I hesitated, picking at the hem of my hoodie. “I mean… even though I said he was controlling, I kind of like that about him. Sometimes it feels like one of those possessive book boyfriends I read about.”
Josh made a disgusted noise.
“Shut up,” I muttered, nudging his shoulder. “It’s kinda hot.”
Abigail smirked. “Go on.”
I exhaled, leaning back against the couch. “I love that he can cook. And not just basic stuff—he could make anything. He’s so thoughtful. Always making sure I check my blood sugar. Always cooks me breakfast. And he looks out for Loco, making sure he has enough food and water. Oh, and he used to tease me about my potty mouth, but I know he likes it.”
“Does he though?” Josh’s tone dripped with skepticism.
I shoved Josh harder this time. “Oh, whatever. You do too.”
Josh smirked but didn’t argue.
Abigail tapped her chin. “Anything else?”
I felt my voice softening. “I like how simple he is. He doesn’t need much. When he cooks, it’s like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. And…”
Abigail swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the pen.
“I love how he’ll brush my hair back and kiss my forehead when I need a friend. How sometimes he’ll just hold me in the middle of the night. No sex, no pressure—just… make me feel safe.”
A beat of silence stretched between us all. When I looked up, Abigail’s smile was stretched wide. “Sounds to me like the pros way outweigh the cons.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re being dramatic.”
“No. You’re just scared.”
I tensed. “Me? I’m not scared.”
“Yes, you are.” Abigail’s voice was steady. Unshakable. “Or you wouldn’t be running. Hiding out. Not taking the pregnancy test.”
My throat tightened, and I tried to swallow the lump sitting in my throat.
Abigail leaned in. “You’re scared he’s going to hurt you because he loves you. Because that’s what you’ve always believed. But not everyone who loves you wants to hurt you, Mel. Some people want to protect you. They want to put a smile on your face.”
I dropped my gaze, focusing on a loose thread in the couch cushion. My fingers traced circles over the fabric—faster, then faster, trying to distract myself from the knot forming in my stomach.
Abigail’s voice softened. “You need to take the test. And after that, you need to call him.”
My chest felt tight, and my pulse loud in my ears as the anticipation swept through me like a tornado.
“Colt told me Nick’s been blowing up his phone, but he hasn’t had the chance to call him back. He’s worried about you, Mel.”
A shaky breath escaped my lips as I looked up at the ceiling. “Ugh. Fuck.” I wiped at my eyes before a tear could fall. “I hate being vulnerable.”
“We know,” Abigail said. “But we’re here for you.”
Josh placed a hand over mine. “No matter what.” His voice was steady, grounding. “And you can stay here as long as you want. No rush.”
I let out a slow exhale. “I just… I think I need a nap. And some food. I haven’t eaten since this morning, and I’m exhausted.”
Abigail’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, then sat up straighter. “Hey, babe!” Colt’s voice rang in the background.
“Hi sweetie,” Abigail’s voice perked up. A beat later, shelowered her voice. “Okay. Colt just got back. I’ll see if he’s talked to Nick yet and let you know.”
My stomach twisted at the thought. What if Nick told him that he wants a baby but just not with someone like me?
