunk or-”
“Well when you have a life like mine, it’s hard not to drink.”
It was like a punch to the stomach. You swallowed back the lump in your throat. “Well, maybe you should find somewhere else to stay.”
“Wait. No. That’s not what I meant.”
“I know exactly what you mean Peter.” You pinched the bridge of your nose. “I’m going to bed. I can’t deal with any more today.”
“Y/N-”
“There are blankets and pillows in the hall linen closet for the guest bedroom. It’ll be a welcome change from passing out on your office couch.” Without a glance back, you went to your bedroom and shut the door. After finishing your bedtime routine you were answering texts from your Mom, brother, and sister-in-law. Your Dad didn’t text you, good decision on his part. When your phone dinged again it was a text from Peter.
[From: Peter 9:42PM] I love you.
[To: Peter 9:43PM] I love you too. But sometimes that’s not enough.
“So which one do you like best?” you asked Isaac. Cora was holding your hand, twirling around and around.
Isaac’s little brow furrowed as he tried to decide. “I don’t know Mama.” He shrugged his shoulders. You examined the store for a sales associate but the store was chaotic. They were all with other customers at the moment.
“Go with the Mizuno,” a voice from behind you recommended.
Turning you saw Peter standing behind you. “Peter. It’s you. Thank you.” Cora waved at Peter from where she was now clinging to your leg. He grinned and waved back. Taking the glove from the shelf, you tucked it under your arm.
“No problem. Did you get cleats and a bat yet?” Peter inquired.
You raised a brow and your nose crinkled. “He needs all that?”
“C’mon. I can help pick the right weight bat.” Peter offered. “I did play professional baseball after all.”
“I’m sure you’re busy. I can ask William or-”
“Mama?” Isaac tugged on your hand to get your attention. “I want him to help.”
After leaving the sporting goods store, you asked Peter to join you and the kids for lunch as a thank you. Peter gestured to a bench at the park while the kids played. “So New York or Chicago hot dogs?” you asked Peter before biting into your spicy mustard, onion-laden hot dog.
Peter chuckled. “Good question. As a hot dog connoisseur, I have to say Chicago. Better casings, higher quality meats.”
“Me too. I haven’t had a Chicago hot dog since Mike and I moved to NYC.”
“You have some mustard just-” Peter pointed to the corner of your mouth.
“I get it?” you asked running your tongue over your lips.
Peter swiped his thumb over the corner of your mouth. “Got it.”
Gently you bit your bottom lip, looking up at Peter through your lashes. “Thanks.” Suddenly you needed something to do. Luckily the kids ran up to you asking to be pushed on the swings. The kids grabbed your hand pulling you toward the swings. “It’s easier with two people ya know.”
Peter smiled. “Right behind you.”
A couple months later
“Are we there yet?” Isaac asked from the backseat.
“Almost buddy,” you answered. He loved baseball and was always excited for practice and games. Looking in the rearview Isaac already had his glove on, his hat was on backward. He saw pictures of Mike and insisted on wearing his hat like Daddy. Cora had fallen asleep in her car seat just minutes after leaving the house.
There were several cars already at the field when you arrived. You pulled into a parking spot. Isaac was out of his booster seat and opening the car door before you had barely shut the car off. “Wait right there.”
You took a sleeping Cora from her car seat then made your way around to Isaac’s side of the bed. “Mr. Peter!” Isaac called out excitedly.
Peter found out he would be coaching Isaac’s team about a month ago. Isaac thought it was so cool a real baseball player would be his coach. “Isaac. My man!” He greeted Isaac with a high five.
“I think you may be his hero,” you said to Peter.
Peter leaned down to kiss your cheek. “How was your week? I’ve missed you.”
“Ugh. Crazy. I’ve missed you too. Happy tomorrow is Friday. How about you?”
“Same for me. But knowing I get to spend the weekend with my favorite people makes the days go by a little quicker.”
Cora started waking up. She rubbed her eyes. When she saw Peter she held her arms out to him. “Petey hold me.”
Peter took her into his arms without hesitation. “She’s the only one that can call me that and get away with it.”
Your memory flashed back to the first time you called Mike, Mikey. He had said the same thing to you. It was the first time in a long time that thinking about Mike made you sad. You gave him a tight smile. “I’ll be right back. I left something in the car.” Once you got to the car you sat inside for a few minutes trying to compose yourself. Taking a few cleansing breaths and dabbing your eyes, you exited the vehicle and watched the practice.
