Page 92 of River Wild

Her eyes drop to my belly.

“Oh. I didn’t know you were pregnant.” She sounds genuinely surprised. Like my pregnancy has some bearing on her life.

“Yes.” I place my hand over my bump. “Five months.”

“Well … congratulations.”

I’ve never heard a more disingenuous congratulations in my life.

“Thank you.”

“River never mentioned you were married.”

Is this woman for real?

You don’t have to be married to have a baby, Macy.It’s not the 1950s.

Christ, she and Neil would be perfect for each other.

Then, I immediately hate myself for that thought. Because she doesn’t deserve someone like Neil. No one does.

“I’m not married.” My ring finger twitches with the lie. “And I don’t have a boyfriend either.” Might as well clear that up as well.

“Oh.” Her eyes move down to my bump again and then back up to my face. I don’t like the look in her eyes. “I see.”

No, Macy, you really don’t.

She casts a glance over to where River is. He’s back standing at the counter, pen in his hand, staring down, as he writes something onto a sheet of paper.

“I don’t have a kid, so I wouldn’t know, but I hear that being a single mom is really hard,” she says, voice lowered, so only I can hear. “And it would totally make sense if you were looking for a daddy for your baby … but, well, River isn’t your guy. He’s … unavailable, if you know what I mean.” The look she gives me makes me know exactly what she means.

I ignore the painful twist in my chest at the knowledge.

He doesn’t want to be my friend. But he has no problem being super besties with benefits with Macy. Or whatever they are.

Fine. I don’t need his friendship anyway. I never did.

I have Olive and Buddy, Sadie, and Guy, even though he can be a total gossip at times. But I have them, and I don’t need anyone else.

“Well, that’s great for you guys. And don’t worry; the last thing I’m looking for is a father for my baby. And, even if I were, River wouldn’t even make the list.”

“Oh, good. I’m so glad we understand each other.” She gives me a congenial smile, but there’s nothing nice about her. “I’ll leave you to your shopping—unless there’s anything else you need help with?”

Anything else?I never asked for your help in the first place.

“Nope. I’m good.” I smile widely. I don’t want her to know she’s affected me in any way. And one thing I am good at is hiding my true feelings.

“Fabulous. Well, ciao for now.” She gives me a finger wave, and with a flick of her hair, she sashays off.

Ciao for now?

Ugh.

Fudge off, you C-U-Next-Tuesday muffin.

I’m so done here.

I want to go home and eat the contents of my shopping basket even if I know for a fact that a vast majority of this food will give me heartburn for days.