Hourglass Squared

by K, S

  "Savannah, I wanted to speak with you regarding the event tomorrow with Nike. Lucas Wellington will be in attendance, and I want to ensure that there will be no issues between the three of you"

  A smile crept over my face. "I promise you we'll be on our best behavior. Luke is a thing of the past. He learned his lesson at the auction. Brooke and I will not screw this up." I winked at her as I attempted to make my way around her and down the hall, only to be stopped by her arm, barricading my path.

  "Perfect, then I will arrange for him to escort the two of you to the event to show everyone that Hourglass and Nike have mended any rifts." With her final command, Monica strutted back to her office, clearly not open for negotiation.

  Great!

  When I burst into Brooke's office, her face was buried in the trashcan as she heaved, but nothing was coming out.

  I rushed over to her side and grabbed her hair. "Brooke, are you okay?" I rubbed her back as her body shook, trying to expel her insides. A few moments later, she sat up, and I handed her the fresh cup of tea that was on her desk. "Drink this. It'll make you feel better."

  She leaned back against her desk. "I really hate you, you know?"

  Making a funny face, I questioned her statement, "What in the hell did I do?"

  Tears pooled in her eyes. "You've had the perfect pregnancy, and you don't even want kids. You should be sick, not me. I want nothing more than to enjoy this entire process, and I can't. But you? You don't even want to be a mother, and you get a walk-in-the-park pregnancy. It's not fair."

  I tried to stifle my laugh, knowing she was really upset, but I couldn't help it. "Blame it on Jake. He has super sperm," I joked, trying to lighten the mood, but it didn't work. I could tell Brooke was over being sick, and the more my body embraced my pregnancy, the more she was going to want to kill me.

  After grabbed her hand, I pulled her up off the floor. "I'm going to call Josh so he can come pick you up. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and you need to be well-rested. Not to mention, Monica just stopped me in the hallway and informed me that Luke would be escorting us."

  Brooke's eyes rolled. "Wonderful, so not only am I going to have to fight the urge to puke because of this baby, but also because of Luke's presence. I don't think my day could possibly get any better." She sat down in her chair, and I pressed her speakerphone button to hail her assistant. "Lisa, can you get Josh on the phone? Brooke isn't feeling well and needs to get home and get some rest. He'll have to come pick her up here at the office."

  "Why don't you lie down until Josh gets here? If anyone asks, I'll tell them you are in a meeting." Brooke stood, made her way toward her couch and lay down.

  I walked over and flipped the switch to turn her lights off then pulled the door closed behind me. When I passed Lisa's desk, she filled me in on her telephone call with Josh.

  "Mr. Worthington will be here in about half-hour. He was at the store across town."

  I smiled and made my way down the hall toward my office. "Thanks, Lisa."

  As I scrolled through picture after picture, examining the models I'd worked with a few days prior, thrilled with my shoot, there was a tap on my office door. Glancing up, I noticed my husband standing there, a turquoise bag in his hand. My eyes instantly focused on the black lettering, Tiffany & Co. I stood out of my chair and ran over to him then leapt into his arms as he wrapped them around me and lifted me off the floor. I leaned in and kissed his lips, the scruff of his perfectly trimmed beard brushing against my chin.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked curiously.

  Jake set me down and kissed my forehead. "Josh asked me to come with him so I could drive Brooke's car home. She's feeling pretty terrible, isn't she?"

  I nodded. "Yeah, I feel so bad for her. I know she wants nothing more than to get better so she can enjoy this pregnancy." Grabbing Jake's hand, I pulled him further into my office and pushed him down on to the chair that was adjacent from my desk, plopping down on his lap once he was seated. "Enough about Brooke, what's in the bag you have in your hand?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck as I fluttered my eyelashes.

  Jake let out a boisterous laugh and lifted the bag, setting it onto my lap.

  I reached in and pulled out a big blue box, curious as to what could possibly be hiding beneath this white ribbon. I tugged at the ribbon and opened it, revealing two three-piece porcelain dish sets with matching cups for our twins.

