The Bet

Gil walked over to Clarke and Janet, joining them in the sand.

"Remind me why I came here today. I hate the beach, I have sand all in my a-"

"Language Gil." Clarke said covering his mouth.

"Sorry." He stood up and tried to dust some of the sand away.

"And last time I checked, they are the reason you're here." Janet said pointing towards Noah and Wade.

"I know but they're paying me any attention right now." He said poking his lip out.

"Wait..." Clarke said. "So you're messing around with both of them, do they know?"

"Shhhhj, keep your voice down bitch, they are coming this way." He said with both men approaching them quickly. "Hiiiieeeee." Gil said.

"We're gonna head out." Noah said.

"Yeah," Wade seconded. "We had a great time with you ladies and you too Gil." He said shooting a pretty smile Gil's way. Gil smiled and batted his eye lashes.

"We should get going to babe. It's getting cold and this lil guy is obviously sleepy." Clarke said looking down at Eissa in her arms as he rubbed his eyes.

They all packed up and followed the trail back home.

Janet gave Eissa a bath while Clarke and Gil ordered dinner. They stood in the kitchen as Gil poured them a drink. He looked towards the all to make sure Janet was coming and then flicked Clarke's shoulder.

"So have you mentioned it to her again?" He asked.

"Mentioned what?" Clarke said rubbing her shoulder. "That hurt asshole."

"Marriage Clarke."

"No I haven't." She said grabbing her drink and taking a sip. "I don't think it's up for discussion. She's been married three times man. One divorce is still kind of fresh and I don't want to make her feel like pressuring her." Clarke looked down at her phone. "Damn."

"What?" Gil asked.

"It's Alicia. She's having a party tonight. Shit man, I have to go." She said and looked at Gil. "Janet is not going to be happy. I've missed dinner every night since I got this fucking job man."

"So tell her no." He said.

"I can't, everyone's got to be there."

Janet's foot steps were approaching quickly and she walked in to the kitchen. "Eissa was so tired. He didn't even fight tonight."

Janet walked up to Clarke and playfully tugged on her dreads as she passed her to take a seat at the dinner table. "I'm so happy to have you home tonight babe." She said and smiled. Gil glanced over at Clarke. Janet caught it and glanced back and forth between them. "What is it?" She asked.

"I'm sorry babe, but Alicia just text me. She is having a party tonight and I have to go." Janet rolled her eyes, stood up and stormed out of the kitchen and into the hallway. Clarke was right behind her and stopped her.

"Baby please don't be mad at me. I've been working really hard and I just don't want to mess this up." She said. Her eyes looked sad and it made Janet feel bad for getting so upset.

"Do you really have to go?" She asked.

"I have to baby but know that I'd rather stay home with you, Eissa and our lady friend in there over work any day."

"You sure know how to make a girl feel special." Gil said from behind them. Clarke turned to seen Gil peeking his head around the corner and started to laugh.

Janet didn't laugh. She was very worried. "Have you ever been to a real Hollywood party Clarke?" She asked.

"Yeah the tour party we had." She answered.

Gil laughed. "That was a child's birthday party compared to a fa real Hollywood party daddy. There are is a lot more alcohol and drugs involved." Janet hadn't taken her eyes off Clarke.

Clarke didn't understand why they were so worried.

"Guys, I don't do drugs. Y'all know this. Hell I've only tried weed maybe twice." She said. "And we all know I can't hold my liquor, my limit is like two." Clarke laughed trying to lighten the mood. Janet still didn't even crack a smile. Gil stood agains the wall shaking his head as if the entire situation was hopeless.

"Maybe you should stay home." He said. Janet grabbed Clarke by the chin bringing her eyes to meet hers.

"Baby you gotta listen to. It's so important. When you go to this party don't take anything from anyone. I don't care if they tell you it's gum or a mint, nothing. Don't drink anything that is not in a sealed container. Have a beer or some of an unopened bottle of wine or champagne. Be mindful baby, do you understand me?" She said. Her concern was very hard to ignore. Clarke touched her face and smiled.

"I promise to be careful. Stop worrying please." She hugged her tight. "I need to get ready. She ran into the bedroom, got dressed and walked back in the kitchen.

Janet smiled and pulled her into an embrace. "You look amazing."

"Thanks bab."

"Can I take a picture of you?" She asked.

"Sure." Clarke blushed. Janet and Gil walked her outside.

"Stand right there. Yeah just like that." Janet shook her head. "Damn you are so sexy baby."

Janet snapped the picture and pulled Clarke close. She smiled.

"I love you pretty girl." Janet said adjusting the scarf on her head.

"I love you too. I will text you as soon as I make it. I promise." Janet kissed her softly. Clarke turned to open the car door and another car pulled up. It was Preston.

"You don't trust me to drive?" Clarke said. She cut her eyes at Gil as he began laugh from the porch.

"Gil hush it! No baby thats not it at all. I want you to go and have a good time without having to worry about driving home." She said smiling sweetly and twirling Clarke's dreads around her finger. Clarke shook her head and smiled. Preston got out the car and opened the door.

"Ms. Dubious."

"What's up Pres." She said touching his shoulder. "Thanks man."

"You know I got ya." He said and glanced back at Janet.

"Thank you so much Preston. You don't how much this means to me."

"Anytime Ms. Jackson. I will make sure she gets home safely." Preston nodded, got in the car and drove away.

Clarke looked down at her phone. She had a text from Alicia.

Alicia: The only face I really wanted to see tonight I don't... are you coming?