Maybe don’t laugh at your brother’s misery, Katherine?
KATE
Maybe don’t bang your best friend’s girlfriend?
DEAN
You’re fifteen. Don’t use the word bang. Ivy—weigh in?
IVY
Not until you change the name of this group chat.
DEAN DI LAURENTIS CHANGED THE NAME OF THE GROUP CHAT TO THE BEST-LOOKING FAMILY EVER.
IVY
Better.
Chapter 46
BLAKE
IN TEN DAYS, I HAVE to go back to school.
In eight days, I have my seven-week scan.
Coincidence? I think not.
The universe is forcing me to choose. I see you, universe. Transparent bitch.
The idea of not finishing my senior year feels like a waste. I mean, itisa waste. It’s a waste of my parents’ money, because they paid for my tuition. Which means Ihaveto finish college.
While possibly pregnant.
Ugh. And, what, have a baby in the middle of my graduation ceremony?
I mean, Sabrina Tucker did it. She got pregnant with Jamie right before she started law school. That woman is a rock star, though. Her work ethic isn’t sustainable for us mere mortals. I don’t know if I have that kind of discipline.
Wyatt and I are taking the boat out for a few hours, so I put on a pair of shorts over my bathing suit and look for my tote bag. We’reeager to escape the grandfathers, who’ve been very politely asked not to discuss anything baby-related until a decision has been made, yet they’re constantly sneaking off, and we can hear them giggling together. I fear they’ll be devastated if we choose not to continue with the pregnancy.
Anifthat continues to haunt me.
The kitchen smells like pancakes. Usually, it’s an aroma I’d welcome, but it triggers a twinge of nausea. Stupid morning sickness. There’s also a dull ache low in my stomach today. It’s been there since I woke up, this knot of discomfort. But Mom says some cramping is normal.
I hold my breath as I pass the stove and go to the fridge to grab some water.
“You want pancakes?” Dad offers.
“No. It’ll make me throw up.”
“At least try one.”
“Dad, seriously, the smell is so awful.”
“Aw, and I thought these were my best batch.”
“No, it smells fantastic, but it still makes me want to vomit.” I shut the refrigerator door. “Anyway, we’re going out on the boat now.”
