work.”
“So, just like that, he’s out.” Violet nods. “Okay. How many times have you found the one based on this theory?”
“None,” I reply with a frown. “But I’ll know it when I do.”
Heidi starts to speak, but my phone beeps with an incoming text from Eli. It’s a picture of an ultrasound with the caption You’re gonna be an aunt again!
“Look! My brother just sent me this. His wife is pregnant.” I show the photo off proudly. “It’s the most beautiful baby ever.”
“Yep, it’s a blob,” Heidi says with a laugh. “I have three of my own, and they all started just like this. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I’m going to step out on the deck and call him really quick. I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time,” Violet says with a smile. “We’re in no rush.”
I nod and dial Eli’s number as I step out into the summer sunshine.
“Hello, Aunt Charly,” he says.
“Hi, Daddy,” I reply with a giggle. “Congratulations, Eli.”
“Thanks. We had a bit of a scare, but everything’s okay.”
“Van told me. I’m so happy that Kate’s okay and that we’re going to have a new bebe to love on soon.”
“How are things there?” he asks, his voice serious again. “Are you learning anything valuable?”
“I’m learning all kinds of things,” I reply. “And you sound like Dad.”
“Well, that’s good because I’m about to be one,” he says. “Holy shit, Char, I’m gonna be a papa.”
“You’re going to be an amazing father, Eli. You’re a wonderful man. This baby is lucky.”
“Okay, let’s not get too touchy feely here.”
I roll my eyes.
“You’re okay?”
“I’m okay,” I reply, meaning it. “I’m enjoying it more than I ever thought I would, but don’t tell Van. I’m going to let her think that she made me come against my will for a while longer.”
“Women are mean.”
“You beat your brothers up every day at lunch.”
“That’s called martial arts, and a workout,” he replies easily. “Not the same.”
“Whatever. Kiss Kate for me. I’ll see you next week.”
“Be safe, darlin’.”
I end the call and look at the ultrasound again, smiling widely. There’s a little baby coming to join our family soon. I can’t wait!
“Is that yours?”
I spin to find Todd standing behind me.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to look over your shoulder, but that’s hard to miss.”
“No, it’s fine,” I say with a laugh. “It’s definitely not mine. It’s my brother’s. His wife is pregnant, and he sent me this to tell me.”
“Excellent,” Todd says, his accent as thick as Simon’s, yet not quite as sexy. “Did you know that the baby is the size of a peanut right now?”
“Did you know tidbits like that during every phase of your wife’s pregnancy?”
“Hey, I did my homework,” he says with a wink. “Congratulations.”
He pats my shoulder and walks away, and I gaze down at the photo one more time.
I love you, little peanut.
***
I’m late. I hate being late.
Despise.
Loathe.
It’s my biggest pet peeve in life.
And here I am, struggling into my shoes as I yank my shirt over my head, no time to blow my hair dry, so it’s in a bun on top of my head, and I have no makeup on.
My alarm didn’t go off this morning, and I overslept. And I never oversleep. What is happening to me?
Just as I’m about to dash out the door to class, my phone rings, and like an idiot, I hit accept rather than ignore.
This is not my day.
“Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful,” Ryan says with a sing-song voice, making me stop in the doorway.
“What’s up, Ryan? I’m in a hurry.” And I don’t ever want to talk to you again.
“I was just thinking about you. I haven’t seen you in a while. Where have you been?”
“Remember when I told you I was going to a retreat for two weeks? These are those two weeks.” I roll my eyes. Ryan rarely paid attention to details that didn’t affect him.
“I didn’t realize you were really going to that,” he says, annoyance heavy in his voice. “I thought we said it was a silly thing to go to.”
“No, you said that.” I check the time. “What do you need, Ryan? I’m late for class.”
“I want to see you,” he says simply.
“You want to fuck me,” I reply.
“Yes.”
“No.” I shake my head and sit on the edge of the bed. Who cares if I’m a couple minutes late?
“No? Are you seeing someone?”
“I don’t have to be seeing someone else to say no to you,” I reply, my voice strong. “But no, I’m not. However, you are.”
“You must be mistaken.”
“Nope. I’m not. I