It took a few times of the phone ringing and buzzing beside you before you were awake. “How bad is it? Okay. I’ll be there in 10.” You hit end call and groaned.
“Everything okay?” Peter asked in a raspy voice.
“10 car pile up. They need everyone they get,” you replied. “I’ll call Martha to come over.”
Peter sat up a little in bed. “I can watch them.”
“I can’t ask you to babysit, Peter.” Getting out of bed, you went to the closet to get a set of scrubs.
“You didn’t ask, I offered.” He turned over to where you were sitting on the side of the bed.
Looking over your shoulder at Peter you contemplated what to do. “Only if you’re sure. I mean Cora gets up really early. It’s 3:00, so she’ll probably be up at like-”
“5:30, unless she sleeps in then 6:00. Likes apple juice and hits the ground running. Isaac won’t be up til 8am. Not a morning person, like someone else I know.” Peter gave you a small smile.
You had to smile back. He knew the kids’ routines and habits as well as you did. “Okay. Call if you need anything.”
“We’ll be fine. You’ve been to my place. I’ve kept all my plants alive,” he said with a wry smile.
When you came back home Peter met you at the door. The look on his face told you something was wrong. “What is it? What’s wrong? Is it the kids?”
He grasped your shoulders. “They’re fine. It’s Denny. I had to carry him inside. He can’t get up.”
You stroked Denny’s head as he lay in your lap. Isaac sat beside you petting Denny as well. Cora had fallen asleep on the way to the vet, Peter was currently holding her.
“Mrs. Dodds. You’re doing the right thing,” the vet said as he sat on the floor beside you.
You nodded quickly, wiping your nose on the back of your hand. “I know. Just hard to let him go.” You hugged Denny around the neck and kissed his fur.
“I’ll give you a few minutes,” he said softly as he stood to leave.
“Oh, Denny. You have always been such a good boy.” Peter knelt down beside you. “He, uh, we wondered how he would do with the kids. He loved them, watched over them. And then when Mike died-died he never left my side,” you sobbed. Peter placed a hand on your shoulder and squeezed gently. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” Peter kissed your head.
Peter insisted you eat, shower then lie down when you got home and you didn’t argue. You padded out to the kitchen a couple hours later for a bottle of water. Peter and the kids were sitting at the table. “What are you guys up to?”
“I’m showing Peter pictures of when I was in your belly,” Isaac explained.
“You were a beautiful bride,” Peter complimented you.
“Not bad for seven months pregnant.” It has been one of the happiest days of your life.
Peter’s phone buzzed beside him on the table. Brinkhaven Psychiatric Hospital showed up on the screen. “Sorry I have to take this.” He answered the phone but didn’t leave the room. “Okay. No. I understand. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Thank you.” He ended the call.
“Is your sister okay?” you asked with concern.
“She’s having side effects from her medications. Tardive dys-dys…”
“Tardive dyskinesia. Her medications are affecting her nervous system. Has she been on her current medication regimen for a long time?”
“Honestly I have no idea. My Dad took care of things. It’s just been since his passing that I’ve become involved in her care. It’s not easy to navigate,” he confessed.
“I can come with you if you want.”
Peter’s eyes darted to yours. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course. I’ll see if Anne and William can watch the kids.” Picking up your phone you tapped out a quick text to Anne. She responded almost immediately. She and William were in the neighborhood and asked if the kids could just stay the night. “Who wants to stay at Memaw and Pappy’s?”
“Me!”
“Me!”
You laughed. “That’s what I thought. Let’s go get some clothes.”
After the kids were picked up, it left you and Peter alone. A rare occurrence. “I forgot how quiet it is when they aren’t here,” Peter commented.
“I know it’s weird.”
“I can think of a way to make it less quiet,” Peter said suggestively. He leaned over, grasping your thighs picking you up, carrying you to the bedroom.
The next several weeks went by without incident. Pam was improving. She remembered Peter and was getting to know you and the kids. Everything was going so well you were just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And when it did drop it cracked the very foundation you were standing on.
“Nick. Hey. Wasn’t-”
“Where are you?”
“I’m at home. Why what’s up?”
“Are the kids with you?”
“They’re here. Nick. What’s going on? You’re starting to scare me.”
“Peter’s been threatened which means you and the kids are at risk,” he explained. “Lock the doors. Get some clothes together. I’m on my way there.”
“Yeah. Yeah. Okay.” As soon as you hung up with Nick you dialed Peter. No answer. You left him a message, then a text. When Nick arrived 15 minutes later you had bags packed for you and the kids.
