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“Hey, are you okay?” someone asked from the stall next door.
“Yeah, sorry. Must’ve been something I ate.”
“Oh, I hate that. Hope you feel better.” Then she was gone.
I wiped my mouth and then rinsed it out. How long had it been since my period? Was I due now? I couldn’t even think straight for the nausea and turmoil in my head.
I left the office early and picked up a pregnancy test on the way home. Then I did the deed. As I waited for the results, I knew in my heart what it would be. Sure enough, I was pregnant. This was a time I was supposed to be ecstatic. Instead, my heart was heavy with sadness. What should I do? I had to tell Hugh. I knew he’d be happy about the baby, but what about me? Would he still want me?
My phone rang and it was Chloe. Shit, I’d forgotten to return her call.
“Molly! What the hell is going on? You never called me back.”
“I’m sorry. Something happened.”
“I’m coming over.” The call ended.
In some ways, I needed her more than ever, but in others, I dreaded the news I had to share.
The pounding on the door matched the pounding in my head. I turned the knob and Chloe pushed her way in. Then she hugged me. “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure where to begin.”
“Try the beginning.” She grabbed my hand and drew me to the couch.
“Fine.” I took a deep breath and plunged in. “Please don’t hate me, but Hugh Hampton and I are a thing.”
Her hand sailed through the air. “I figured that after catching the two of you together and it’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
“You don’t hate me?”
“Of course not. I could never hate you. At first I was pissed that you hadn’t told me. That day I came over I was desperate to talk to you, but when I found Hugh there, I got angry. Anyway, all that’s old news.” She laughed. A little at first, but then harder. “You won’t believe this, but the guy I left with, Ryan, is his cousin.”
“What!”
“Yeah, we’re dating. It’s such a small world, isn’t it? I can’t believe we met them both the night at the party.”
“Seriously? The guy you texted me the pic of?”
“Yes, That’s who I disappeared with.”
“Oh, my God! I can’t believe it!”
She aimed her finger at me. “And you and Hugh. Mr. Crabbypants. If he fucks things up, I’m going to kick his ass. He explained everything and I got it.”
I scrunched up my face. “He’s not crabby with me. Well, he wasn’t until… oh, God, I screwed things up something fierce. But, Chloe, there’s something else.”
“What?”
“I, er, I’m pregnant. And now I don’t know what to do.”
“I do. You’re going to have a baby. What else?” Chloe asked. I was quiet for a second too long. “Don’t even tell me you’re thinking of getting rid of it.”
“No! I would never. It’s just that… oh, never mind.”
“Tell me.”
It wasn’t just that she wouldn’t believe me, but what kind of person would she think I was? “It’s too complicated. And now it’s worse since I screwed things up and got pissed off.”
“Well, you have to tell him about the baby. He deserves that, at least.”
She was right. But the question was how?
Later that week, I got the biggest surprise when Chloe called to tell me she and Ryan were getting married. They had decided to tie the knot since they were in love. I was very excited for my friend, but couldn’t help feeling sorry for myself.
A Few Weeks Later
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I said.
“Me either. I know it’s fast but Ryan didn’t want to wait,” Chloe said. “I’m just so glad you agreed to be my maid of honor.”
I fanned my face. “You are so going to make me cry. I’m glad you forgave me for what happened.”
She waved the matter away. “It’s water under the bridge. I get it now. You found love in the most unexpected place and he’s not that bad.”
I turned away and wiped at my eyes.
“What is it?” she asked. “You haven’t talked to him yet, have you?”
I shook my head. “This is your day. We can talk about my problems another time.”
Chloe smoothed her dress and approached me. Her brand-new custom gown had a vintage style. The ivory floral lace form-fitting dress with an extended sweeping train made her look like a princess.
“You’re going to make me cry and mess up my makeup if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”
I sat there glumly in the simple blush-pink V-neck dress I’d picked out. “I don’t want to see Hugh today, but I have no choice. He’s Ryan’s cousin. My only solace is I’ll be walking with Ian down the aisle.”
Her brow arched. “You and Hugh seemed fine at our small pre-wedding dinner. What happened or was that an act?”
