My bladder feels like it’s about to burst. Didn’t I go fifteen minutes ago? I climb out of bed and walk into the bathroom. I sit down on the toilet and relieve myself. Once I’m done, I wipe myself and reach for my panties to pull them up but hesitate when I see a bloody show in the crotch area. I reach for the toilet paper and wipe some more. I look down at the toilet paper and see blood. I haven’t had a period in two months. Something is wrong. I place a hand over my tummy.
I flush, jerk my panties up then quickly wash my hands. I rush back into Bryce’s room in search of my purse. I grab my phone and head toward the door when it dawns on me that I don’t have my car. I begin to panic. I slump down in a chair, pull my phone out, and the business card I stuffed in the side pocket. I tap the numbers out on my phone and wait for it to ring. When the voice prompts come on, I listen carefully to the selection and press the button to the area I’m trying to reach. After three rings, a nurse answers the phone.
“Uh, yes, hi. My name is Ava Walker, and I’m a new patient of Dr. Bailey’s.” My voice is shaking so bad. “I just went to the bathroom and noticed blood in my panties. I think something is wrong.” Tears begin to fog my vision.
“Okay, Ava. Do you know how far along you are?”
“A couple of weeks. I’m not sure. My first appointment isn’t for another two weeks.”
“How would you describe the amount of blood that you’re seeing?”
I touch my forehead, feeling a headache coming on. “I don’t know but it seems like a lot to me, like a regular period.”
“Are you experiencing any cramping?”
“No.”
“Ava, based on what you’re telling me and just to be on the safe side, I’m going to ask you to come in. How soon can you be here?”
Bryce
“Can’t sleep?”
I glance over my shoulder to see my mom leaning against the opposite counter. “No.” I turn back around and continue to make my midnight snack, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “Want one?”
“Sure, why not.” My mom comes to stand beside me and takes two glasses down from the cabinet. “Milk?”
“Please, and don’t forget the ice.”
“How can I forget,” my mom chuckles then rubs a soothing circle against my back before walking over to the refrigerator.
I take out two more pieces of wheat bread and spread chunky peanut butter, Mom’s favorite, on one side and strawberry jelly on the other.
“So, what brings you to my apartment this late?” she asks me.
I cut my mom's sandwich in half then carry both plates to the table where she’s already seated with our glasses of milk. I take a seat and take a bite out of my sandwich, remaining silent.
“Let me guess. Ava?”
My eyes shoot her way, and she seems relaxed with her elbow propped on the table, chin resting in the palm of her hand, awaiting my answer. It’s amazing how much my relationship with my mom has changed over the years. From her getting shot to my cousin committing suicide, I decided to forgive her. Life is too fuckin’ short. When she got out of the hospital, we sat down and had a long talk. She apologized for not being the mother that Morgan and I deserved, and she promised that she was going to change her life around. She started by first divorcing our dad then she started going to church, tagging me along on some Sundays. I think what brought us closer together was when I told her about Staci and how I used sex to cope with my pain. More so, I talked about the love of my life, Ava, and how she loved me, flaws and all, and how I fucked up by not telling her about me and Staci, which only helped sealed my fate when I stupidly agreed to let her go to get help instead of us doing it together.
I nod then take another bite of my sandwich.
“Have you told her that you love her?”
“Ava knows that I love her.”
“Does she?” My mom takes a sip of her milk. “If I were Ava, I wouldn’t know that, seeing that you’re back together with Bridget. Isn’t that her name?”
I laugh at the last part. “Bridget and I have been over for two weeks now. I officially ended things tonight.”
“Well, excuse my language son, but why in the hell are you here and not with Ava, telling her what you just told me?”
“Because I’m an ass. I said some things to her that I probably shouldn’t have before I left for work.”
“Then you need to make it right and keep it right if you want her to remain in your life.” My mom stands up, walks over, and hugs me. She kisses the top of my head. “I love you, Bryce, and I don’t mind you staying here, but you need to go home and be with Ava.” She lets go of me and walks out of the kitchen. “And don’t forget to lock up when you leave.”
My mom lives twenty minutes away from my place. I get home in ten, burst through the door, and headed straight to my bedroom, pausing in the hallway when I don’t see Ava’s silhouette in my bed. Maybe she’s in the bathroom.
I walk into my room. “Ava?” I call out, frowning when I see the bathroom door wide open and the lights out. Shit, did she leave?
I take out my phone and speed dial her number. Voicemail. “Ava, it’s me. I—“ I pause, deciding not to tell her that I love her on her voicemail. “Where are you?” I ask instead. “Call me.”
I end the call then flop back on my bed, turning my face into the pillow she’s been using, catching a whiff of Ava’s intoxicating scent and committing it to memory in case it’s the last time I see her.
Chapter 34
Ava
I cross my legs at the ankle and swing them back and forth. My nerves are shot, and I’m freezing. I clutch the hospital gown that opens at the front and sit on the examination bed with stirrups. The nurse informs me that the doctor on duty will be with me shortly.
It’s almost two in the morning, and I have to be at work in six hours. Taking a paid sick day is out of the question because I’ll need to save all the paid time off I have for maternity leave. If everything is all right with my baby. I rub my stomach and try not to break down.