“Nick I haven’t heard from Peter. I tried to call.”
“He’s safe at the precinct. I’m taking you there right now. TARU has his phone.” Nick’s voice was clipped.
“Is something bothering you, Nick?”
“Nope.” He jaw was clenching and he had a death grip on the steering wheel.
Shaking your head you didn’t say anything the rest of the way to the precinct.
Peter was pacing when you and the kids entered the precinct. He crossed the room in a few short strides. He picked up Isaac then wrapped you and Cora in a tight embrace. “I’m so sorry this is happening.”
“It’s not your fault-”
“Peter. We found ‘em,” Sonny interrupted. “We’re movin’ out now.”
“I need to go.” He kissed you then placed Isaac back on his feet. “I love you.”
You were too shocked to say it back. Those three words scared you, although you knew you felt the same way. “I love you too,” you said into the empty room.
Finally there’s my Peter ❤
You weren’t even sure how the fight started or even why it started. The two of you had been arguing and one another’s throats for weeks and you were exhausted, emotionally and physically. You were shouting at Peter, he was yelling back. Both of you saying things you didn’t mean. “I’m done. I’m moving back in with my parents.”
Peter stepped back, his eyes were wide, mouth hanging open. “No. You-you…don’t leave me please.” Peter choked back a sob.
You were already crying but now the tears were uncontrollable. “Maybe we need this. A break. Figure out what we really want.”
Peter dashed the tears from his eyes. “I already know what I want and what I need. And that’s you.” He pulled you to his chest and squeezed. You wrapped your arms around his middle. Both of you crying.
“Earth to Y/N?” Brice said and snapped his fingers.
“Sorry. Spaced out there for a second. What did you say?”
“I asked if you wanted to get a drink after work.”
It had been about six weeks since you had broke things off with Peter. You were still living with your parents and was tired of sitting at home every night. “A drink would be nice.”
To your own surprise, you were enjoying yourself. Brice leaned in and kissed you. It felt nice, so you didn’t stop him. You were smiling when you broke away. When you saw Peter at the other end of the bar your smile faltered. “Excuse me for a moment.”
Peter was leaving the restaurant when you finally caught up to him. “Peter. Hey. Wait.”
“How long you been seeing him?”
“Well not that’s it’s your business but we are just out for a drink,” you answered.
“Is that how you say thank you now? Hate to see how you’re going to say thank you for dinner,” Peter snarked. He looked like hell. His hair was long, he was growing a beard.
“Screw you, Peter.” You brushed your hair from your face and wrapped your arms around yourself. “I came out because I was worried about you. But you never fail to disappoint me. You have a great night, Peter.” You turned on your heel and left Peter standing in the cold.
“I’m sorry about that, Brice,” you apologized as you returned to your date.
“I get it exes can be…complicated. Our table is ready.” He put his arm around your shoulders.
Peter had met Joan at a recent charity event. She wasn’t exactly his type, she wasn’t you after all. But she showed interest, lots of interest. And after the way he acted after seeing you with another man…he pushed the thought out of his head. He invited her to get a room.
She leaned in to kiss him but he stopped her. “No. No kissing,” he told her.
She gave him a quizzical look but respected his request.
“Who’s Y/N?” Joan asked Sunday morning as she was getting dressed.
Peter scrambled for his phone. “Why did she call?”
“No you kept mumbling her name in your sleep all night,” she informed him.
“Oh, she’s just-” Peter sighed.
“That’s what I thought. Fight for her. Wish my husband would have done the same for me.” She kissed his cheek and left the room.
When Sunday afternoon rolled around Peter walked into the apartment that the two of you once shared. He poured bourbon into a glass and tossed it back. It burned as it slid down his throat. He hadn’t slept with or even wanted to sleep with anyone since the night he met you. So why did he spend the night with another woman?
Easy. He was hurting, lonely and Joan just happened to be there and show him a little attention. She was nothing more than a distraction. He would’ve felt bad but she told him the same. Grabbing the bottle he decided to forgo and glass.
“I’ll be back out in just a few minutes,” you said to your best friend Monica. You hadn’t completely moved out of the apartment you and Peter shared. And of course, the shoes you needed had been one of the items you left.
You pulled your key from your pocket and entered the apartment. It was quiet, Peter must be out. You breathed a sigh of relief. Making a beeline for the bedroom, you heard a voice from Peter’s office. It was Peter and he was mad and his speech was slurred.