  I smiled at Jake, grateful for the thought of his gift, but slightly disappointed that there was nothing for me in the box, "Thank you, babe. These are beautiful." I stood and gently placed the box onto my desk so I could tie the bow and put it back into the bag.

  Jake stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my hips, leaning in to kiss my neck.

  As shivers ran down my body, he whispered into my ear, "Don't worry, I didn't forget you."

  He opened his hand and revealed a beautiful necklace with a solitaire round diamond in the center. Jake lifted it up, and I pulled my hair to the side, allowing him to clasp it around my neck. I turned in his arms and pressed up on my tip toes to kiss his lips. "It's beautiful, Jake. I love it."

  Jake kissed me back. "Hurry home so you can thank me for your gift." He winked then turned and walked out of my office.

  Brooke looked a bit better than she had yesterday afternoon.

  "Good morning, how are you feeling?" I inquired, walking into her office, a chai tea in hand.

  Handing the tea over to Brooke, I listened to her answer. "I feel so much better than yesterday. Let's just hope I can make it until tonight."

  I sat down across from her, and she leaned back in her chair, taking a long sip of tea.

  "Are you worried about tonight?" she asked curiously.

  I shook my head. "No, should I be?"

  Her shoulders slumped. "I'm just worried about seeing Lucas. I know what happened is behind us, but I haven't really been around him since everything went down at the auction. I just don't want to feel uncomfortable."

  I leaned back in my chair. "Brooke, don't worry about Luke. He is a thing of the past. You are married to Joshua Worthington, one of the most coveted men in all of Colorado. Luke doesn't hold a candle to Josh. Sure, he's going to try to convince you that it would have worked out between the two of you, but we all know he is a player, and he would have broken your heart time and time again."

  Brooke took in a deep breath. "I'm not worried about all of that. I don't want Lucas back. I never have. I'm just worried I'm still so angry with him I might just kill him when I see him."

  I let out a loud laugh and stood from my chair. "You were fine when we ran into him the night of my engagement. Why would this be any different?"

  She shrugged. "I don't know. I just feel on edge. You know, hormones and all. I'm sure it'll be fine. Did they deliver the dresses yet? I want to get everything together before I head down to hair and makeup later on this afternoon."

  I nodded. "Yes, they're in my office. I'll have Lisa bring yours down. Come grab me before you head down to get all dolled up, and I'll join you."

  I walked out of her office and into mine before I closed the door behind me. Telephone in hand, I dialed a number that I hadn't used in ages.

  "Savannah Prescott, what a pleasant surprise." Luke's voice echoed through the speaker, and I shuddered at his smugness.

  "You and I need to talk. I'll be in your office in ten minutes." I quickly hung up the phone and marched toward the elevators, then pressed the button to take me to the Nike offices.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Brooke

  AS I STARED at my reflection in the mirror, I was amazed with the work of our hair-and-make-up crew. It was the most color I had seen in my cheeks in over five months. Swiveling my chair, I looked at Savannah beside me, getting her finishing touches. Her hair was in a loose chignon with a few stray tendrils framing her face. She looked exquisite.

  "Savannah, you look breathtakingly beautiful." I gasped.

  "Keep th
at up, and you'll be taking me home. Careful, Josh might not appreciate getting kicked out of his own place again." We both let out a carefree laugh, relaxing and enjoying the girl time that we hadn't gotten much of lately.

  The ring of my cell phone broke the moment, drawing my attention to the vanity where it was vibrating against the countertop and belting out "Happy" by Pharrell.

  Savannah's laugh became even louder as she heard my ringtone. "Seriously, Brooke, cause you've just been a ball of sunshine lately!"

  I swiped my phone and walked away from my dear friend, who now had to have her eye make-up fixed, she had laughed so hard. Served her right!

  "This is Brooke," I answered, seeing the call was from my doctor's office.

  "Hello, Mrs. Worthington, this is Nancy at Dr. Green's office calling about your appointment yesterday." Her voice was calm and controlled, very professional, which seemed odd since usually the office was anything but formal.

  "Yes," I prompted, waiting for her to continue.

