Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 25895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
With that, I shove my key into the ignition, and start my car with a roar. Then pedal to the metal, I tear away from the cabin, so nervous and frightened that I don’t even bother to look in the rear-view mirror. I’m sure Bo heard me leave. The problem is that the handsome man likely doesn’t care.
15
Haley
* * *
A new day, but all the same problems. I cling to my blanket and pulled it over my head, like a child trying to hide from monsters. But I wasn’t hiding from nightmares. I was hiding from a man who broke my heart.
I’ve cried myself to sleep so many times since leaving Bo’s cabin a month ago that my tears could fill an entire ocean. Even worse, he hasn’t tried to contact me even once. My heart breaks with each day that passed because although we didn’t exchange contact information, he could have reached out to the agency. I’m sure People Assist would at least forward any messages, but my inbox was stubbornly quiet. I guess I was right all along: Bo Nielsen didn’t give a damn about our relationship. He just wanted a woman to cook and clean for him, and the fact that I was also up for sharing his bed was an unexpected bonus.
But today, Jess is coming over. She’s been busy at work, so we haven’t had a chance to see each other in person, although I’ve shared the gory details of what happened of course. The doorbell rings right on time, and I shlep out of bed, looking like a mess. When I open the door, my friend’s eyes widen.
“OMG, are you okay Haley?”
I smile grimly. “That bad, huh?”
“Well,” she stammers. “Have you showered or eaten in the past week? You look a little grimy.”
I glance down at my dirty sweats and gently pat the rat’s next that must be my hair.
“I’ll be okay,” I say. “Just give me a sec to shower.”
Jess comes in and nods before settling herself on the couch.
“Sure, take your time girlfriend. I’m not going anywhere.”
With that, I disappear into the bathroom and shower at light speed. Then I come out in a pair of clean sweats this time, and perch on the couch, my form rigid. Jess takes my hand.
“Are you okay, sweetheart? I’ve never seen you looking like this.”
With those kind words, the tears start anew.
“I know I shouldn’t be crying,” I sob. “But I miss him! I … I …” I blubber.
Jess squeezes my hand reassuringly.
“He’s a dumb prick who doesn’t deserve you,” she says encouragingly. “You’re in a much better place now.”
But I shake my head in misery, my shoulders heaving with sobs.
“No, I’m not! I miss Bo, and I haven’t even been able to function this past month. Jess, you were right: I haven’t showered in god knows how long, and I’ve lost ten pounds from not eating.”
My friend looks worried. “Here, let’s order some pizza then. I’ll dial up Domino’s.”
But before she can reach for her phone, a queasy feeling hits my stomach and I suddenly felt the urge to vomit. I jump up and dash to the bathroom as ugly streams of yellowish-gray fluid splash into the toilet.
“OMG, are you okay?” Jess asks, rushing up behind me. “Haley?”
I cough a little, wiping at my mouth. There’s a sour taste on my tongue and my stomach heaves again as more chunks spew into the water. They splatter loudly and my friend grimaces, but then I sit back and push my hair out of my face.
“I’m okay,” I pant. “I just need some water.”
Jess disappears for a moment into the kitchen, and I collapse on the floor, my curls still sticking to my forehead. My hands are clammy and my stomach roils again. Maybe it was the mention of pizza? Although I usually love Italian food, lately my taste buds have gone into revolt. I’ve been craving the strangest things like sardines with croissants, or ice cream slathered in mayonnaise. The combinations are far-out, but they hit a spot I didn’t even know existed.
“Here you go,” my friend says, coming back with a cool glass of water in her hand. I take it gratefully and gulp deeply, letting the clear liquid slide down my throat. Jess watches with concern on her face. “Are you okay, Hales?”
I nod. “Yes, definitely,” I mutter. “Sorry about that. I think it’s just hot in the apartment and …”
But Jess is shaking her head.
“What? Did I say something wrong?” My friend looks conflicted for a moment, but then she takes a deep breath and looks me in the eye.
“Are you pregnant, Haley?” she asks. “When did you have your last period?” I freeze.
“Oh it was…” But then my voice trails off because come to think of it, I haven’t had my period in about two months, since before I was at Bo’s cabin. OMG. My breasts have been tender, not to mention the crazy food cravings. Plus, my ankles are a bit swollen, and … and …