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My head moves up and down slowly with the hard chest beneath my cheek. My eyes fly open, and I stare at Viper’s face as he sleeps, his dirty blond hair mussed on the pillow. My heart thumps in my chest. How am I waking up in the bed of such a gorgeous man? What is my life?
Shifting slightly, I freeze as Viper’s arms tighten around me. Well, I’m not about to complain about being stuck here…. Disappointingly, he releases me, his arms falling away. I bite back a sigh, carefully inching off him and slipping out of bed. Viper murmurs, turning his head to the side and throwing his arm over it, but he doesn’t wake. Stooping to gather my clothes, I grimace at the sticky mess between my thighs.
I need to get some Plan B and sort out birth control, A.S.A.P. Reaching the hallway, I cast one last look at Viper, looking so handsome as he sleeps, and creep out of the room, closing the door softly behind me.
Taking a deep breath, I hurry to the bathroom, stepping into the warm spray of the shower as I frantically scrub between my thighs, my breath coming out in small pants.
No condom sex was amazing. Seriously. Ah-mazing. But I can’t have a baby. I can’t think of anything I want less. I always thought I would get married and have kids. Mama used to talk about it all the time. And babiesarecute…but… I don’t think I want to have a baby. Maybe I’ll change my mind in ten years or something when I’m in my mid-thirties, but I don’t think so.
I get a baby hit every day at work. I don’t need one at home. I like going to the diner to meet up with Shelley. I like waking up whenever the hell I want. I like my life. A baby… not for me. At least, not right now.
Letting out a deep, shuddering breath, I shut off the water, step out, and towel myself down. Wrapping the towel around me, I creep back to my bedroom – but there’s nothing but silence from Viper’s room – and quickly dress in denim shorts, tennis shoes, and a loose, forest-green T-shirt. It’s May now, so the air blowing in off the desert is hot and dry. I love the Mojave in May.
There is still no sign of Viper stirring when I emerge from my bedroom, pulling my hair into a ponytail and sliding my glasses on. I sling my purse over my head, settling it across my chest, and let myself out of the house.
The sun slowly moves higher in the sky, beating its harsh rays on me. Tipping my head back, I smile, taking a deep breath. I move along the street, my feet tracking the new path to the Pharmacy on the corner of Green and Bighorn. It’s where I used to pick up Mama’s prescriptions. It’s a little further away from Viper’s house, but I’m in the mood to walk in the baking sun.
After my minor freakout in the shower, I finally have my thoughts in order. Walking in the sun and breathing in the desert blooms scenting the warm air is the perfect way to clear your head. The Pharmacy will have Plan B, and I’ll also ask them about birth control. I liked no condom sex, but kids…yeah, no.
As it heats up, my feet slap the pavement, and I turn onto Bighorn Street. The pharmacy is on the next corner. I was a regular here for years while Mama suffered. I haven’t been back since she passed.
I falter, hesitating in front of the brown brick and pale stucco building, the overhang providing a small relief from the beating sun. My hand trembles as I step inside, my tennis shoes squeaking on the cracked linoleum.
The faint cleaning alcohol smell stings my nostrils as I walk through the aisles, most of the products locked behind thick glass – they’re not taking any chances here in the South Side – I don’t blame them.
Mr. Heathmont, the pharmacist, smiles at me as I slowly approach, my cheeks heating. The overhead fluorescent lights bounce off his shining, bald dome as I stumble to a stop in front of the clean, Formica-topped counter.
“Miss White. I haven’t seen you since your Mama passed. You have my condolences.”
“Th-thank you.” I shuffle my feet.
“And what can I help you with today?”
Oh god. I should have gone to a pharmacy where I didn’t know anyone. There would have been one in Downtown. Lisa or Shelley could have hooked me up.
“P-plan B, please,” I whisper, staring determinedly at the countertop. There is a throat clearing, and I force my eyes up, my cheeks hooter than the pavement outside. Mr. Heathmont is blushing too. Even the top of his head is going red.
“I see.” He clears his throat again, shifting uncomfortably and quickly moving to fetch my packet. He sets it down on the counter between us, my eyes locked on it as two of his fingers tap the top.
“You’re not in any trouble, are you, Miss White?”
I blink, my eyes darting up in surprise at the careful concern in his tone. Oh.Oh.
“Uh, no. My…boyfriend and I were a little forgetful last night.”
Mr. Heathmont’s tense shoulders relax, and he chuckles awkwardly. “Did you need anything else? Condoms are in aisle four. I can fetch some for you.”
“Uh. Do you carry other types of birth control?” My cheeks flame hotter than ever as I whisper. He clears his throat again.
“Of course. I can give over-the-counter birth control pills. I just need you to fill out a questionnaire.”
Oh. That’s easier than I thought it would be. I don’t even need to go to Planned Parenthood. That’s good. The Sparrows are known to picket there occasionally. I can’t face Mama’s friends as I walk that gauntlet.
My blushes calm down as I quickly fill out the questionnaire about my health. Mr. Heathmont smiles warmly as he checks it over and fetches another small box, placing it in a bag with the Plan B packet. He runs through the guidelines on taking the pill and rings up my purchases.
Grasping the bag, I offer him a tight smile. “Thanks, Mr. Heathmont.”
“It was good to see you again, Miss White. Don’t be a stranger.”