“Harold. I know you’re lying to me. She won’t answer my calls. I-I just want to know she’s okay. Why won’t you let me talk to her? Hello?” He threw the phone so hard it bounced off the wall then tumbled across the floor. “Son of a bitch!”
When he turned you were standing in the doorway to his office speechless.
“Y/N,” he said in surprise.
“Peter,” you said back, crossing your arms over your chest.
It was like both of you were cemented to the spot you were standing. So, you just stood there staring at one another.
“How are you?” Peter finally broke the trance. He staggered a bit walking to you.
“I’m fine. I’m just grabbing a pair of shoes. I won’t be long,” you informed him. He looked worse than when you saw him a couple weeks ago. He was skinnier, bags under his eyes, hair too long and in badly in need of a shave. Still handsome. Still, the man you loved.
“Please. Don’t run off. I’d really like to talk to you,” Peter pleaded with words and his eyes.
“Monica and Connor are waiting for me downstairs. Besides, you’re drunk.”
He hung his head, looking up at through his lashes. “Yeah.” Peter leaned against the door jamb trying steady himself.
“How about breakfast tomorrow? We can talk then.”
Peter’s face brightened a bit. “I’d like that.’
“Okay. Call me in the morning when you get up. Good night Peter.” You turned to retrieve your shoes, rushing back out the door.
Peter listened as the door closed. Quiet. He used to love the quiet, now it just reminded him of your absence.
“What the hell?” you grumbled. Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you picked up your vibrating phone. “Someone better be hurt or on fire to wake me up at 5:30 in the morning on a Sunday,” you rasped.
The caller cleared their throat. “Um, you said to call when I got up. I’m up.” Peter’s voice sounded unsure.
“Peter? It’s so early.” You hadn’t gotten back until almost 3am after being out with Monica, Connor and some other friends. You had showered then fell into bed.
“I know, uh, are we still on for breakfast?” You could hear the hope in his voice. “I could come there so-”
“Not a good idea Peter,” you interrupted him. Your father would hit the roof if Peter came by, especially after their exchange last night. “Give me 30 minutes. I’ll be at your place.”
“It’s still your place too, Y/N.” The hurt in Peter’s voice was evident.
You hung up the phone. Pulling on some clothes you then grabbed your wallet. As you were putting your sneakers on your Mom came into the foyer. “Going to see Peter?” she asked softly.
You nodded. “He wants to talk, he needs me. Don’t try to stop me. Don’t tell Daddy, please.”
She shuffled to you. “I would never try to stop you from going after what you want. He loves you, the way he looks at you like you hung the stars and command the sun to rise. You look at him the same way. Just, protect your heart, darling girl.”
“Thank you, Mom.” You kissed her cheek then ran out the door to hail a cab.
Just as you were going to knock Peter opened the door. He gestured for you to come in. “Morning,” he said and offered to help you with your coat. His fingers barely touched your neck causing your skin to tingle and your breath to hitch.
“Morning. You’ve been busy,” you commented as you surveyed the apartment.
His ears turned red with embarrassment. “I kind of let things get out of control.” That was an understatement he thought to himself.
You followed him through the apartment to the kitchen. The table was laden with food. Belgian waffles, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, maple syrup, fresh orange juice and a pot of coffee. “Wow this all looks delicious,” you praised him. Your mouth was watering. Peter filled your plate with food and you tucked in immediately.
Peter dug into his food as well. It was good to see him eat. After breakfast, you helped clean up despite Peter’s objections. Peter brought you a fresh mug of coffee. You were looking out the window as the sun was peeking over the buildings. “Thanks.”
“I need to tell you something,” Peter admitted sitting across from you on the couch. “I don’t know where our relationship is going. I pray you come back home. If you do, I want a clean slate. No secrets. And if you don’t I still feel like I should tell you.” He set his mug down. He rose from the couch and started pacing. “I slept with someone.”
You blinked your eyes and shook your head. “You-you made love with another woman? While we were together?” Your stomach sank. Cheating was a hard limit for you.
Peter came back to the couch and held your hands. “It was after you left. I was lonely, hurt. And it wasn’t making love, it was sex. It happened a couple weeks ago. I met her a charity event. Her name is Joan. It was the same weekend I saw you out with someone else. It was a mistake. And something that I’ll never be able to forgive myself for.”