  "Well, some of your lab work came back with a few concerns. We need to see you back as soon as possible. Can you come in this afternoon?"

  My brain turned to mush. What could possibly be wrong with my blood work? The baby, was the baby okay? I could feel my pulse accelerate as panic set in. "The baby?" I stammered.

  "The baby is perfectly fine, ma'am. It's with you, I didn't mean to cause you any unnecessary worry, and we just want to do some follow-up tests," she reassured me, her voice softening a touch.

  I turned, spotting Savannah stepping into the same gown from yesterday. With the help of one of the girls, the zipper came up quickly. She must have gone up a size, no doubt a hard blow to her ego. Once she turned to face me, I gave her a thumbs-up gesture. She looked great and seemed so excited to get fancied up and go out.

  "I have a work function this evening. Do you have anything available in the morning?"

  "Well, I suppose that would be okay. Can you come in right when we open at nine?"

  "Yes, I'll be there first thing."

  After hanging up the phone, I pushed the worry from my mind. The baby was okay, I'd be fine, and it was probably something to do with the puking or some other rare pregnant woman condition. Savannah came sashaying over, her dress fitting her like a glove and just barely showing her baby bump.

  "Your turn," she called, holding up my gown.

  I took off my robe and let her help me step into it. As I looked into the full-length mirrors, I was in awe. The dress made me feel like a woman again. It delicately draped over each line of my body, enhancing my curves. "All set. Let's go knock him dead."

  "Can we?" I pleaded. "Can we really?" The night was bound to be interesting with Lucas Wellington escorting us as we put on a happy front. The nausea bubbled up again, and I quickly cupped my mouth as I tried to force it back down. Not today, little one.

  "Brooke? Savannah?" Lisa called from the front of the closet.

  "Yes, we are on our way up. Is Mr. Wellington here?" I asked and walked across the marble tile toward Lisa's voice.

  "You bet your sweet asses I'm here," Lucas's animated voice echoed off the tile floor and mirrored walls.

  He was just as devastatingly handsome as I remembered, and in his tux for the night was no exception. My eyes raked up his body till they locked on a pair of piercing eyes.

  His cocky smirk grew. "Hey, Brooke, you look gorgeous as always."

  "Oh God, I'm going to hurl," I muttered to Savannah.

  "Can it, Luke." Savannah elbowed him in the ribs before placing a quick peck on his cheek.

  With a groan Lucas rubbed his side. "Savannah, you use to be so much sweeter, but you're just as beautiful as I remember." Lucas waved his hand out and bowed. He gestured for us to walk out the door. "Shall we, ladies?"

  The elevator ride down was awkward as tension grew between the three of us. This was literally like my own worst nightmare come to life. Prior to Monica's decree, I had intended to just avoid Lucas after the cordial greeting, but now I could look forward to an evening immersed in his presence.

  "Hey, who called?" Savannah asked as we both watched the digital numbers change with each passing floor.

  "Huh?" I asked, confused, before remembering the call I'd received. "Oh, it was Dr.Green's office. They want me to come in tomorrow at nine."

  "Oh perfect. We can meet here and go together. I have an appointment as well."

  "It's so nice to see you girls on speaking terms again, and belly buddies. That is what they call it, right?"

  "Lucas, please. Just stop," I begged, just as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open, offering me my escape. Making a mad dash for the lobby, I felt a warm hand take hold of my arm.

  "Just a minute, Brooke. Savannah, will you go ahead out to the limo? We will be there in just a moment." Lucas directed me toward a seating area by the café in our lobby. Taking the seat across from me, he moved his hand down to my own and clasped it.

  "Brooke, I am sorry. I know I'm not showing it well, I just don't know how to act around you. With Savannah, it's so easy because this wasn't where our relationship excelled. I didn't have the same personal connection with her as with you. And now, seeing you pregnant and married makes my brain do all the what-ifs, and so I'm handling it in my usual fashion. I'm happy for you. You are a remarkable woman, and you will be one of my biggest regrets in life. If I could have bottled you up to save for few years when I was ready to settle, it'd be perfect. You are perfect."

