Chapter 1
Gracie
“I’mfreakingout.”
“Why? A baby isn’t a death sentence.” I chuckle at Ava’s strained voice through the phone. I can tell she is on the verge of crying. Something my friend barely does. One thing about Ava is, she isn’t weak. She won’t take shit from anyone. So, this fragile side is unnerving and, truthfully, I want my fiery friend back. Her strength helps me stay strong.
“But we aren’t ready…we aren’t married yet.”
“You’re engaged. That’s the same bloody thing,” I argue, trying to snap some sense into her.
“It’s too soon,” she mumbles.
“For who?”
She stays silent, then I hear a hiccup down the line.
“Listen, I know this is really about you. And—” I clear my throat, taking a breath through my now tightening airway. It always happens when I talk about the past. “You’re not going to leave your baby.”
That has her sobbing loudly, and I drop my chin. Clutching my phone tightly in my hand, I’m surprised it’s not breaking. My eyes swell with tears threatening to sprinkle my cheeks at hearing her struggle.
“I can’t do this.”
“Well, it looks like you don’t have an option. Have you told Josh yet?” I ask.
“No,” she splutters through a sob. “What’s he going to think?”
“I’m not a mind reader, but if I had to guess, I’d say he’s going to be fucking ecstatic. The guy worships the ground you walk on. If he wasn’t serious about a future with you, he wouldn’t have proposed, and you wouldn’t be planning your dream wedding.”
“But a baby…it’s a big fucking deal.”
I wonder what it would be like to have someone like that…
Someone who truly loves me. Who won’t leave me. Adores me.
I shake my head at the ridiculous thought. Every day at work, I see more shit guys than good. It would take a lot for me to settle down. I’m happy to hookup for relief and a good time, but it’s always no strings attached, and so far, I’ve never wanted more.
“It is, but you have Josh and me—” A beep in my ear has me pulling my phone away to see who the other caller is.
“Someone’s trying to call you. I should let you go.” She splutters.
Sandraflashes across the screen. I hesitate. Should I let it go to voicemail?
My stomach hardens at the thought of hanging up, so instead, I say, “It’s Sandra. I can call her back. But, Ava”—I wait until she says “yeah” before continuing—“you will make an amazing mom. ”
She sniffs and says, “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you. But answer Sandra, she wouldn’t call unless it was important. I’m fine. Call me tomorrow.”
I smile, feeling that way too. She is my ride or die, the friend who you can always count on to always be there for you in the good or bad times. I’d do anything for her.
“Ditto. I really have to take Sandra’s call before she hangs up, but I’ll pop in tomorrow to see you, and we can talk this out properly.”
“Sounds good. Bye.” She sniffs once more before I hang up.
I quickly accept the incoming call, catching it on the last ring.
“Hello, Sandra?” I say with a frown, wondering why she is calling.
“Hi. Could you possibly come in and help tonight? It’s hectic with the Christmas crowd, and I need your experience.”