You sat in silence for a few moments. Suddenly your fingers were very interesting. You couldn’t look at Peter. Imagining another woman’s hands on him made you ill. Then you thought about the date with Brice. “I almost slept with Brice. But I didn’t.” You reassured him. “It felt…wrong I guess.” Lifting your head you looked Peter in the eye. “I felt like I was cheating on you.” Shaking your head you stood and walked to the window again.
Peter wrapped his arms around you from behind. “Where does that leave us,” Peter whispered.
Resting your hands on his arms, you answered back with a shaky voice. “I honestly don’t know.”
Fin Tutuola is the world’s greatest friend. Loyal, trustworthy and will always have your back. But will also call you on your shit.
Watching ‘Gone Baby’. And Barba trying to console Liv is more than my heart can take.
“Wave by to Mommy,” Peter said as you got in the cab. Julian and Audra waved as the cab drove away.
“Where is Mama going?” Julian asked.
“She is going to the spa. It’s a place that she can rest and relax,” Peter explained. He picked Audra up and held onto Julian’s hand as they climbed the steps. “What do we want to eat?”
“Fluffernutters. I’ll help you, Daddy,” Julian offered.
“I’d really appreciate that, buddy.”
The fluffernutters were not a good idea. Audra ended up being a sticky mess from the marshmallow cream. Peter did have to admit that it was delicious, sickening delicious.
“Can we go to the park, Daddy, please?” Julian begged pouting his bottom lip.
“Get your jacket.” After cleaning Audra up he got kids shoes on them and helped them with their jackets.
The park was crowded. Families out enjoying the last of the nice fall weather. “Hey, Sonny! Happy you could meet us,” Peter greeted Sonny as he and his brood entered the park.
“Good to get outta the house. Wife is working 12-hour shift.” Sonny put Caroline in the baby swing beside Audra. The boys and Julian went down the slide.
“Yeah sent Y/N to the spa today,” Peter said.
“That’s good. Being pregnant with twins and still working has got to be hard,” Sonny agreed.
After about an hour at the park, Sonny gathered the kids. “Gonna meet the wife for a late lunch. See ya Monday, counselor.”
“Have a good one, Sonny. C’mon kids.” Once home, the kids were wound up. Running through the house, toys scattered everywhere, Audra’s clothes were littered down the hall. He spent the next 10 minutes chasing her getting her redressed.
Finally, Peter got them settled on the couch to watch a movie. They were out within the first few minutes. Peter sagged with relief. “I’ll close my eye just for a second,” he thought.
When you left the spa you felt refreshed and renewed.
After unlocking the door you kicked off your shoes. It was quiet besides the TV playing in the family room. A smile broke across your face when you found Peter and the kids asleep on the couch.
Peter stirred and his eyes fluttered open. “Hi. How was the spa?”
“We are very relaxed.” You rubbed your belly. “How about your day?” you inquired as you looked around at the room.
“Good. We had lunch, met Sonny and the kids at the park, then watched a movie.” Peter rubbed his face.
“How long have they been asleep?”
Peter squinted at the clock. “Just about 20 minutes.”
You turned to walk out of the room. “C’mon. It’s your turn to relax,” you said suggestively then shed your shirt.
“Right behind you.”
Stretching, you looked at the clock. 5:05 AM. On your day off your internal clock was still set to waking up early. “Might as well get the day started you,” you said to yourself. Denny slowly ambled down the hall toward you. You and Mike adopted Denny together before you had kids. He was aging quickly. You weren’t sure of his age when you adopted him. Their best guess was five or six years old. That would make him about 10. He happily wagged his tail in greeting. “Got your routine too don’t you.” You leaned over and scratched behind his ears. Denny had been a comfort to you after Mike’s death. He rarely left your side. You opened the back door to the fenced in yard.
Walking back into the kitchen you looked at the whiteboard calendar hanging on the refrigerator. Barba’s trial was set to start today. You had made plans to be there so he would have another friendly face in the crowd.
After letting Denny back in you hopped on the treadmill for a quick run before the kids got up and chaos ensued. By some miracle, you were able to get your run in, shower and make coffee before Isaac and Cora woke up.
“Remember grandma Anne will pick you up from school today, Isaac,” you reminded him as he ate his oatmeal and banana.
“‘Kay.” He was so not a morning person. Cora, on the other hand, was happy and chatty.
At 8:35AM you were headed up the stairs of the courthouse. You heard your name being called when you exited the elevator. Peter freaking Stone. You sighed and slowed your gait so he could catch up with you.
