“Oh, Emery, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You shouldn’t stress yourself like that … and I wouldn’t want you creating more scandal that might hurt you.”
“Would you sit back and let people say these things about you? What have I done to deserve them all assuming the worst about me? Nothing. I’ve had enough.” I really had. It felt like if I didn’t finally stand up for myself, I’d break. I didn’t want my child to go through his or her life like I had, letting people take advantage without speaking up. “Bullied at school because I was shy. I let them walk all over me. They stole a scenario straight from a movie—had a cute boy invite me out on a date and then they all ambushed and threw eggs at me.”
Cat and Jess looked horrified. “Oh, Em.”
“Even my grandmother walked all over me. Don’t do this. Don’t say that. Be this way. Be that way. And don’t even get me started on Tripp and Jack!”
“Em.” Jess reached for my hand. “Em, please, sweetie, you need to calm down.”
“No.” Cat touched Jess’s wrist. “She needs to get this out.” Her eyes rested on me. “Em, if you want to confront Dana, then I’m coming. I’ve got your back.”
Gratitude moved through me. “Thank you.”
Jess let go and heaved a sigh. “Then I am too.”
“No.” I shook my head. “You’re pregnant. I won’t stress you out.”
“You’re pregnant too and I’m your doctor. I’m coming.”
Cooper would likely kill me, but I recognized that stubborn set to Jess’s chin. “Fine. Let’s do this.”
“Oh, we’re going now?” Jess looked comically wide-eyed as Cat and I stood. “Okay, yes, let’s get it over with.”
Indignation, hurt, and fury fueled me as we locked up my store, marched down the boards, and hurried along Main Street to Jennifer’s salon. It used to be called Heidi’s but Heidi fell in love with a firefighter from Wilmington and sold the place to Jennifer Kwan. From all reports, Jennifer was an excellent stylist and the girls she had working in her beauty department were awesome too. However, I traveled to Essex, the largest city in Hartwell County, to get my hair trimmed, to have my nails done, just to avoid Dana Kellerman.
“Are you sure about this?” Jess hurried to catch up.
I slowed my marching. “I’m sorry. We should not be rushing a pregnant woman.”
Jess guffawed. “Again… You do realize you’re pregnant too.”
“Of course. I just … you look it.”
Cat chortled at my comment.
I winced. “That came out wrong.”
“Did it?” Jess gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re not wrong. But you’ll look it, too, in a few weeks.”
“I don’t know. I think Emery will be one of those annoying women who only has a bump and doesn’t get pregnant anywhere else,” Cat opined.
“Are you saying I look fat, Cat?”
Cat shot her sister-in-law a wry look. “I’m saying you look pregnant. Obviously, you have a bump but your cheeks are fuller and your tits are huge. I was the same.”
“Don’t get me started on these breasts.” Jess sighed. “Your brother can’t keep his hands and mouth off them.”
I snort-laughed, slapping my hand over my mouth at Cat’s foul look.
“What did I say to deserve that?”
Jess tilted her chin in the air and gave a haughty sniff. “You said my cheeks were fuller. I am aware my pregnancy is attaching itself to every part of my body, including my ass, but it does not need to be pointed out!”
Cat threw an arm around Jess, pulling her into her side. “Babe, I didn’t mean those cheeks, and I didn’t mean it’s a bad thing. You look gorgeous.”
“You do,” I agreed.
Jess exhaled slowly. “I’m a little sensitive because my jeans don’t fit anymore. And I know I’m pregnant … but will they ever fit again?”
“Mine didn’t.” Cat shrugged. “I’m a size bigger now than I was pre-Joey, and I never got back to it. Little bugger’s worth it, though.”
Jess frowned. “You have a beautiful figure.”
“So do you. And Jess, you’ll be gorgeous no matter what size you are. My brother thinks so too.”
“I know this is about Emery ...” Jess put her hand on my arm as we approached the salon. “And I know Cooper is entirely indifferent to his ex-wife, but sometimes it galls that she’s so beautiful.”
Oh. I hadn’t even thought about that. How selfish of me. “Jessica, you don’t have to come in.”