He sat beside me and settled his head in his hand. “Why are you dumping him? I thought things were going well.”
He would think that. Because it’s what I told him.
But the truth was, I had no idea where I stood with Doc because we’d never really gotten to know each other. I mean, we did, but it was on warp drive, so we were both on our best behavior. We’d met in a continuing education class, fell into bed, continued to fall into bed for about six months, and then I found out I was pregnant.
I’d almost walked away then, but he’d figured out I was knocked up and all bets were off. One of the worst things about Doc was he was more loyal than a puppy, which meant the second he noticed my boobs were bigger, he guessed I was pregnant, and he was all in.
Now he had the perfect out, but I knew he’d never take it because he had this stupid sense of honor and integrity, so I needed to make the decision for him. Eventually, he’d see it was the best way and he’d move on. He was gorgeous, funny, educated, and a fucking biker, for Pete’s sake. The man had options.
“It’s just time,” I lied. “I feel like this attack has brought a lot of things into focus and I think I need to find something to do that’s less people-oriented.”
Hayes smiled gently. “Whatever you want to do, I got your back, Pimento.”
“Thanks.”
He grabbed his phone again. “It’s Mom.”
I groaned as he answered the call, then handed it to me. I muted it and asked, “What happened to having my back?”
“She did push us out of her vagina,” Hayes said. “Just talk to her.”
I glared at him as I unmuted the phone. “Hi, Mom.”
“What’s this about you being in the hospital?”
“I’m fine.”
“Your biker friend said it was urgent.”
My ‘biker friend.’ Jesus, she couldn’t keep the disgust from her voice as she spit that out.
“He overreacted,” I said. “I’m fine.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m at home,” I lied. “I had a... ah... slight fender bender.”
Hayes raised an eyebrow and I shrugged.
Mom sighed. “So, you’re okay?”
“Yep, I’m great. Sorry he worried you.”
“Well, yes. I’m glad you’re okay.”
“I’m golden, but I really need to get back to work, so I’m going to let you go, okay?”
“Alright, dear. I’ll speak with Hayes now.”
I handed the phone back to my brother just as my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen.
Doc:I’m calling you in 2.5 seconds and you better answer the fucking phone or we’re gonna have a problem.
I rolled my eyes just as my phone rang. I sighed as I answered. “I’m fine, Tristan.”
“What the fuck are you doin’ checking out AMA, Olivia?”
“I needed to get out of that room.”