  My vision blurred with unshed tears. I'd forgotten how gifted Lucas was with words. My body ignited as his thumb swept over the delicate skin of my wrist, and I let the fond memories of our time together replay in my mind.

  Lucas's head turned as his eyes locked on a passerby's long legs in a red mini-skirt, and then I remembered who I was sitting with.

  "Oh, Lucas. I accept your apology, but you may need more than a few years."

  We both stood, laughing, and made our way out to the limo where Savannah was waiting for us. After my talk with Lucas I was determined to enjoy our evening together.

  The next morning Savannah and I sat side by side in the green waiting-room chairs, recounting the amazing night we'd had. Lucas had been the perfect gentleman, escorting us around and introducing us to other Nike employees who we hadn't met.

  "Brooke," the nurse at the door called out, looking directly at me.

  Sad, when a woman came so often the nurse knew who she was without waiting for her to stand and walk toward her.

  "Savannah, we will be out for you in just a moment," she added, nodding toward my best friend.

  The nurse led me directly past the exam rooms and into Dr. Green's office, making my anxiety shoot up ten-fold. As soon as I took my seat, he began talking to me.

  "Brooke, your white blood-cell count is noticeably elevated. It could be just an infection, but with no signs of a fever or secondary symptoms, I'm not sure. I'd like to do a quick exam and see if we can rule some things out."

  I nodded my head, more confused than when I'd walked in the office. The nurse led me out and to the adjoining exam room. After laying out an outfit to change into, she left me to strip down and cling to a bit of modesty with the paper gown they had provided. Dr. Green came strutting in moments later with the nurse following close behind. He made quick work of his exam as he listened to my heart and lungs and checked my blood pressure.

  "All looking fine, Brooke. Go ahead and lie back. I'm going to just do a quick breast exam and check your abdomen. Are you having any discomfort or issues you've noticed?"

  "Besides the vomiting?" I asked half-jokingly. Seeing his blank expression, I quickly answered, "Not really."

  "Has your breast been red like this for long?" His voice filled with concern as he poked and prodded my right side.

  I simply shook my head no, watching his face as he felt around in circular motions.

  "Nancy, can you take Brooke over for a mammogram with Sarah? I want an extra view of this area as well, please.
"

  The next thirty minutes were a whirlwind as Nancy led me around first to the mammogram room, then to the ultrasound room. Each person clucked or tsked as they looked at the area of my breast that had concerned Dr. Green, until finally I ended up right back where I'd started, in his office. I was terrified. My heart beat loudly in my ears, and I could feel the perspiration on my skin.

  "Nancy," I spoke, noting a shake to my voice. "Can you ask Savannah to come in here? I really need my best friend right now."

  Nancy gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze as she nodded. She returned with Savannah in tow and Dr. Green following closely behind. This was it.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Savannah

  ALL OF THE AIR was sucked out of my lungs as the word cancer bounced around my head like a ping-pong-ball factory had just exploded. I replayed Dr. Green's words to my best friend, "Brooke, I am sorry to tell you this, but all of your test results indicate that you have breast cancer. Your mammogram showed a mass in the tissue, and the ultrasound confirmed it. We are going to order a biopsy of the tissue, but with the white blood cell count, I am going to go ahead and refer you to an oncologist."

  My hand instinctively darted over to my best friend and grabbed hers, squeezing it to reassure there that I was here for her, right by her side, no matter what. Slowly peering over at Brooke, I saw the flow of tears streaming down her cheeks as her body trembled. Glancing up at the doctor, I said, "Would you give us a minute, please?"

  He nodded and left his office, allowing Brooke and me some time alone.

  The minute the door closed behind him, sobs escaped her throat and she lurched forward, cradling her barely-there baby bump. Still in shock, I stood there looking at her until I forced myself to snap out of it. I hurled my arms around her and drew her up, hugging her frail body as she wept into my shoulder.

  "What am I going to do?" she howled as she battled the air that was escaping her lungs, putting her on the verge of hyperventilation.