He blows out a breath. “Are you coming into the office today?”
“Nope.”
“Well, you need to do something. Starting with a shower, ’cause you fuckin’ reek.”
He’s right. I’ve been here since yesterday afternoon, rooted in the same spot at the bar, only moving when I need to take a piss. The bartenders have left me alone to wallow in my misery, and for that kindness, they’re going to receive a hefty tip. James joined me around midnight, and we’ve been shooting the shit all night, getting wasted.
He picks up my phone and shoves it in my face. “Answer your damn phone.”
I ignore him and return my focus to the TV. James checks his Rolex and sighs. “We’ve got a meeting with New York this morning, I assume you’re not coming?”
“Nope.”
“Alright, I’ll handle it. I gotta go and shower, then,” he says, standing up and stretching out his back. “You should do the same,” he adds pointedly. “Seriously, Dameon…” He waits until I turn my head to look at him. “Go home, shower, sleep it off. I know you’re fucking pissed. I would be too. But you need to speak to her. Don’t make the same mistake I did.”
“Mmm,” I grunt, still fixated on the TV.
“If I remember correctly, you once told me not to be a fucking idiot. Now I’m returning the favor. But this time, actually listen to me, and don’t repeat my mistakes.”
“I’m not that stupid.” The corner of my lips tilts up.
James slaps me on the back. “Good, I’m outta here.” He throws a couple of notes on the bar before leaving.
He’s right; I should go home and sleep this off. I’m too drunk to think about it anymore. I scrub a hand down my face, feeling crushed by exhaustion. Picking up my phone, I open the unread messages, scrolling through a series of texts from Hailee. They range fromWe need to talktoPlease, don’t do thisandDameon, call me back.
The latest text that just came through is longer than the others:
Hailee
Since you’re being a stubborn jerk and won’t talk to me, you’ve left me no other choice. I. AM. NOT. PREGNANT. I don’t know why that pregnancy test was in our bathroom or who it belongs to, but it’s not mine. I’m telling the truth. I’m NOT Mia. I would never try to trap you or manipulate you like that. You know ME.
I type back my response.
Me
I thought I did. But I also thought I knew Mia. How do I know you’re telling the truth? That this isn’t just another lie?
The text bubbles instantly pop up:
Hailee
It’s the truth. If I have to pee on a stick in front of you and take a blood test, I will.
Me
Water sports and needle play ain’t my kinks.
I exit our chat and mute our conversation. Then I dial the number of the only person who I know can help me through this.
“Good morning. It’s Dameon Hayward and I need to see Dr. Edward Avery today. It’s urgent.”
Chapter thirty-four
Hailee
“Wheredoesthisgo?”Cora asks, balancing a sizable box in her arms. I glance at the label on the side and point her in the direction of my bedroom. Cora has been an absolute saint this past week, helping us with packing and moving.
As instructed, we moved out of Beth’s apartment to a charming two-bedroom unit in Bronte, a few beaches down from Bondi. Having lived near the water for several months, we wanted to stay close by. We also decided to end the lease on our house, both of us adamant that we didn’t want to return. Going back there would have felt like taking a step back, and we’re both eager to push ahead into new beginnings.
