Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
“It’s just not like you... to be so out of control,” she says, more in surprise than judgment.
“I know, I get it,” I echo, the familiar ache of disappointment in myself flaring up. I was always the reliable one. “Maybe part of me wanted to see what being... not that... felt like.”
The timer goes off, slicing through our little bubble of denial. Josie doesn’t skip a beat, doesn’t even glance at the counter. “So, what, were you auditioning for the role of a lifetime? Single mom?”
I can’t help but roll my eyes, even though her words hit like a gut punch when I look down at the tests. Positive. A bold plus. Double lines. It’s like every synonym for pregnant is on display right there. “Shit, Josie, I can’t be... not like this, not now. I’m on the pill for crying out loud.” I feel the tears welling up, a mix of anger, fear, and about a million other things.
Her expression softens just a tad. “Expired pills or just bad luck?”
“I don’t know. I just...” I let out a defeated sigh. “I’ve got to get it confirmed by a doctor, right? This is just so messed up.”
“And the guy’s in jail,” Josie says, like she’s reminding me of an appointment I forgot, not the fact that my baby’s dad is locked up.
She’s not wrong, and it stings. “A single mom,” I mumble. It feels like admitting I’m about to climb Everest in flip-flops.
“You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that,” she says, her tone softer now. “But you know this means cutting ties with that biker crowd for good.”
“I’ve cut some ties. They shut down the clinic, didn’t they?” My mind goes to Nova and his promises. “Nova said the club would take care of me until things settle down.”
Her skepticism practically radiates off her. “Take care of you how? A few bucks here and there, or are we talking bury you in the desert kind of take care of you?”
I frown at her. “Josie, don’t.”
“I’m dead serious.” There’s an edge to her voice now. “These guys, they live by their own rules. And Nova... did he even give you the details on this so-called support?”
I bite my lip, feeling suddenly defensive. “No, he didn’t, but that’s because he’s got his own stuff going on.”
“And what if he forgets, doesn’t tell the others to look out for you?”
“He won’t forget,” I say, but it sounds more like a wish than a fact.
Josie shrugs, her eyes tired. “You think you know them, Soph. Just be sure you’re putting yourself and that baby first, okay?”
“I will. I promise.”
“Okay.” She pulls me in for a hug and a loud smacking kiss on my cheek. “There’s takeout in the paper bag, mushroom risotto, and groceries in the cloth bag. Call if you need anything else.”
“I will, thanks. Love you, Josie Bug.”
She smiles, pulling me into another tight hug. “Love you back, Sophie Bear. I’m here for you, whatever you need.” Her gaze briefly drops to her phone, and she sighs. “I hate to bail on you after such big news, but I still have to pack for a business trip tomorrow. I’ll be gone for two days but call me if you need anything. Anything.”
“I will,” I promise, my emotions a whirlwind. “I’m still trying to process.”
“I get it,” she says as she heads toward the door. “Love you, girl.”
“Love you back,” I reply, closing the door behind her.
Josie is my ride-or-die, my true blue, the best damn friend I’ve ever had. I know she’ll support me in every way she can.
Alone with my thoughts, my future crashes in like a tidal wave. I’m going to have a baby. With a criminal bad boy. My dad’s going to lose it. Hell, the entire family will.
But there are other factors to consider, like my job. However, the club plans to take care of me—great, now I sound like Josie—it’s not a long-term solution. I need to tell Tank, but who knows when or if he’ll ever be a free man again. And even if he is, I’m sure the big, busty woman allowed to visit him in lockup might have something to say about him spending their hard-earned money on someone else’s baby.
And that’s assuming he even wants anything to do with me or his baby.
“Fuck,” I mutter aloud as I unpack the risotto. The word hangs in the kitchen like a dark cloud refusing to dissipate.
A baby. I don’t know if I should celebrate, cry, or jump off the roof. A baby is an enormous responsibility. What if Tank tells me to go away once he finds out? What will I do then? I’ll have to arrange daycare and babyproof the apartment. Damn it, daycare costs a small fortune.
But then again, what if he’s excited and happy? Do I even want that? Screw it. I don’t even know what I want anymore. If he’s married, I don’t want anything to do with him. But I have to tell him.