When I’m with Abby, I don’t even care if shit’s broken and backwards. I can breathe and empty parts of me are filled. My chest tightens with unexplainable emotions.
But then my brain catches up.
It reminds me I have a plan, I’ve committed myself to Angela, and I need to see it through to the end.
Why does that make my stomach roil so violently?
A hand slides onto my thigh as I drive, and it feels cold through my jeans. An oily feeling has me wanting to fling it off. It’s fucking ridiculous considering it’s my soon-to-be fiancée.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Angela says, giving my thigh a squeeze. “I wasn’t trying to be pushy. But, if you’re going to spend all your free time with this guy, I feel like I should get to know him too.”
Thankfully, when she all but demanded a dinner with Riko and Derek, my best friend jumped to cover for me.I haven’t spoken about my confusing feelings toward Abby, but he’s not an idiot. Abby has told him enough about her tumultuous relationship with her family, especially Angela, that he understands the dynamics. I’m dreading this couple’s dinner, though. Even on Riko’s best behavior, I know he will poke and prod for his own entertainment.
“I’m fine,” I lie.
The rest of the drive is quiet. She removes her hand to rapid-fire text with someone. Probably one of her girlfriends or her mother. Honestly, I don’t even care what she’s saying about me.
My mind keeps drifting to Abby. Always her and the baby. The nursery is about done and it’s looking great. I find her sometimes just sitting in the rocker, smiling as she admires the space. It’s a punch to the gut every time.
A few minutes later, we’re parking in front of Riko’s place. It’s strange to park just one space over when I’m used to doing it in front of Abby’s townhouse. As we exit the vehicle, I can’t help but discreetly peek over in case I see her looking out the window. The curtains are drawn, though, and I see nothing. Disappointment floods through me.
Derek answers the door and introductions are quickly made. There’s a tension in the air I can’t explain. I catch Angela eyeing the home critically a few times. Her family’s home has to be worth millions, so there’s no doubt she’s judging this one with its cozy, but obviously dated feel to it. This irks me.
How did Abby and Angela come from the same parents? They’re so different.
I’m in a daze as we eat. Angela and Riko do most of the talking. I get the sense that they’re interrogating each other, but I don’t intervene.
When my phone buzzes in my pocket, I don’t even think about ignoring it. If Abby needs something, I want to make sureI’m there for her. And, as expected, I note that it’s her calling. It eventually stops and the call is sent to voicemail.
I’ll call her after I drop Angela off.
The phone starts buzzing again. With her immediately calling right after the first one, anxiety skitters through me. We just got her the new phone number this morning when I added her to my plan, so I’m grateful she has the ability to communicate with me, but she normally texts, so this feels outside the norm. It eventually goes to voicemail when I don’t answer.
“Everything okay?” Angela asks, irritation in her voice.
A text comes through.
Abby: Come now! Hurry!
I push back from the table and am on my feet the next instant.
“Reid needs my help with something,” I blurt out, the lie quick and easy on my tongue. “I’ll be right back.”
Angela asks who Reid is, but I’m already out of Riko’s place. I bolt for Abby’s door and fling it open.
“Abs!”
She’s lying on the sofa, phone in one hand and her other on her belly. It’s too early to have the baby. I rush over to her and kneel. Her features are soft and sweet, not at all what I was expecting if she were in pain.
“Are you okay? What’s happening?”
A cute giggle escapes her as she grabs my hand, bringing it to her belly. My palm caresses over her bare flesh and I shoot her a confused look.
Then I feel it.
A nudge.
The slightest of a brush.
