“I’m ready whenever. Sylvie?”
“Same with me.”
“Great. How about twenty minutes then?”
“That’s perfect. That will give me enough time to finish unpacking.”
After we finished, and I said we because I helped, we headed to the kitchen to eat. Rita had our places set at the island. Sylvie dove into her food and said it was the best bolognaise she’d ever eaten. It was fantastic. Rita left before we ate, but Sylvie would let her know tomorrow.
“Do you want dessert now or later,” I asked.
“If I keep eating like this, I’m going to be as huge as the Goodyear blimp.”
“Shut up. You won’t be able to resist her dessert.”
“What is it?”
“Chocolate creme pie.”
“Oh, no. I love chocolate creme pie.” She crossed her hands over her chest and sighed.
“Let’s have some later.”
We cleaned up and went to watch TV. I had other things on my mind, but before long, Sylvie was sound asleep. She looked so adorable I didn’t dare wake her. I carried her to the bed, took her pants off, then her shirt. She mumbled in her sleep, but never woke up. Damn, she was really out, and it was only nine thirty.
That chocolate pie was calling my name, as I went and grabbed a piece, and watched some more TV. I hit the sack around eleven. At six in the morning, I heard Sylvie groaning. Reaching for her, the bed was empty. Where the hell was she and was she hurt?
“Sylvie? What’s wrong?” Following the sound of her voice, I found her sitting on the bathroom floor. It surprised me that I even heard her, but the reason was she hadn’t shut the door. “Hey, are you okay?”
“I think I have the stomach flu. I got up to go to the bathroom and nausea hit me like bam. I feel awful.”
I put my palm on her forehead to see if she was warm. “You don’t seem to have a fever. Do you have any body aches or a headache?”
She had her knees pulled to her chest and her chin was resting on them. “No. But I know I’m gonna hurl again at any minute.”
“Let me get you a cool cloth.”
I did and came back to put it on the back of her neck.
“Thank you. Maybe I have food poisoning.”
“Yeah, but I’d have it too. It may be a virus or something. Just sit for a while and maybe it’ll pass.”
“Ugh, I hope so. I never get this stuff.”
I sat there with her, but soon she was throwing up as I held her hair. When she was done, she asked me to leave.
“Why would I leave?”
“It’s gross.” She got up and brushed her teeth.
“You can’t help being sick.”
She shrugged and walked to the bed.
“Feel better?”
“Yeah, I do. I may take a shower in a minute.”
“You’re not going to work, are you?”
“Why not?”
“Because you just threw up. You probably have a virus.”
“What if it’s gone?”
I sat next to her and took her hand. “Babe, stay home. You’ll feel better tomorrow.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
I kissed her on the cheek and headed to the workout room. I hoped whatever she had wasn’t contagious because I’d rather have anything over a stomach bug.
When I came back to the room, she was sleeping, so I showered, dressed and left her a note on the bedside table. I told her to call me when she woke up.
Work was stacked up today because of all the fiascos yesterday. I jumped right in and was up to my elbows when Sylvie called.
“How’s my girl feeling?”
“Actually, I’m feeling pretty good. Just worn out. I’ve decided to go into work.”
“You sure that’s a good idea?”
“Yeah. If I start to feel awful, I’ll go to the townhouse. I’ll have Robert drop me off there so I’ll have my car, just in case.”
“Great idea. Keep me posted, babe.”
“I will.”
“Hey, I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hated the thought of sleeping without her, but it would have to do. I wouldn’t put pressure on her if she didn’t feel well. And who knows, I might be under the weather by tonight.
Thirty
Sylvie
Going to work might not have been the best idea, but staying home wasn’t either. Off and on I’d get nauseous, but then it would pass, and I’d feel fine. Maybe it was some weird virus, like Evan said. I washed my hands a lot and used hand sanitizer so I wouldn’t spread whatever I had.
Around lunch, Rose came in and wanted to know if I wanted to go eat. We went to the cafeteria and I only grabbed a few items for lunch. She eyed me because she knew I usually had a big appetite.
“What’s up with you today. Are you on another one day diet?”
“Ha ha, funny. Actually, I didn’t feel well when I woke up, as in I threw up.”
“Ick. Was it something you ate?”
We walked to a table and sat. “I don’t think so, because Evan didn’t get it and we ate the same thing.”
“Hmm. A virus?”
“That’s what I’m thinking.”
Her eyes dug into mine. “It sure was short-lived.”
“For sure, and I’m glad. I don’t usually get those things.”
“Seriously, Sylvie. Viruses usually last longer.”
“What’s your point?” By now, I had taken a few small test bites and my stomach felt somewhat better with food in it.
“Never mind.”
“Rose, tell me. I’m your best friend.”
Her eyes penetrated mine. “Do you think you might be pregnant?”
“Preg…what?”
“Well?”
“No! I’m on the pill.”
“Um, hello.” She pointed to herself. “I got pregnant with Montana on the pill.”
“You did?”
“Yes. And then Greg nearly beat me to death for it. But you know that story. It was because of the antibiotics I’d taken. No one warned me about them.”
