“They’re not one hundred effective,” Gina reminds me.
My throat tightens, my thoughts on Jaxon.
What would he think?
Except I don’t need to ask that question. I know the answer, and maybe that’s why I’m not just nauseous, I’m terrified.
I shove back my chair and hurry to the bathroom. I barely make it before everything comes up. I’m bent over the sink, trembling, when gentle hands gather my hair away from my face. Gina. Josie.
When it’s over, Gina wets a paper towel and presses it into my hand. “Here.”
“Thank you,” I rasp. They don’t speak. They just…stay. They let me gather myself, let me breathe. And when I finally do, I nod. “I think I need to go to a drug store.”
Gina responds with a firm nod. “Then let’s go.”
“No.” I straighten, instinctively stepping back. “You two stay. Have lunch. Shop. I don’t want to drag you into this.”
Gina loops her arm through mine. “Girlfriend. We’re not leaving you.”
Something inside me breaks open. Their support holds me up. It also terrifies me.
Because what if they think I did this deliberately? To trap him?
Oh God.
I can’t be pregnant. I can’t. Because if I am…I could lose everything. Him. Us. Whatever fragile thing we’ve just started to build.
I follow them out on autopilot, the gray clouds rolling in overhead. Fitting, really. There’s a storm coming. Outside—and inside.
Gina leads the way to the nearest pharmacy. I don’t even register entering. She buys the test for me. The next thing I know, I’m in the passenger seat of her SUV, seatbelt buckled, hands shaking. Josie sits quietly in the back, her palm warm on my shoulder.
And we drive home in silence.
She pulls into my driveway and unbuckles. “Do you want to do this alone, or do you want us to come in?”
It takes me only a second to realize I want them here. “Do you mind?” I ask.
“Of course not.”
“I don’t really think I’m pregnant.” I laugh, but it sounds nervous. “I’m sure this is all for nothing.” I try to convince myself, but it’s hard when I watch Gina and Josie exchange that knowing look. Gina has two kids, Josie’s pregnant, it’s obvious they’ve been through this, seen it all.
I move in slow motion, fishing the key from my pocket. Gina takes it from me and opens the door. She guides me down the hall and into the bathroom. After a quick glance at the box, she opens it, gives me instructions, and steps into the hall with Josie.
“Well, we’ll wait in the living room,” she says.
I nod, tug my jeans down, and follow the instructions. Moments later, I redress, wash my hands, and sit quietly, my eyes fixed on the clock on my phone. When the waiting ends, I take the biggest breath of my life and glance at the stick.
Two pink lines.
I blink, trying to convince myself that means nothing. But deep down, I know.
I’m pregnant.
With Jaxon’s child.
Oh my God. I’m pregnant with Jaxon’s child.
“Row,” Gina’s voice is soft, just a knock on the door, and it jolts me into motion. I toss everything into the garbage and open the door. She takes one look and instantly knows. She throws her arms around me. “We’re here for you.”