Leaning against the workbench, I say, “You know, you’re welcome here anytime, but since this is a first, you’ll forgive me if I’m a little concerned about you being here.”
Her smile is small, yet genuine before she glances around my garage workspace. “It’s nice in here.”
“Thanks,” I reply, crossing my ankles as I lean against the bench. “I did a few necessary updates to the house, but my main focus has been in here.”
“Well, that’s understandable. This is where you work,” she reasons.
After a few seconds, I ask, “So, what’s up?”
She exhales. “I stopped by for a reason.”
Cracking a smile, I reply, “I figured this wasn’t a casual visit.”
I wait her out. Clearly she’s here for a reason, and the last thing I need to do is push her. Whatever’s on her mind will be spoken at some point, so I might as well get comfy.
After several long seconds, she whispers, “This is harder than I thought it would be.”
Okay, now I’m a little worried.
Why does she look so scared?
Setting my bottle of water off to the side, I turn my attention to her. I crouch in front of her, which makes me much lower than her, since she’s sitting on a bar-height stool. “Listen, I don’t know what’s bothering you, but you can talk to me.”
“I know,” she whispers, tears filling her ocean-blue eyes.
Fuck, what the hell is going on?
Is she sick? Is someone hurt?
“Camden?” I find myself asking, almost afraid to hear the answer. Is that why she’s here? Is something wrong with my best friend? Her parents?
Realization hits her hard. “No, he’s okay. Sorry,” she spits out, covering her eyes. “Everyone is all right.”
“Okay. Phew. I have to admit, Charli, you scared me there for a minute,” I reply with a chuckle.
“I’m pregnant.”
Her words rush out of her mouth and slap me upside the head with force. I stare at her for a second, wondering if my mind is playing tricks on me. “Did you say…” The words trailing off, like I can’t seem to get them past my lips.
“Yeah,” she confirms.
“Wow. Okay.” I feel like I got hit by a truck.
And that I’m blinking repeatedly for no reason.
Standing up to stretch out my legs, I look down at the woman before me. Her eyes are filled with a mix of emotions. Fear, excitement, uncertainty. It’s all there, battling for the lead in her mind, and I’m not sure which one is coming out victorious.
Reaching out, I place my hand on her jaw, lightly stroking her cheek with my thumb. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
She snorts, the faintest grin on her lips. “No shit. I wasn’t either.”
“When did you find out?” I ask.
“Thursday night. I took a home pregnancy test.”
I nod. “And you’re sure?”
She levels me with a look, letting me know my question is stupid. “I’m sure.” She takes a deep breath and continues, “I have all the symptoms. Super tired, nauseous, sore boobs, and the biggest one of all…no period.”
