“So, what do you want from me, Liam?”
“Nothing really. Except your support with Olivia.”
Becky is quiet for a moment, and I know she’s got her mind’s wheels turning. “Okay. I’ve got to say, Liam. I’m not really happy about her continuing to tutor Olivia under these circumstances.”
“I—okay.” I run my hand over my face. “I’m not sure Olivia wants to continue with it anyway.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it for you.”
It’s only after hanging up with Becky that I realize we’ve effectively pulled the plug on the income Quinn needs for her mom’s surgery.
Chapter 28
Quinn
There’s a pregnancy test burning a hole in my bag. Every time I reach into it for my phone or my lip gloss or anything damn else, my hand finds it. It’s like it’s taunting me: Look! An answer to the question that could make everything ten times worse is right here. Fuck.
As I pull into the driveway at Sophia and Heath’s townhome, my phone vibrates in my bag. I take a second to rifle through it—yep, pregnancy test still there right along with the baggie of Wheat Thins I’ve taken to packing every day to settle my stomach—and finally locate my phone. I sit there for a second, checking through my messages before I head in for dinner.
Olivia’s Mom: I didn’t know about the relationship between you and my ex-husband when I asked you to tutor Olivia.
Olivia’s Mom: And while I have no issue with you and Liam, I think Olivia does. She’s been moody and upset, and I think this is probably why.
Olivia’s Mom: I’d prefer if you kept your relationship separate from Olivia.
Me: I’m so very sorry she’s upset. And I understand completely.
Well, shit. I lower the phone into my lap. Somehow, I thought this was going to blow over by the next tutoring session. Quite possibly, I could be fooling myself into thinking Olivia would have wanted to resume her tutoring sessions, just like I’m fooling myself into thinking I can’t possibly be pregnant with Liam’s child.
We weren’t exactly careful. I’m on the pill, but everyone knows how that goes. Sometimes it’s just not enough. Damn fit-as-hell Liam and his overachieving swimmers.
I’m laughing hysterically to myself at the thought of super smart sperm when Piper knocks on my window with Damon, her new boyfriend, at her side. This is the first time we’re hanging out with Damon outside of a school event, and I can tell already this is going to be a night he won’t soon forget. Not with all my drama coming to the party.
When I step out of my SUV, they both try to hide what they are thinking, but I can tell. They think I’ve lost it. And maybe I have. Another small laugh bursts from my lips. This is such a nightmare.
“What’s so funny, Q?” Piper gives me a hug, while Damon just nods a greeting in my direction.
“Just life.” I shake my head, chuckling again. “Life in general. Let’s get on in there. Judging by the cars lining the street, I’d say everyone else is already here.”
I lead the way, knock twice, then open the door. As we approach the sound of laughter and talking, I see I’m right. Madison and Shawn are on one side of the kitchen, mixing a pitcher of margaritas; Sophia and Heath are side by side at the stovetop, cooking the fixings for a fajita dinner; and Hadleigh, Sawyer, and Zoey are seated on stools at the counter, talking and nibbling on cheese and crackers.
“Looks like the gang’s all here now.” I give a broad grin, but cringe internally. I’d planned on bringing Liam with me tonight until shit hit the fan. I walk over to Zoey and put an arm around her, whispering, “I guess you’re my date tonight.”
She smiles. “I’m totally fine with that.” She wraps her arm around me, giving a squeeze.
This kitchen is full of fun and laughter, and I will surely feel like the damper on everyone’s parade if I open my mouth to say a word. I’m a little out of it, too, but not so much so that I don’t realize every person in the room has come over at one point or another to give me a hug. It’s impossible for anyone to not know what’s been all over the school at this point. My dirty laundry has been aired everywhere.
But this is what family does, and I struggle not to break down over their kindnesses. Shawn hands me one of his signature margaritas, or as close as he can get to one with what he was provided with to make them. I take a sip, but put it down immediately. Shit. What if I’m pregnant? Ugh. I hope no one notices when my drink goes untouched the rest of the night. I pick up the glass and stick my nose in it. Just the smell of it makes my stomach gurgle uncomfortably.
“How long before the fajitas are ready?” I bite my lip. It’s now or never.
Sophia glances up at me, eyes softening at the anxiety on my face. “About five minutes.”
“Okay.” I turn quickly and grab my bag, heading for the powder room off the living room. I’m completely aware that there are quite a few pairs of eyes following me. That’s because you’re acting like a crazy person, Quinn.
Once inside the bathroom, I set my bag on the countertop, rummaging through it for the test. I pull it out with unsteady hands and read the instructions on the back of the box. Seems pretty simple. Uncap. Pee on stick. Wait two minutes for the two lines that say your entire life has just changed forever.
Squatting over the toilet, I take care of business, then cap the yucky end of the test. The little window shouts Look at me! and I try my best to ignore it. I put the test on the counter out of my line of sight, lower the toilet lid and flush, then wash my hands while I wait.