Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Oh my God, I think, as another wave of queasiness hits me.
Unaware, Summer continues, a smile on her face. “And Ben said if it wasn’t the last stop, he’d pull the plug on the tour because he couldn’t wait to get home,” Summer says, her voice trailing off as she meets my gaze. “Are you okay?” she asks.
“Umm…” I touch Summer’s arm. “I don’t mean to be rude but I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
Before Summer can even get the word out, I turn and find Dan. “Where’s the bathroom?” I ask him, embarrassed but having no choice. I can’t wait.
“Through there.” He gestures toward the main part of the house, where the bedrooms must be. “Down the hall, first door on the left.”
“Thank you.” I walk very quickly in the direction he pointed and find the bathroom door closed. I hear someone moving around inside, so I lean against the wall to wait.
I breathe in deeply, counting in and out, forcing myself to concentrate on anything other than throwing up or the very real possibility that I might be pregnant. Or what I would do if I am.
Suddenly the sound of male voices reaches me from the room right next to where I stand. I glance in that direction. The door is open, but I can’t see inside, but I recognize the voices.
“And I’m wondering what’s going on with you and Mia,” Ben asked.
A pause and then, “If I was going to get serious about anyone, it would be Mia. But…” Austin trailed off.
My stomach cramps, which is not good for my current situation. As wrong as it is, I stand rooted to the spot, listening.
“You’re still fighting the inevitable. I remember those days well. I got it,” Ben said.
I hold my breath.
“I can’t let myself get serious again. I can’t risk Bailey getting attached and me deciding it’s not working out.”
“You’re certainly very protective of Mia, considering you brought her here when you could have just had someone watch the house.” Another pause and then Ben goes on. “I’m telling you, all the fighting you are doing with yourself? It’s not worth it. You could have a real family, you know?”
“I’ve done the family thing once, Ben. Not doing it again.”
Now my stomach lurches and luckily the bathroom door opens. Ava Talbott walks out. “Hi, Mia.”
“Hi. Excuse me.” I make a beeline around the other woman and run into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.
Long after I throw up and clean up, I remain in the bathroom… heart pounding, head throbbing, and heart hurting at Austin’s words.
I’ve done the family thing once, Ben. Not doing it again.
Clearly I have a lot of thinking to do. Of course, I have to be certain before I can make decisions. And to do that, I need a pregnancy test. Austin hasn’t let me out of his sight but I do have an idea to get one.
I calm down, pat my cheeks for color, and walk out of the bathroom.
We don’t stay at the party long. Austin takes one look at me and knows I got sick again. He is obviously used to my just-vomited look.
Once we are in the car, I turn his way. “I’m really sorry. I could have stayed.”
He shakes his head. “I’d rather you rest. You have a busy week coming up.”
I nod. “Can I ask a favor? Can we stop by a drugstore on the way home?” I place my hand over my purse in my lap.
“Sure. I’ll run in for you.”
I shake my head, having anticipated this gesture. “It’s okay. It’s, umm… that time of the month and I need a few things.”
“Got it,” he says with a grin.
Half an hour later, I run into the drugstore by myself, take care of the things I need, and return to the car.
“Got everything?” he asks when I let myself back inside.
“Yes. Thank you,” I say, shaking the plastic bag full of sanitary napkins and tampons I more than likely don’t need.
Unless the two pregnancy tests tucked safely in my purse show I am panicking for no good reason.
* * *
Mia
I decide to take the tests separately. I don’t know why or what good it will do, but I convince myself two separate urine streams would yield the right results. It doesn’t matter that I am being completely irrational. The fact is, I slept with Austin the first time over a month ago, and though we used protection, it does have a fail rate. I could very well be pregnant.
I watch the first stick, waiting endlessly… then finally turn away. A watched pot and all that. I pace the bathroom, which is all of a few steps in one direction, another few in the other, rubbing my arms with my hands. This time my stomach churning has everything to do with nerves.