“Yes…how did you know?”
I waved my phone in the air. “I’m reading about it. Is it your back or your legs?”
Lila continued to stare at me before mumbling it was her back.
“Have you got a pregnancy pillow?” I asked, hoping she wasn’t pissed at me for asking. “I can order you one?”
“A what?” Lila gazed at me.
“A pregnancy pillow. It’s shaped like a C, and if you sleep on your side with it between your legs, it’s supposed to help align your hips.” I went online and scrolled until I found one. I tilted the phone to show her, and she leaned forward, her fingers brushing mine as she took the phone from me.
“I see. Yeah, that looks good.”
“Great, I’ll order you one.”
Added to cart.
“Victor, you don’t have to.”
Next day delivery.
“Lila, let me.” I held her gaze until she lifted her brows and held up her hands.
“Okay. Thank you, I guess.”
“No worries. Warm baths can help; did you want me to run you one?” I placed my order then looked at Lila to see her staring at me again.
“Victor, I can run my own bath,” Lila insisted with a shaky chuckle.
“I know, but you’re pregnant and I’m here.” I met her gaze and she swallowed. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me to,” I said gently, watching as she stared at her hands. “So, you may as well use me.”
“Why are you still here?” Lila whispered, her eyes meeting mine. “After everything…”
“Because I love you.” The words were automatic. “I will always love you.”
“I burned your truck…” She cringed, staring at her hands again.
“I ruined your life.”
My heart raced as she nodded. “You did.”
“I guess we’re even,” I joked, holding my hands up before she threw something at me.
“Hardly.” Lila scoffed, leaning back onto the sofa with a grimace.
There was a pause, one that seemed to hold too much weight, so I changed the subject. I didn’t want her to hate me more than she already did by hashing up my mistakes.
“How is it?” I asked, nodding at her stomach. “The pregnancy?”
Lila followed my gaze and smiled, stroking her belly. “It’s hard, but so beautiful. I think the baby moved today.”
I gaped at her. “Really?!”
“Well, I’m not sure, but the baby can move between?—”
“Seventeen to twenty-four weeks!” I nodded, a massive grin on my face. “Was it like a flutter?”
Lila stared at me. “You’re really enjoying that book, huh?”