My brain scrambled around in search of whether or not I’d been on any recently when Rose asked, “Weren’t you on antibiotics for a sinus infection right before the wedding?”
Suddenly, the room spun, and everything blanked out except for that one indecent, lust-filled night that I couldn’t even remember. “Shit, shit, shit.”
“Shh, keep your voice down. And don’t panic. It may be something else like you said.”
“Ugh, I don’t think so. My pants have gotten a bit snug and I’ve been so damn tired this past week.”
She patted my hand and said, “Why don’t you go to the store and get a pregnancy test. Then you’ll know for sure.”
“Will you do it? I just…can’t. I don’t want anyone seeing me buy it. If my mom finds out, I’m toast.”
“Sure. I’ll leave early today and run to the store and pick up a couple. I’ll meet you at your place afterward. Oh, wait. Will you be going back there?”
“Yeah, I’d planned to spend the night here tonight. Hey, can you pick up a few groceries while you’re there?” I made a pitiful face. It wasn’t that hard because I was feeling worse than pitiful.
“Sure, make me a list before I leave, but don’t give me a week’s worth.”
“What would I do without you?”
How I ever got through the rest of the day, I don’t know. I was a mess. I wanted to cry whenever I thought about it because I knew Evan would die if I was because of what that skanky ex-girlfriend of his did to him. Fuck me upside down. What was I going to do?
When five o’clock hit, I ran for the door, barely telling anyone goodbye. My wheels actually squealed as I left the parking lot. I probably lost a year’s worth of wear on them. All I wanted was a glass of wine to calm my nerves, but if I was pregnant, that was a no go.
Rose knocked on the door a few minutes later and my stomach instantly cramped
. Her hands were laden with bags, so I helped her in and after I put up the groceries, I stared at the pregnancy tests.
“I bought two different brands so you could compare results. I figured if they both say positive, then you’re pregnant.”
My stomach dropped like I was riding a rollercoaster.
“Will you hold my hand?”
“Not while you’re peeing, but after I will.”
“Okay.” I went to the bathroom with the kits and peed. Then I cleaned up and brought both sticks out to the living room as we waited.
“This is worse than when I took my boards,” I said. My hands were practically dripping with sweat and my heart was jumping out of my chest. “I can’t look. You tell me, Rose. I’m not even sure if I want to know.”
It seemed like she was quiet forever. “Time’s up,” she finally said.
“And?”
“According to both tests, it appears you’re going to have a baby.” Then she hugged me as I was frozen in my seat. What in the hell was I going to do now?
I broke down into one sobbing heap. Everything in my mind centered around what Evan had told me about his past relationship and the fake pregnancy. Would he think I had done this on purpose just to trap him? The mere idea of that made me wail even more.
Rose hugged me and said, “Hey, it’s going to be fine. You and Evan adore each other and will make amazing parents. Look at how awesome you are with Montana.”
Her words which were meant to bring me comfort only set off another loud crying jag. “He’s going to hate me,” I managed to eke out between wails.
“Hate you? Why on earth would he hate you? That’s ridiculous.”
I couldn’t tell her the whole story. Or could I? Would that be betraying his trust? I sniffed my tears back and only said, “It has to do with his past. And I promise you he’ll hate me, Rose.”
“You’re different from anyone in his past. The reason I say this is because Pearson told me. He talks to Evan, you know.”
“Even so, I know it will cut him deeply. And then there’s my mom.”
“Your mom? What about her. She loves Evan, doesn’t she?”
“Not enough for me to be pregnant without the benefit of marriage. When she finds out, she’ll try to put me in a convent.”
Rose gave me an eye roll, which was out of character for her. “Come on, Sylvie, you’re thirty years old.”
“You think I’m joking? She dragged me to church not too long ago because I mistook her for Evan on the phone and answered in a sexy voice.”
Then she busted out in a belly laugh. I smacked her arm. “This is not funny. I’m going to have a baby and you’re laughing.”
“I’m laughing at you answering the phone like that and your mom being on the other end. Oh, God, I wish I could’ve seen her face.”
“No, you don’t. When she got here, it was like Joan of Arc sweeping in. The only thing missing were her soldiers. You don’t know how intimidating my mom can be when she wants to.”
“You’re forgetting something.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“You have a weapon named Evan. Wasn’t she gaga over him?”
“Yeah, but when it comes to this, I’m not sure that’ll work. And then there’s my dad. And what will Pearson say?”
“He’ll be pissed at Evan if Evan doesn’t treat you right. I do know that.”
Tears dribbled down my cheeks again. “Why me? And why now when things were going so well?”
“Maybe it was meant to be. When I got pregnant with Montana, I was in denial because I knew what would happen. I eventually had to tell Greg and he ended up beating the shit out of me because I told him I wouldn’t get rid of her. Now look at us. I have no idea what I would do without that precious darling in my life. Look on the bright side of things, Sylvie. Put your amazing counseling skills at work on yourself.”
She was right. This baby might’ve been created out of one indecent night of drunken lust, but look what that had brought into my—into our lives. I was in love and if what Evan had told me was true, so was he. If he didn’t want any part of this baby, then so be it. I would handle things like an adult, a mother, and carry on.
