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My sisters are still shocked to this day how Dad is somewhat relaxed with my pregnancy. I guess so am I, given his history of outbursts when it came to us girls disobeying his wishes. He’s always been one to control our family, but as I draw close to the impending birth of my child, I realize he has done it all to protect his family.
And how can I fault him for that?
He loves us and will do anything for my sisters and me.
“Since I’m thirty-five weeks now and won’t be able to get around much anymore, I wanted to take a drive out today to visit a friend who moved a few hours away,” I tell them while checking my phone. “Indiana owns a bookstore, so I’m eager to see what she has in store.”
“It sounds like a great idea,” Mom agrees but then purses her lips momentarily. “Make sure you call us and give us the address in case anything happens. Oh, and pick me up something spicy.
“Like how spicy?”
Dad crosses his arms, gazing at Mom with a smirk. I wait for him to say something, but he keeps his opinion to himself.
“Spicy, no billionaires,” Mom replies.
“What’s wrong with billionaires?” Dad questions, almost annoyed.
Mom shrugs. “Reading is an escape. In case you’ve forgotten, baby, you’re a billionaire.”
Unable to hold back, I let out a soft laugh. “Ouch, Dad. So, what else, Mom?”
“Try to find me something like monsters or even Aliens. It’s been a while since I’ve binge-read Aliens.”
“Aliens?” Dad repeats, narrowing his brows. “Really, Charlotte?”
“Blame Ava. She started all this.”
“True story, Dad. Ava is the one who gives us all the book recs.”
Dad glances at his watch, then finishes his coffee. “I won’t be back home until late. We have our stakeholders arriving today from Hong Kong, so I expect to be in lockdown with them all day long.”
“Is that why you look extra smashing today, Dad?” I tease as Mom laughs. “Trying to impress a group of men?”
He chuckles, then shakes his head with a final smirk. “If old men are what I desired, sure. Lucky, I’m married to the hottest wife a man could have.”
“Ew.” I cringe, leaning back in my chair. “Did you just call Mom hot? ‘Cause, maybe I should leave the room. Actually, leave the house.”
“Thanks, appreciated.” Dad grins.
I’m unsure whether he is joking, so I quickly grab my toast and bail like I’m a fugitive on the run. Inside my room, I pack a small backpack with a few things, grab my keys, and head out to the car.
The drive through the canyons is relaxing, especially with my windows completely open and my music blaring. The small town my friend, Indiana, lives in is cute and quaint, giving me the best vibes. It’s so good to be away from the city hustle and breathe in the fresh air.
We meet for lunch at a quirky cafe decorated with cat memorabilia. At first, I thought it was odd, but then I met Petunia, the owner, and everything made sense. If you ignore how weird it all is, the food is delicious.
“I can’t believe you are here and pregnant. Lex Edwards’ daughter.” Indiana shakes her head in disbelief. “I also can’t believe I’m here running a bookstore while taking care of my grandmother. Our cheerleading days are long gone.”
I sigh, then touch her hand. “Bookstores are awesome. And besides, this place is beautiful. Your grandmother is lucky to have you. Cheerleading was fun, but seriously, I have no idea how we did the splits as we did.”
“I think that all the time.” Indiana cringes. “It’s so different from the life we envisioned in middle school when we swore we would be doctors.”
My lips curve upward. “There’s still a chance, I guess. We will just be more seasoned.”
Indiana laughs. “Oh, nice way of saying old.”
“Tell me, any hot guys worthy of a small-town romance?”
She takes a bite of her sandwich with a smile. “I’m kinda seeing someone. He’s a single father, though.”
