“And for me.” We stared at each other for a long moment. I had to come clean about the baby before I fell for this guy. Before I hurt him as his fiancée did.
“Derek—”
“What can I get y’all?” the waitress asked.
Dammit.
We placed our order, then my queasy stomach sent me to the bathroom. I paced, working myself up to telling Derek the truth. I hated the universe for messing with my heart. Why did I meet this nice, handsome man before I showed? If I had a round belly, he would have kept his distance. I was sure of it. To him, I probably looked available, especially after he caught me gawking at him numerous times.
Smooth, Miranda.
I took a deep breath before returning to our table.
“Everything all right? You looked a little green a moment ago.”
“I was, but I’m better now… kind of.”
“Kind of?”
“Derek, I’m expecting.” I blurted it out. It was the only way I wouldn’t talk myself out of telling him the truth.
“Expecting what?”
“A baby.”
“A baby?” His eyes raked over me. “When?”
“April.”
“Like a baby, baby?”
“Yes.” I rubbed my stomach as his gaze fell to my hand. “I just thought you should know.” I grimaced, feeling like a horrible person.
“Wow, you don’t even look it.”
I shrugged. “But I am.”
He drank some water, his eyes darting around the busy restaurant. Not a word left his lips. I knew the wheels were turning in his head. I would give him an out, so he didn’t feel the need to make up a lie about some illness or a girlfriend when I was sure he didn’t have either. Brea had told me he didn’t trust women, and I took that to mean he didn’t have a girlfriend.
“Hey… This is just a thank-you lunch, okay? I didn’t mean to make it weird between us. We’ll eat and I’ll take my car home and—”
“And what? I’ll never see you again?” He swallowed hard, making his Adam’s apple bob in his throat. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was he disappointed? Or feeling nauseated like I was minutes ago?
“Well, I’m sure you will. I’m friends with Brea.”
“That’s not what I meant. If you had a husband or boyfriend, why didn’t he help you with your car?”
“Because I don’t have either. If I did, I wouldn’t be here with you.”
“That’s what I thought. I didn’t take you for a dishonest person.”
But I am dishonest. I’m a horrible person for keeping my baby a secret and lying about who I really am.
“Where’s the father?”
“He’s not in my life.”
“Why not? You’re beautiful, fun, and sweet. Where is he?” Derek’s eyes darkened. “Did he abandon you?”