A baby, of all things, wasn’t in my plan right now. Of course, I want children, but I wanted them at a time in my life when I was finished with law school, working as an attorney, and once my career took off. Then I’d get married and have kids, three to be exact, whether naturally or by adoption. How will Bryce react once he finds out that he’s going to be a father? God, how am I going to tell him?”
If I hadn’t invited him in that night, then maybe I wouldn’t be sitting here in a freezing hospital room wondering if our baby is okay.
“You didn’t have to walk me to my door.” I stick my key in the lock and glance over my shoulder, coming practically face-to-face with Bryce who was standing so close.
“I don’t mind. I’d feel better knowing that you’re safe inside.”
I unlock my door then turn around and smile up at him. “Thank you for everything tonight. I had so much fun even though we didn’t make it to the end of the movie.”
We both laugh.
“You’re welcome.” His eyes drop to my lips, and he licks his own as if he’s salivating to taste mine. “I’m glad I was able to spend some time with you before leaving tomorrow. I probably chose the worst time to surprise you since you’re in the middle of exams.”
“I’m glad you came, though. I hope you plan on coming back to see me graduate.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” He leans into me, and I can hear the uneven pattern of his breathing.
“I would invite you inside but it’s—“
“It’s not too late,” he finishes then he lowers his head to brush his lips along my ear. “Let me in, Ava.” Those few words hold so much meaning.
I exhale a quivering breath then I curve my head in pursuit of his lips. I skim my tongue over his lips. When he groans, it vibrates against my tongue when I slide it into his mouth. Bryce pushes open the door and leads us inside and kicks the door shut.
His eyes bare into mine. Something dangerously delicious flickers in
his pupils, a promise, that makes my body shudder with excitement. He grabs my face and kisses me with so much passion that my limbs become weak, and I begin to feel off-balance.
Our clothes hit the floor, and our hands and lips explore one another unhurriedly. I remember lying on the couch and staring up at Bryce watching him watch me, eyes caressing over every inch and angle of my body before he covers my body with his and whispers above my parted lips that he is going to make love to me until the sun is high in the sky.
I’m sure my neighbors heard the loud, passionate, guttural sounds of lovemaking coming from my apartment that night.
Not once did I say ‘‘Bryce, we need a condom’’. In fact, after that night, I had minimal contact with Bryce. My excuse? Busy finalizing my graduation. When graduation rolled around, Bryce didn’t attend, even though he told me two days prior that he would. That night, while eating dinner with my parents, I received a text from him.
Bryce: When were you planning on telling me about your job opportunity in Seattle?
I excused myself from the table, and I called him three times, each call going straight to voicemail. He was ignoring me, so out of anger, I texted him back.
So, after one surprise visit and a night of sex means that I owe you an explanation for why I didn’t tell you? That night was a mistake and should’ve never happened. Maybe you should finally forget about me and move on.
I ran into the ladies’ restroom after I pressed send and threw up several times, thinking it was from a case of regret from sending Bryce that message. A month later, a positive pregnancy test result sealed my fate. I ended up turning down paralegal position in Seattle, and my temporary move back to Tennessee became permanent for the time being. I ended up accepting a paralegal position with my father’s firm instead.
I’d never expected to see Bryce again. Then one day, I had a craving for a Midnight Moon, went to Sweet & Scrumptious to get some, and practically had a meltdown when I found out they were sold out.
“What do you mean you’re out?” I yell, not giving a damn what the other customers thought of me. “Can you check in the back?”
“Ma’am, I’m sorry but I sold the last batch—”
“Then make some more!” I lean over the counter, getting ready to reach out and grab the young man by the shirt.
“Calm down, Ava,” a calming and familiar voice whispered against my ear. The raging fire building inside me subsides to a puff of smoke, and Bryce wraps an arm around me. I turn and press my face against his chest and hide out of embarrassment.
“I’m sorry about that,” Bryce tells the cashier. “I forgot to tell her that our order was under Richardson. Isn’t that right, babe?”
I glance up at Bryce, and his eyes wash over me like a calming April rain shower.
“Yes,” I reply meekly then look over at the cashier. “I’m sorry.”
“No worries,” the cashier responds. “I’ll get your order, Mr. Richardson.”
The cashier walks off, and I remain standing in Bryce’s arms, refusing to chance a glance at all the other customers waiting to be served while I acted like a brat over some damn cupcakes.
#pregnancyhormones
Bryce didn’t say a word, but I could feel his heated gaze on me.
The cashier returns with the bakery’s signature cupcake box and places it on the counter and opens it. My mouth falls open at the sight. “Half a dozen Midnight Moons. Is your order correct, Mr. Richardson?”
“Yes. How much?”
Bryce pays for the cupcakes then we walk over to a vacant booth. I slide in and he gets in beside me. He opens the box and places a cupcake on a napkin in front of me.
“I don’t understand.” I look away from the cupcake to Bryce sucking vanilla icing off his thumb.
“There’s nothing to understand; now, eat your cupcake or I’ll take it back.” He smiles and winks my way.
