"What's up?" I ask.
She leans against the wall and her expression shifts, becomes concerned.
"I heard something today and I wanted to check in with you about it."
My stomach drops. "What did you hear?"
"Are you pregnant?"
The question hits like a slap. "How did you?—"
"I overheard you and Gráinne earlier. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop but I heard her mention it."
Fuck.
"It's none of your business," I say.
"You're right, it's not. But, Everly, I'm worried about you."
"Why?"
"Because Rush has told me multiple times that he never wants kids."
The words make my blood run cold. "What?"
"I'm sorry. I thought you knew. He's always been really clear about it, says he can't stand the idea of being tied down like that."
"Rush never said that to me."
"Maybe he didn't want to upset you, but he's said it to me more than once. He despises women who trap men into fatherhood."
The words land like knives.
"I'm not trapping him."
"I know you're not. I'm just saying he might not see it that way. And Everly, I don't want to see you get hurt."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm just trying to help. Rush hates being controlled and a baby is the ultimate control. If you tell him you're pregnant, he's going to feel trapped."
"Stop."
"I'm sorry. I know this is hard to hear but you need to know what you're walking into."
"Ciara, I need you to leave me alone."
"Okay. I just wanted to warn you. I care about you and I care about Rush. I don't want to see this blow up."
She walks away and I stand there shaking. Did Rush really say that, that he never wants kids? That he despises women who trap men? I think back through every conversation we've had and I can't remember him ever mentioning children.
Not once.
What if Ciara's right? What if I tell him I'm pregnant and he sees it as a trap? What if he runs?
I can't breathe. I need to get out of here.
I grab my bag and leave without saying goodbye to anyone.