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“Seven days?”
“More like twelve, but I’ll try my best.” He sighed heavily then slowly let me go.
I peered out the car window and was surprised to see Paul had come down to watch me leave.
My insides went all warm and fuzzy.He never did that before.
Things were changing….
When I arrived back at the Hudson, there was so much mail. But one package from the British Virgin Islands caught my eye. It was from Lily, and she sent a book of poems about inspiration and encouragement, but there was also a box.Birth control pills?
Hello Nadia,
We all miss you. I hope you’ll take us up on the offer to come back.
Our housekeeper found these behind the bed. Jonas told me you’d have already replaced them by now, but I thought I’d send them to you anyway.
With love and blessings,
Lily, Jonas, and Darling
I frowned and checked my handbag.Where did I put the pills? Shit. But that’s not possible….
Then I searched closets, vanities, and wardrobes. Everywhere I had a drawer and a bag. Where had they gone? After fifteen panicked minutes, I found the refill box inside the bag I carried to Doctor Foster’s. Some pills were missing, but not many.
I sank to the floor. Paul and I have had sex numerous times since then.Howdid I forget?Then again, how could I not? So much had happened: Dad’s transplant, finals, Givenchy internship, recreating the dress and finishing finals, prep for the fashion show, a trip to the Virgin Islands, meeting Justus, and going to Rome with Paul. Truly, I hadn’t a moment to catch my breath.Besides, I’m not pregnant.
But just saying it wasn’t enough. Then I remembered seeing a pregnancy test I had from Xander in one of my bags. I collected it and returned to the bathroom. There, I quickly took it.
One line.
Or were there two?The pregnancy test’s results weren’t precise, just like last time.Oh God. Again?
I refused to panic.Take a deep breath, Nadia.
I looked at the pregnancy test again.One line, for sure. The last time turned out to be nothing.This time was more than likely the same. Maybe this was how it is when you’re sexually active and on the pill, constantly worrying.No, I wasn’t going to let this sidetrack me again.
Chime.I was startled by the sound of my phone and went to check it.Please don’t be Paul.I was not ready to get my game face on. But, to my surprise, it was Isabelle.
Isabelle: Hey, are you back? Want to go to Nobu?
A part of me wanted to sit down and think of a plan, believing I needed time to think it through. But the more I sat there, the more I was determined to stay calm and not worry. Paul had finally opened up, and we were good.Chime.Another message from Isabelle.
Isabelle: The lunch will be my treat to celebrate your win. I’m so happy for you!
I was happy. Hell, I was over the moon. Everything was going right in my life. But as I stared around The Hudson, all I could do was think of Paul. His panic when I vomited. When he said,I’m not looking for love, I have you. I told Paul I love him. He hadn’t said it back. He was very resolute about never wanting to marry again with Lorenzo. And he was clear about what he wanted when it came to children.The child will be mine.
I needed to get out of here to think, to breathe.
Picking up my phone, I stared at Isabelle’s message again. One meal with Isabelle couldn’t hurt. Right? I had always hoped we could be friends. After the first mixer, she had been on my side and told me about Paul searching for a surrogate. Then again, I couldn’t bring someone into my life with Paul without caution.It’s only lunch. If she behaves like Sophie, I’ll not see her again. But right now, I feel like I’m suffocating in here.
I sent Isabelle a text back.
Nadia: Sure. See you soon.
Seeing Isabelle without her baby bump was still new—and that wasn’t the only change. Gone was her long brown hair; instead, she sported an auburn shag with bangs that made her cheekbones appear more pronounced, and her wide brown eyes and lips appear fuller. “Isabelle, you look sensational.”
“Can you believe I gave birth a couple of weeks ago?” She twirled in place to show off her open blazer, a rust-colored faux leather suit, and a fitted top that was right on trend.