“Thank you, Rose. I need to pull up my bootstraps and deal with this. The creation of life is a miracle and I need to start acting like it and stop wallowing in my self-pity.” That was convincing. I only had to believe it myself.
“That’s right. And you know I have your back. Your sisters and family will too, just wait and see.”
“Promise?” I said, my voice about to crack into another waterfall of tears.
“Get over here, you big dork.”
I walked into her open arms where she patted my back.
“I know this seems like a mountain right now, but I promise when you hold your baby for the first time, you’ll wonder how in the world you could ever have doubted this.”
Rose left and a few minutes later Evan called. He knew something was up.
“Are you still feeling bad?”
“No, I’m better, just tired.”
“Do you think you should go to the doctor?”
Oh, yeah, but not for what you think.
“Maybe. I’ll see how I feel tomorrow. I miss you.”
“Babe, if only you knew.”
Please, God, don’t let him run from me.
I held back a sob as I said, “I’m planning on coming back tomorrow night.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Are you all right?”
“Yeah, I was just about to sneeze.”
“Okay. For a minute there, it sounded like you’d been crying.”
Thank God he couldn’t see me. My eyes were probably red and swollen by now.
“Nope, I’m fine, other than sore eyes from reading charts today.” That much was true.
“I’ll let you go so you can get your rest. I don’t want you to get any worse. I love you, sweets.”
“I love you back and will see you tomorrow.”
“Can’t wait.”
I prayed when I got there, he wouldn’t absolutely lose it when I told him the news. I stared at the stick with the two pink lines on it, indicating I was pregnant. Should I save it to show him, or maybe take a picture of it. There were two other tests in the box Rose had bought so if he didn’t believe me, I could retake the test.
My doorbell rang, which was strange. Who would be visiting me now?
I looked out the peephole and panicked. It was Evan. Shit. What was he doing here? I shoved the stick in my pocket and opened the door with a smile. There would be no way to hide my eyes now. I would have to tell him the truth.
“Hey,” I said, opening the door. “What a great surprise.” He walked in with a smile.
“I was almost here when I called, but I wanted to surprise you.” He took my chin and lifted it up as his smile disappeared. “I’m glad I did now. What’s going on. I knew you’d been crying.”
The dam broke again as he put his arms around me. Sobs shook my body as I bawled my stupid eyes out again.
“Sylvie, please tell me what’s wrong so I can help.”
I hiccupped a few times and stammered, “Please… tell me…you won’t…hate me.”
“Hate you? How could I possibly hate you?”
“When I tell…you what’s wrong…you might.”
“Sylvie, then you don’t know me very well. Babe, just tell me so I can help.”
I gripped his white crisp shirt he still had on from the office, which was now tear-stained, and decided to just spill it. “Evan, I don’t have a virus. I’m pregnant.”
Thirty-One
Evan
The words pierced my brain. Pregnant? How could she be pregnant?
“I don’t understand,” I said. “You said you were on the pill.”
“I am. Or was. It doesn’t matter now.”
“How could you be pregnant if you’re on the pill?
Digging into her pocket, she pulled out a little stick and
handed it to me.
“Is this what I think it is?”
“The results of a pregnancy test I took a little while ago. They’re supposed to be very accurate. Two lines mean pregnant.” Tears bubbled out of her eyes, but at this moment I couldn’t think straight. My mind went straight to the past, and that wasn’t working out so well.
I rubbed my face, trying to get a grip on my emotions, which were all over the place. Anger was winning out, which I didn’t want. Taking two giant steps backward, I closed my eyes before I unleashed what was on my mind. Accusations flowed through me, but were they really valid? The logical part of me was at war with the emotional side.
“Can I say something?”
“Why the hell not?” I snapped. She jerked as though I’d slapped her. Didn’t that just make me feel terrific? I shut my eyes once more and blew out a lungful of frustration. “Look, I’m sorry.”
“You should be. That was uncalled for. I didn’t ask for this.”
“Neither did I.”
“I want to explain. You said I told you I was on the pill that first night.”
“Yes, you clearly did. Twice, in fact.” My tone was clipped. Reining in my fucking anger wasn’t possible right now.
“I was, dammit. But I’d also been on antibiotics the week prior.”
“So? What does that have to do with anything?” I asked.
“Since I was under the influence of tequila, I’m sure it never entered my mind to mention that, but antibiotics can reduce the potency of birth control pills.”
I wasn’t sure I heard correctly. “Can you repeat that?”
She did. “You’ve never heard that before?”
“No. Why would I?”
“You’re a very intelligent man. I would think during your past relationships, somewhere along the way one of your girlfriends might have mentioned it.”
This clearly wasn’t her fault. “I should never have taken the word of a drunk woman.”
“I did tell the truth. This drunk woman just forgot about the antibiotics. The truth is, I forgot until I took the pregnancy test. And when it turned up positive, I couldn’t figure out how in the world it could’ve happened because I never missed a pill. So I thought back and that’s when it hit me.”
One Indecent Night Page 17