“You haven’t returned my calls or texts the last couple of days. I was worried something was wrong.” When his eyes searched your face you could tell he was sincere.
“Conflict of interest,” you said, your gaze not leaving his.
He gave you a quizzical look.
“Barba happens to be one of my good friends,” you informed him. Crossing your arms over your chest you continued, “why didn’t you tell me you were the prosecutor on the case?”
“I didn’t know until after I saw you that morning. That’s what my meeting was about that morning,” he assured you. “I’m sorry he’s one of your friends but I’m just doing my job.”
“Well, I hope you suck.” Stalking away you went to find Liv and the rest of the squad. Amanda had saved you a seat next to her. “Has anyone talked to Rafael? How is he doing?”
“Haven’t heard much. He’s holding up okay, considering,” Amanda said.
The first day of the trial was over and you were walking to your car. You were sending a text to Anne to let her know you were on your way to pick up the kids. She texted you back asking if the kids could stay the night. You were texting her back when another text came through. ‘I know you’re not my biggest fan right now. Could you meet me for a drink at Forlini’s? I’d really like to talk to you.’
You sighed and checked your watch. Sending another text to Anne you turned around and walked in the direction of Forlini’s. Peter was sitting at the bar sipping on a beer when you entered. Part of you felt sorry for him. He had only a sister left, no friends here in Manhattan and now with this trial he definitely wasn’t earning any brownie points with SVU. The other less rational side thought of him as the enemy.
“I’ll have what he’s having,” you told the bartender. You slipped your coat off the laid it along with your purse on the stool beside you.
“You came.” He sounded surprised.
“Well, you did invite me,” your tone biting. You saw Peter flench. The bartender put the bottle in front of you.
“Put it on my tab.” Peter took a sip of his beer and you followed suit. “I know we only met a few times and I’m not your favorite person right now but I don’t have anyone-” He cleared his throat
Sighing you looked down at your beer. “Peter…” His plea pulled at your heart. It was just a couple years ago you were in a similar situation as Peter. Mike had transferred to SVU. You were pregnant with Cora and other than Mike, you only had Anne and William. Your family was halfway across the country.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you.” He stood and dropped some cash on the bar to cover the drinks.
“No. Sit.” You put a hand on Peter’s arm to halt his leave. “I’m sorry, Peter. We can talk. I can listen.”
It was still dark when you woke. You slipped out of Peter’s arms and sat on the side of the bed. ‘Shit. What were you thinking? You turned back to see Peter’s sleeping form. Gathering your clothes you dressed and left Peter’s apartment.
That day in court you arrived late so you wouldn’t have to chance running into Peter. “You okay,” Sonny asked when you sat beside him on the bench. Your eyes darted over to Peter who was looking in your direction.
“Yeah. Just worried about Rafael.” You tried to give a reassuring smile to him.
Sonny looked between you and Peter, then turned back to you. He nodded then gave you a tight smile but wisely said nothing.
The jury came back quickly. “We the jury find the defendant not guilty.” You let out a sigh of relief and made the sign of the cross. Sonny did the same beside you. When Rafael approached the group you pulled him in for a hug. “I have to run and pick up the kids but I’ll call you later. Have you over for dinner. The kids miss their Uncle Raf.”
“I’ll take you up on that,” he responded. “Thank you for being here.”
“Of course. That’s what friends do.”
The doorbell rang. “The pizza! The pizza!” Isaac yelled running to the front door.
“Don’t open that door, Isaac Michael!”
He stopped in his tracks allowing you to catch up with him. You picked your wallet up off the entrance table then opened the door.
“You don’t look like the pizza man,” Isaac said disappointedly.
“Peter. What are you doing here?” Your eyes bore into him.
“I-uh-wanted to talk to you, about-about-”
“Isaac can check on your sister please.” Once he was out of the room you turned your attention back to Peter.
“What the hell are you doing showing up at my home?” you asked in a loud whisper.
“You left this morning. I wanted to be sure you’re okay,” Peter stated.
You bit your bottom lip then looked down at your feet. “I’m fine, Peter. Thank you for your concern.”
“Wait. Please,” he blurted as you started to close the door. “I’d like to take you out on a proper date.”
“I was lonely, we both were. So let’s just take it for what it was, sex. Nothing more,” you asserted.
“Not for me. And I think you felt the same way,” Peter countered. You felt Peter’s eyes bore into you.
You straightened your frame. “Don’t come back here again.” Peter’s downcast face was the last thing you saw when the door closed.
SVU addict 