I wince, hoping she won’t fight me on this next part. “I’m talking about going to a private clinic. It’s where I go. Everyone there has signed an NDA. This way, there will be no journalists, no risk of the news being leaked.”
She presses her lips into a tight line. Clearly, she’s not loving the idea.
I continue, giving her more context. “I want to be with you every step of the way. That won’t be possible if you go to an office where I might be recognized. If another patient or a nurse gets chatty, the media will be all over the place.”
She picks up her mug and brings it to her chest. “I like my doctor.”
“I understand.”
“I want to have control over my decisions. It feels like you’re taking my choice away.”
“Never.” I place my hand on her knee. “I’m merely suggesting. I’ll go with you no matter where you decide, and I’ll be there for every appointment. I promise.”
She rolls her eyes but gives me a slight nod. “Fine. Let’s try it your way for now. I can always go back to my doctor later.”
“Thank you. You won’t regret it. This clinic is one of the best.”
“With the money you probably pay them, I can’t imagine it being terrible.”
A bolt of uncertainty hits me. Shit. “You sound judgmental.”
“Because I am.” She takes a sip of her tea and sighs. “A little. Mostly, I’m annoyed you’re right.”
Chuckling, I stand. “I’ll be back soon. Just need to make a few phone calls.”
Glenn can be a handful, and he’s going to ask invasive questions, so I’d rather not call him in front of her. I don’t want to worry her further.
I schedule an appointment with the doctor first and then navigate to Glenn’s contact.
“Didn’t expect to hear from you yet,” he says when he answers. “Figured I wouldn’t until closer to the release day announcement.”
“What are you talking about? We saw each other last week.”
“And you were as friendly as a cactus.” He barks a laugh. “So forgive me for being surprised by your call. What’s the occasion?”
“I’ve got a personal matter that needs to stay under wraps. BeforeI tell you, though, you need to promise there will be no publicity, no using it to gain hype for the album. It’s not up for discussion or negotiation.”
“Color me intrigued.”
Here goes nothing. “Someone is pregnant with my child.”
For a second, he’s silent. Then, there’s shuffling on the other end of the line. “Someone? One of your fans? Is she underage?”
I flinch, and my lip curls into a sneer. “Fuck you, Glenn. Do you really think I’d have sex with an underage girl?”
“I’ve been in this business way too long. Nothing surprises me anymore.” He sighs. “I had to ask, Hade. Sorry.”
I lie back on my bed. The implication makes me nauseous. Story is sixteen, and even imagining some prick with her… The thought is fucking disgusting.
“So? Who’s the baby mama?”
“Piper’s sister.”
Another second of silence. Then, he clears his throat. “Isn’t Piper married to your brother?”
“Correct.”
He whistles. “Wow. The family ties just got more interesting.”
