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I frowned. “Hey. Just because he hasn’t said the words doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it. I mean, I know you love him, and I further know that you haven’t told him that. Just because he hasn’t said the words doesn’t mean the feelings aren’t there.”
Even though I hadn’t said them, the feelings had certainly been there for me when it came to Vaughn.Being back in LA hadn’t helped me sleep any better, but I was hoping it was because I was in a hotel instead of back in the condo. First thing in the morning—after wanting to bang my head against the wall because my period hadn’t miraculously shown up—I checked out to head home. I sent a quick text to Morgan to let her know, which she promptly answered with a worried phone call. I reassured her as much as I could, but I wasn’t good at pretending and didn’t do a great job of it.
On my way to the condo, I stopped at the store to pick up a few staples. After putting everything away, I crawled onto my bed and peeled the lid off one of my favorite Greek yogurts. The scent of the fruity and creamy mixture hit my nose right as I took my first bite, and my stomach roiled. I quickly set the container and spoon on my bedside table and ran for my bathroom. Kneeling in front of the toilet, I heaved for what felt like forever. By the time my stomach felt semi-settled again, I was a sweaty mess with aching knees.
Morgan was sitting on my bed, waiting for me, when I walked out again. “I brought pregnancy tests.” She gestured to the bag next to her on the bed. “I feel like the sounds coming from your bathroom mean the tests are basically only going to confirm what you already know. All signs point to you having a bun in the oven.”
I let out a strangled sound as I sat on the bed next to her. Determined to stay in denial, I decided to blame my nausea on the innocent yogurt. “That’s never happened before. I think it might be food poisoning.”
“You look rough, but not need-to-see-a-doctor rough. All signs point to morning sickness.”
I should’ve known better than to try to pull the wool over my best friend’s eyes. Blowing out a breath, I nodded. “I’m picking up what you’re putting down, but I’m not ready for a test just yet.”
“Allison Marie,” she groaned. My back instinctively straightened when she used my middle name just as my mom did whenever I got into trouble when we were younger. “You can’t run from reality.”
“I can’t run from it forever, but I can avoid it for now. I need a day or two to get my mind around this.” Being back in LA and knowing Vaughn was a short drive away was hard enough. “Take my mind off this and tell me what happened last night when you told Gage you wanted to move back here. Your text was light on details but heavy on exclamation points, so I assume it was amazing.”
A goofy, dreamy smile spread across her face, but all she said was, “Things went really well.”
I elbowed her in the side. “Don’t downplay your happiness because I’m going through some shit. I’m still your best friend. Tell me everything.”
She finally caved and gave me all the details. When she told me she almost hit the floor when Gage told her he loved her, I started giggling. This was exactly what I needed because it felt damn good to be happy for my best friend. “Did he really text Shawn to say he wanted movers?”
“I never asked, but knowing him, I’m sure the answer is yes. I think he was covering his bases to make sure we would be living together no matter what.”
I flashed her a knowing grin. “That big lug couldn’t be more in love with you if he tried.”
We chatted for a little bit longer, but then Morgan had to head out. After she left, I sat on my bed, staring at the wall for about an hour until I finally knew I couldn’t put it off any longer. It was past time for me to face reality and take a pregnancy test.24VaughnI went to Allie’s condo the morning after she arrived back in Los Angeles. I’d tried to find her the previous night, but since she hadn’t been home, I got nowhere. I figured she wouldn’t be home the next morning either, but for once, luck smiled on me.
She was there, which was a major plus. On the downside, the fucking garage door was still wide open, which was bullshit, considering Morgan’s car had been trashed seven weeks prior. I tried to call her cell to tell her I was there, but as I was coming to expect, she didn’t answer. I wasn’t happy about it, but hopefully, I was about to get some answers. I hadn’t lost faith in her or in us, which was why her engagement ring was tucked into my glove box. I came prepared for anything.
