Page 78 of Restored Dreams

“Sir.” The frustration rings in her voice.

“Is she still there?”

“I’m sor—”

“Never mind.” I click off and dial Lily’s number. It rings and goes to voicemail. Immediately, I try again. And again.

“What the fuck?” The slight accent catches me off guard until I realize Ester has Lily’s phone.

“Ester, please tell me she’s okay.”

“I think she’s been better.” I bang the steering wheel in response, my palm pounding down as I run a yellow light.

“Is she at the doctor’s office? I’m on my way unless she’s home.”

“They already released her.”

“What happened?”

“I think it’s best if she tells you.”

My chest clenches, and I grip my shirt over my heart. “The baby. Ester, tell me the baby is okay.”

“Brut, you and Lily have a lot to discuss. Maybe you could start by being a man and tell her you love her.”

What the fuck?

“Thanks, Ester. And how about you tell me where the fuck she is?” Tires screech and I’ve nearly missed a car trying to cut into my lane. Not today, buddy.

“She went home.”

“Thanks.” I hit end and then realize I’m not certain if she’s gone to our home or back to the apartment above the bakery.

I make a quick decision, hoping I’m not too late…for anything.

39

Lima Bean and bucket lists

[Lily]

I wake after a restless sleep. I’ve missed several calls from Brut and a few texts but decide I still don’t know what to say to him. The day ahead at the bakery will be busy, and I’m ready to throw myself into baking to distract myself again. Ester is already setting things up, and Julia has come in early. She’s come out of her shell a little bit with questions about dating and kissing, and Ester’s all over her like a mother hen. I find it funny she’s asking Ester for advice, but I don’t judge her. I wish someone had taken me under their wings when I was her age and been open about sexual activities. Julia doesn’t want information about sex, though—not yet, she says—and I smile with pride that she’s willing to wait. At her age, I was so hungry for Brut I’d have done anything for a taste of him. Foolish heart.

We’re in the middle of one such discussion when my back cramps. I bend forward, feeling as if I’ve been stabbed in the kidneys.

“Jesus,” I cry out, gripping the base of my spine. The pain returns almost instantly, wrapping around to the front of me, and I cup the small bulge finally protruding from my belly. My legs tremble, and my other hand grips the stainless steel island in the center of the kitchen.

“Lily?” Ester questions, but I can’t find words to answer her. I groan out the word, “Stomach,” as my knees collapse, and I lower to the floor. I’m almost twelve weeks, and the doctor has assured me I’m progressing well. I’ve gained a few pounds as I should, and the ultrasound I had showed a steady heartbeat. Ester folds to her knees before me, yelling at Julia to call 911.

“No,” I grunt. “Call Midge.”

“What about Brut?” Ester asks, her large dark eyes opening wide. She’s scared, and I try to smile, but the pain ripples through me again.

“He’ll only worry. No. Call Midge.”

“Midge is on the phone,” Julia says, lowering my cell phone to me on the floor.

Oh God, I groan as another wave of sharp pain ripples through me. My hand clutches at my belly. Come on, Lima Bean. Be a good girl.