“I’m pregnant.”
The world goes quiet for a moment. My hand tightens out of instinct. But I don’t drop hers, and she actually grips mine harder. It’s trembling a bit.
“It’s new, but we’re… we’re, um, keeping it. He got us a house and everything. I’m going to be a mom. And… and you’ll be a grandpa.”
The breath leaves my body at her words. Hearing my new title is a bit off, like panic setting in, but more. Joy. Shock. Pride. All hard to understand, but it’s a similar feeling to when I look at old pictures or go to certain places in the house.
Through it all, there’s just one strong emotion that pushes through, and I don’t deny it. I let her hand go, seeing the hurt in her eyes half a second before I enfold her in my arms and just hold her. Her and her kid.Mykid and mygrandkid.
Fucking hell of a day, that’s for sure.
Chapter 21 - Diana
Igroan into the toilet, and it echoes back at me. I hate puking. Fucking hate it. Half the reason I don’t drink much is to avoid throwing up. It’s the worst thing possible in my humble opinion.
After work, I did as I told Karter—came straight home and slept. That was nine hours ago. I thought I was fine and ate some peanut butter and apples. Big mistake. I think part of the apple came up my nose while I was trying to spew everything into the toilet. Now my nose burns, my stomach is empty, and my throat is sore and tastes horrible.
Not the best way to wake up. Like ever.
Nana sticks her head in the door and looks down at me. “I think you need to call in again.”
I shake my head but make no move to get up, just in case I get another “attack.” That’s what I’m calling whatever this is. An attack on me. Something unplanned and completely out of left field. There were zero signs leading up to this. Not only is this an attack, it’s a damn terrorist assault on my immune system.
“Vicky will kill me,” I mumble.
“Better that than dealing with this at the hospital. You could spread it or just feel like shit away from anything that makes you feel remotely comfortable.”
She has a point. Throwing up in your own bathroom is ten times better than in someone else’s. Especially at ahospital. They get cleaned every few hours, but can it really bethatclean with that many people using it?
“Fine. Hand me my phone.”
“Let’s get you in bed, and then you can text. I’m going to go pick you up a few things that might help from the store.” She helps me off the floor. For a woman her age, she’s strong as shit right now. I might even bruise from the force of it, but that pain is welcome compared to whatever this is.
She gets me a water, a throw-up bag in case I can’t make it to the bathroom, and a washcloth for my head. She might not have been trained as a nurse, but she’s one hell of a caregiver.
“Be back soon. Text me if you think of something you need.”
I just nod, though I doubt I actually moved. Parts of my body hurt more than ever, but I’m not tired. I still close my eyes and pray for sleep to take over so I can just be done withwhatever this is.
I text Vicky, and surprisingly, all she sends is the okay sign. However, it’s Ashley who has something more to add.
I can’t believe you’re faking sick. I told you I don’t like anyone else here. This is beyond rude of you to “pretend” sickness just so you can get hot HOT sex with your silver fox.
Silver fox?
Yeah, hello. The guy you’re dating. He has silver fox written all over him.
I watch three dots appear and disappear before the next text comes in.
Or do you prefer to call him Daddy?
If I were feeling better, I might be blushing. But I don’t even have the energy for that. Or to talk much.
You’re delusional. Going back to bed. Try to make friends and talk to someone, and don’t piss off Vicky too much. She might force you to work with others just out of spite.
Fine, go rest. But you better be back at work tomorrow, or I’m coming over and making you chicken soup. And trust me, you don’t want that. I suck at cooking, and that will get you out of bed and back to work in no time if I have to force it down your throat myself.
I huff and close my eyes as I set down my phone. The nausea seems to be passing if I don’t move.
