Page 79 of One Reckless Night

Clair cracked open the door and peeked in before slipping inside. She sat next to me on the tub, her presence oddly calming. Together we watched that small plastic stick like it was going to explode.

“It’s time,” she said softly after what felt like an eternity but was really only three minutes.

“You look,” I said. “I can’t.”

She stood up and looked down at the stick with her eyes widening. I cringed. I didn’t have to guess what that meant.

“Amelia… it’s positive.”

I was pregnant. Jared’s baby. The thought sent a jolt through me. I didn’t know how to feel. Shock, fear, confusion—it all swirled together, leaving me numb.

Clair sat down beside me. “How are you feeling?”

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know. I… I always wanted kids. Someday. But…”

“But Jared doesn’t,” Clair finished for me, her tone understanding.

“Is there any point in me denying he’s the father?” I asked with a sigh.

She laughed. “No, but this will be our secret. It is Jared’s, right? You didn’t have some passionate fling while you were in London?”

“I didn’t.” I smiled. “Yes, it is Jared’s, but you can’t say anything.”

“I won’t. So, are you and Jared seeing each other?”

“No.”

“And you don’t think he’s going to want this baby,” she said.

“He made it clear he’s not interested in a relationship. And definitely not in being a father.”

“Amelia, you don’t know that. People change. Especially when it comes to something like this. He might not have intended to have children but now that it’s happened, I’m sure he’ll change his mind. And I happen to believe he’s missed you like crazy.”

I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. “I saw Gemma in his office the other day. They looked very cozy. I don’t think he missed me that much.”

Clair rolled her eyes. “Gemma’s been hanging around more, but according to Shawn, Jared’s not interested in whatever she’s trying to mend between them. So that doesn’t mean anything. Gemma is always sniffing around.”

I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to tell Jared. Or if I even should.

“You need to go to a clinic. Get tested again. Make sure it’s accurate. And if you’re not ready to tell Jared, we’ll go to a clinic in Key West. Somewhere not associated with the lab. The last thing we need are rumors. This campus is too small to keep secrets.”

“I don’t want to tell him at all. Not yet. Maybe not ever.”

Clair squeezed my hand. “You don’t have to decide anything right now. Just take it one step at a time.”

I took a deep breath. “Thank you, Clair. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You are truly my only friend.”

She smiled. “You’d figure it out. But you don’t have to do it alone. I am very happy to be your friend, but I think you have plenty of other friends. Just not like me. I’m the best one.”

I laughed. “Yes, you are.”

“Come on, let’s get out of the bathroom. We’ll get you all settled in. You’re taking the rest of the day off. Doctor’s orders.”

She grabbed a blanket off the couch and wrapped it around my shoulders. “Sit. I’ll get you a plate of crackers.”

She returned with the crackers and a blue Gatorade.

“You don’t have to tell him today,” she said. “Or even this week. But I think you should eventually.”

“And what if he’s horrified?”

“What if he’s thrilled?”

I shook my head, too afraid to hope she was right.