I needed wine. Stat.
And I sure as hell hoped Alexis had some considering the fact that Target Guy had stolen mine.
I let myself into her house, grabbing a bottle of wine from the fridge and pouring myself a glass. Alexis padded downstairs a moment later, and I hated seeing the slump of her shoulders, the dark circles beneath her eyes. She was stressed and exhausted, and I just wanted her to take this damn test so she would know.
“No more excuses.” I shoved a box at her. “Do you know how many different pregnancy tests there are—digital, smiley face, two lines, one line, blue line?”
She laughed, but the sound was hollow. “Yes. There are a lot of options, but they’re all pretty much the same.”
“Thanks. A. Lot.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I just spent ten minutes staring at the boxes, trying to decide which one you would choose.”
“Aww.” She teared up, and I didn’t need a pregnancy test to know—she was expecting. “You’re such a good friend.”
“That’s right. You have no idea what I went through to get you those tests.”
She frowned. “What you went through?”
“Funny thing,” I said, feeling my cheeks heating, my core igniting. “I was on the ‘family planning’ aisle at Target, staring at the tests, when a super-tall, super-hot guy passes by. He paused, clearly checking me out. Or at least, that’s what I thought he was doing. And what did I do?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. What did you do?”
“I held up two boxes of pregnancy tests and told him they were for a friend.” I groaned, covering my face with my hands momentarily.
She laughed, and this time, it sounded more genuine. “That’s what everyone says.”
“But they reallywerefor a friend—for you,” I huffed. “I made a damn fool of myself. So now, you really do have to take the test.”
Her face fell, and I knew she didn’t want to do this. Without answers, it was easier to be in denial. I’d had a pregnancy scare myself—most terrifying five minutes of my life waiting for the results to the test.
“I don’t know…” she hedged.
“Exactly,” I said. “You don’t know if you’re pregnant. You might not be. And if you’re not, we’ll drink some wine.”
“I just… I’m not ready for this.”
“Ready or not.” I pursed my lips, knowing she needed a push.
“Fine,” she huffed. “You’re right. I know you’re right.”
She tore open the box, and several tests went flying across the floor in the process. She grabbed one and tried to rip it open, but her hands were shaking so badly, she couldn’t.
“Here.” I took it from her. “Let me.”
“Do you want to take the test for me too?” she teased.
Hell no.That’s why I always used two forms of contraception. I had an IUD, and I always insisted on condoms. I didn’t judge Alexis for having sex without a condom, but it was a good reminder to take the proper precautions. Because I didn’t want to have my life derailed by an unexpected pregnancy.
I wrapped my arm around her, wanting her to know I was there for her. And that I always would be. “I can only imagine what you’re thinking and feeling right now. But I’m here for you. Okay?”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
I gave her a squeeze before releasing her. “Now, go pee on a stick. You got this.”
She laughed and headed for the bathroom, and I took a large swig of my wine. I didn’t envy Alexis, not one bit. I adored her daughter, Sophia, but I didn’t want children of my own. I didn’t want to get married either.
I’d seen what could happen when you attached yourself to a man—you got burned. And I’d vowed never to let that happen to me.
