“Hey, are you okay?”
He whirls around. “Nothing you need to worry about.” His tone is harsh.
I turn around and go back to the boys.
I try not to think about what happened because it would ruin this beautiful evening.
As I go to prepare the cakes, Jeremy joins me in the kitchen with the dishes. He rinses them and puts them in the dishwasher.
“What’s going on with you?” he asks.
I turn to look at him, “With me? Nothing. Why are you asking?”
“Hailey, I know you well enough to know that something is wrong. Besides, you’re cold and distant.”
“I behave just like you do. Now, let’s finish this evening since we have guests. No drama.” The bracelet begins to heat up. Fuck, I’m in trouble!
Jeremy takes my arm and turns me toward him.
“You’re hurting me. Leave me alone!” I tell him, pulling back. The little girl moves, putting her feet into my ribs, and I bend over. I can’t breathe.
At that moment, Danny peeps in, laughing.
“I’ll give you a hand…” When he sees me kneeling at Jeremy’s feet, he becomes furious and runs toward us.
“What the hell did you do to her?” he yells at Jeremy, pushing him away. “Hey, baby. Is everything okay? Breathe, breathe softly.”
I can’t concentrate and start shaking.
“Fuck! Hailey, listen to my voice. Baby, focus on my voice! Breathe in and out slowly.”
I shake my head. “I can’t, the baby...”
Danny calls Andrew, who comes running.
“Put her on the opposite side. Quick, otherwise, she’ll faint.”
They roll me onto my side, and the baby shifts slightly. I can breathe. I caress my belly and calm down.
Danny is furious, but I take his hand. “Thanks. I’m sorry, guys. The little girl has decided to explore new places in my belly.” I try to smile.
They help me get up, and Andrew sees the mark on my arm. He looks up to Danny, who sees it too. I have to hold him back.
“Guys, I want a sweet,” I say to calm the situation.
Andrew starts laughing. “Go sit down. We’ll bring dessert.”
Jeremy is shocked and also angry—I don’t know if with himself or with me. I go up and hug him; It pains me to see him upset.
He hugs me in turn. “I’m sorry,” he whispers to me.
“It’s okay,” I reply.
We remain calm except for Danny, who is seething.
“Ah, Danny, I forgot. I have something for you, from a fan. Come with me,” I say.
We get up and go to my office. Andrew is keeping Jeremy busy, and they’re both laughing.
