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“Well, I knew he was going to leave for Alaska at the end of September. It was hanging over us. At first, I tried to be cool about it. I didn’t ask him what would happen between us. He’s not a talkative guy, and I didn’t want to freak him out by mentioning anything about a long-distance relationship. But then, finally, I couldn’t stand it. I asked him if we could be together, even while he was away. You know what I mean? Like girlfriend and boyfriend. And he said it wouldn’t be a good idea. I got all stupid and cried and stormed out. Slammed the door. That whole bit. We didn’t talk for two weeks, and then he left town. And then… the day after he jetted off, I tossed my cookies before breakfast. I took a pregnancy test…”
“And realized you were carrying his baby.”
“Exactly.”
“And you haven’t told him?”
“No! We’re not talking. We broke up. He doesn’t want a baby, and he doesn’t want me.”
“You don’t know that, Kate.”
“Yes, I do. He said so.”
“Wait, he said so?”
“I mean, not exactly. But it’s like I told you. I asked him if we could be an item, and he said no.”
“You asked him about a long-distance relationship, and he said it wasn’t a good idea. That could have just been his fear of talking. Maybe he’s scared he wouldn’t live up to your expectations, or whatever. If you share your fears, then he can be honest about his. If you ask me, he’s seriously into you.”
She’s been so talkative, but now, suddenly, she’s mute.
I wait.
“Kate? You there?” I ask eventually.
“Um… yeah, I’m here,” she whispers. “Wait… you’re saying he might still have feelings for me?”
“Totally! I mean, based on everything you’ve just told me, it sounds like you two have a lot of fun together. Over the years, you keep connecting, even though he travels. Then, there was your magical summer. That sounds a heck of a lot like love to me. It takes two to really be in love… to make that world-sparkling feeling. So, he was probably in love with you, too.”
“I can’t believe this… I never thought of it like this.”
“I think you should tell him about the baby, Kate. You won’t know for sure how he feels about the whole thing until you have a conversation with him. Communicate, figure out how he feels, and then go from there. That’s better than putting words in his mouth.”
“You really think?” she breathes. “Whoa… this is mind-bendy. I’ve been too scared, but you’re so right about how the risk is worth it. Zoey’s got attachment issues, and Mr. Brown’s been a real handful lately. But it doesn’t matter—talking to Sawyer and being honest with him is exactly what I have to do…”
Zoey?
Mr. Brown?
I have no idea who she’s talking about.
She goes on in a rush without letting me get a word in. “I feel excited for the first time in ages. Oh my gosh, and now traffic’s actually picking up. Isn’t it funny how these things go? It’s like this whole traffic jam was just the universe’s way of getting me to talk to you. Thank you, Gwen! You’ve been so helpful.”
A horn honks in the distance, and she hangs up in a hurry.
Who are Zoey and Mr. Brown? I wonder as I lower the phone.
Well, I don’t have to worry about it. The call is over, and now Kate’s on her own.
When I glance at the phone screen, I see that I talked to Brock’s little sister for 59 minutes. Yikes. That puts me behind schedule for the afternoon.
I cruise down the long driveway with my thoughts already on the task ahead. Kate is right about packaging the bikini bottoms. Swimsuit fabric is delicate. Lots of bubble wrap is totally the way to go.
And then I’ll head back to the office… and Brock.
Chapter 5
Brock
