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She took a deep breath then released it slowly. “The doctor wants to run some additional tests. I’m supposed to ask you if your family has any history of congenital disabilities.”
I grabbed one of her hands, needing the lifeline. “Not that I know of. What tests?”
Her fingers tightened on mine, and I caught the slight tremor that ran through them. Then she told me about the test and the long fucking needle that would be inserted into her belly to take some of the amniotic fluid. I didn’t like the sound of it and planned to talk to Mom no matter what Grandad said abouthimkeeping an eye on things, which usually meant “don’t bother your mother with your petty problems.”
I wanted to fix things for her, but I felt lost. “Do you need more money? I can get you more.”
She snatched her hand back, and that permanent scowl, the one that seemed to be present whenever I was around, returned.
“I don’t need money. I’m on my dad’s insurance until I’m twenty-six.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do to help.”
A tiny bit of her anger seemed to subside as the red that’d infused her cheeks faded. She took a sip of water, and I kept my mouth shut, not wanting to piss her off even more. But when she stood and left without another word, I knew how badly I’d screwed up. I couldn’t get anything right with her.
I chased after her, clipping one of the servers in the shoulder, and had to stop to help her steady her tray. If I hadn’t, her four top would have been drenched. Apologizing, I darted out, avoiding running into anyone else.
It was chilly outside, and a stiff breeze gave the door some resistance as I went through it. The sidewalk was busy, as it was after work and dinnertime. That area was constantly congested. I craned my neck, checking both directions until I spotted her blond head through a break in the foot traffic.
I caught up with her and nudged her to the side, so the crowd shifted around us. We couldn’t leave things like that, with me in the dark and her furious.
“When’s the test?”
“Friday, early afternoon.”
I had a game Friday night, but I could make both. I had to. “Text me the address and time, and I’ll be there.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
ASPEN
Ishould have known that Phoenix wouldn’t bother to show up for the amniocentesis, even though he’d promised. Yeah, it was Friday, and a couple of days had passed since I told him, but he should’ve remembered. He was an unreliable asshole, not father material at all.
I regretted that second glass of water so hard as I crossed my legs, waiting in a chair close to the door where I would be called back. I was supposed to drink so much to move my bladder out of the way of the needle’s entry. I couldn’t even think about that.And screw you, Phoenix. I shouldn’t have been surprised that he was a no-show.
A few others were in the room with swollen stomachs and their partners right by their sides. Not me. Nope. I was alone.Better get used to it.
I dropped my face into my hands, bending at my waist, trying to get rid of the nerves that were utterly out of control. I did what I always did when things were too much to deal with and pictured the ocean, connecting to peaceful blue waters then the perfect wave, that feeling of catching it, jumping to my feet, and the perfect release of endorphins and adrenaline. Worry and pain slipped away. There was only me and the ocean as I rode that wave to the shore.
It was where I belonged, where I felt the happiest. I took a deep breath, and on its release, I sat back and opened my eyes. The room seemed smaller, as if someone was sucking up all the presence. My skin prickled with awareness, and in walked Phoenix. Heads turned.
I couldn’t blame them. Mine turned, too, when he was near. Well over six feet tall, athletic, and muscular, he naturally drew attention. But even beyond his size, his looks kept people’s focus. He was gorgeous, sexy, and impossible not to want.
I hated that he affected me so much. My defenses rocketed back up, and any peace I’d gained from the beach meditation evaporated.
He said nothing as he took the seat next to me and grabbed my hand. Tingles shot up my arm at the contact, but I didn’t let go. I… needed him there, which was hard to admit.
“Are you worried?” He sounded subdued.
My jaw clenched. “Of course, I’m worried.”
He nodded, and I observed him from the corner of my eye, not ready to fully acknowledge him for being late. Lines bracketed his mouth, and he stared straight ahead. He appeared relaxed. I shifted slightly for a closer look. He wasn’t. His body was tense, his muscles rock-hard and flexed. It made me feel better and erased some of my annoyance about how he hadn’t been on time.
Then I glanced at the clock, and all the anger returned. “You would have missed the appointment if the technician had been on time.” I yanked my hand away and crossed my arms over my chest. Jerk. I would have to do this by myself, scared and alone. I shook my head. It was something I needed to get used to.
“I’m sorry. I had a prior commitment.”
“More important than this?” He said nothing, and even though I’d never hit anyone, I wanted to slap the hell out of his beautiful face.