I pick up my cupcake and take a huge bite, moaning in ecstasy when the chocolate cake melts on my tongue.
“That’s one thing I miss hearing.”
I clear my throat and swallow. “When did you start liking Midnight Moons?” I look up at him
“I didn’t buy them for me. They’re for Bridget.”
“Oh.” I tear my gaze away and reach for a napkin out the dispenser, my craving no longer a priority. “I bet she’s probably wondering where you are with her cupcakes.” I shift in the seat preparing to leave. “Excuse me.”
“Ava, wait.” He leans toward me as if getting ready to tell me a secret. “Stay and talk to me, please. I know we haven’t been on speaking terms, but I miss you. Us. I want us to be friends again.”
Friends?
I don’t know what I expected him to say or what I hoped for, but it sure wasn’t that. Now that he was back in my life, I accepted anything that I could get from Bryce, including friendship.
Now, here I am, sitting alone in an icebox, waiting for the doctor to see me. God, I haven’t even thought about what I will say once I start showing.
I lie on my side as comfortably as I can on the examination bed then I close my eyes, opening them several minutes later when I hear a light knock on the door.
“Come in.” I rub my eyes and sit up.
The nurse from earlier enters, wheeling in a sonogram machine. “I’m sorry it’s taking so long,” she explains. “The doctor on duty is finishing up with an emergency C-section.”
I nod and remain silent.
“Oh, and you have a visitor.” She stops setting up the machine as if realizing she had something to tell me.
“A visitor?” I frown.
“Yes, he’s been in the waiting area for about an hour now.”
Have I been here this long?
I shake my head. “Did you say ‘he’?”
“Yes.”
My heart threatens to burst through my chest.
“Would you like me to send him back here to be with you?”
“I…”
“Knock, knock,” a smooth, deep voice interrupts. “Hey,” Bryce says then steps inside my room.
“Well, you just saved me a trip.” The nurse smiles over at Bryce even though I never gave her an answer to whether I wanted my visitor there or not. “The doctor should be down here shortly.” Then she exits, leaving me and Bryce alone.
“What are you doing here, and how did you find me?”
He comes closer and takes a seat on the rolling stool in front of me.
I flinch when his cool hands touch my calves.
“Cold?” he asks.
I nod.
He cups his hands over his mouth and exhales warm air into them then he rubs his hands together then places them on the back of my calves, kneading and rubbing his hands up and down.
“I came home looking for you, but you were gone.” Bryce’s eyes find mine. “I thought you left for good. Then I found your clothes still in the drawer I gave you. I called your phone, but it went to voicemail.”
I scrunch the hem of my hospital gown in my hands. “How did you find me?” I repeat.
“I found the business card you left on the table.” His hands trail down to my heels, and he gently massages them. “Are you pregnant?”
“Yes.” My eyes begin to water.
“Is there something wrong with our baby?”
“I don’t know,” I choke up. “I started bleeding and—“
Bryce stands and wraps his arms around me.
“It’s going to be okay.” His lips press against my temple. “We’ll get through this together.”
I hold on to him tightly and begin to sob. I pull away when there’s a light tap on the door and the doctor enters. Dr. Moore introduces himself as Bryce unfolds his arms and steps to the side and holds my hand while listening attentively to the doctor, asking questions when necessary. Bryce remains by my side through it all—when the doctor does a vaginal exam to check my cervix and during the ultrasound when we hear our baby’s strong heartbeat for the first time. We are both am
azed at how a tiny little being, the shape and size of a peanut, could have so much life.
“Everything looks fine. Your cervix is soft, but that’s normal during pregnancy. As you saw on the monitor, your baby’s heartbeat is strong and healthy. The bleeding has stopped, which is a good sign. Sometimes, the bleeding can come from implantation, even though it took place several weeks ago. You’re probably now seeing the signs of it, but that’s normal in the first trimester. You shouldn’t be overly concerned.”
I exhale a sigh of relief, and Bryce kisses my forehead.
“Continue to drink plenty of water, exercise, including sexual activities, and take your prenatal vitamins. Do you have any questions?”
Bryce laces his fingers through mine. “No, I don’t have any questions.
“Dad, do you have any questions?” Dr. Moore asks him.
“No, sir; thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure. Well, if that is all, I’ll let you two head home. Ava, make sure you get plenty of rest.”
“I will. Thank you, Dr. Moore.”
After the doctor leaves, I change back into my clothes then Bryce walks me to his car. I sleep the entire ride to his place, waking up when Bryce places his hand on my thigh and gently squeezes it. He walks me inside, and I head straight to the bathroom. I strip out my clothes and take a shower, letting the warm spray beat against my body and wash my cares away. Ten minutes in, I see Bryce enter through the condensed glass shower wall, asking if I’m okay. After I convince him that I’m fine, he tells me goodnight then he disappears.
When I eventually get out, I dry off and put on one of Bryce’s sleeveless, cutoff shirts he left folded on the sink for me. I walk into Bryce’s bedroom, turn off the lights, and crawl into his bed, exhaling a sigh of relief when my head hits the pillow and my eyes close. My mind and body are tired, but I still can’t sleep.
F*ck Perfect (MindF*ck Book 2) Page 20