Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
I’m still shocked they'd let me make this move. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t fear that they will go back on it. That only means one thing: time is ticking for me. I need to experience as much as possible. Need to tick as many things as I can off my bucket list. This may be the only opportunity I get to live free before my parents’ expectations come back into play.
“I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” He stops in front of a diner, opening the door for me.
“What’s the worst that can happen? I fall? I can just get back up if that happens.” I shrug, stepping into the restaurant. I know this for a fact because I tend to fall a lot. I guess you could say I’m sort of a klutz. At least that’s what Mom always says. The one thing I am good at, though, is heels. I walk worse in sneakers or flats. In heels I glide. I only own one pair of sneakers and that’s only because you can’t exercise in heels. Believe me, I’ve tried. I don’t recommend it.
“I like that, but if you’re pregnant maybe falling isn't the best idea right now.” Oh my God. How did I forget about that? The first time I’d met James I was holding a pregnancy test. I thought he was some random man in the store. When he’d asked if it was mine, I just said It’s in my hand, isn't it? It hadn't been mine. It was my best friend Tinsley’s. Who is very much pregnant, by the way.
“Two?” the hostess asks, cutting us off before I can respond. Thank goodness because I’m not sure what to say. Tin doesn’t plan on telling anyone she’s knocked up. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one that knows at this point. But I could be wrong, and James could know. He’s around Reed enough, and they are family. I also think he might be Reed’s only friend.
James puts his hand on the small of my back as we follow the hostess to a table. He pulls out a chair for me. I take a menu from her. I have to say it’s nice to have someone tend to me like this. Usually I’m left to fend for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never wanted for anything monetarily but affection and caring aren’t my parents’ strong points. I grew up without a lot of those two things. The only time my parents really gave a crap was if it somehow benefited them or reflected on them.
“Did you take the test?” He asks when the hostess leaves us alone.
“No.” I haven't. It’s not a lie.
“Don’t you think you should?” He sets his menu down, not bothering to look at it. “I know one of the top OBGYNs in the city. I can take you to see her.”
“You want to take me to the doctor?” I snort a laugh, picking up my water to take a drink.
“If the father hasn't done it already then it’s his loss. I’d gladly fill the position.”
I almost choke on my water. He’s on his feet patting my back.
“I’m okay. Just went down wrong.”
“Are you sure?” He looks panicked.
“I’m fine. Really.” His words had shocked me. He sits back down in his chair. “Are you saying that If I’m pregnant you want to- '' I trail off, not sure what to say or what he really meant. I had to have heard him wrong.
“Be there for you,” he offers.
“We don’t know each other.” That would be crazy. Still, it warms something inside of me.
“We will.” He responds as the server arrives at the table. Why does that make my insides melt? I know James is a good man. I asked Tinsley about him. That first day we met he'd followed me around and kept trying to talk to me. I was attracted to him instantly, but I couldn’t act on it because I had to cover for Tinsley with the whole pregnancy test thing. Yet, here he sits thinking I’m pregnant and he’s still trying to get to know me. It’s very endearing to me. It’s also a bit funny since I’m a grown woman who hasn’t lost her virginity yet. In all fairness, Tinsley only just lost hers. Both our parents kept us on a tight leash. I’m going to have to tell him the truth. It feels wrong to keep the lie going. Before I thought he was some random man. Not so much anymore. He is going to be around a lot.
“You feel okay?” He breaks me from my thoughts. I look up to see that his gorgeous green eyes have a look of concern in them. Is this man real?
“I’m fine. Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts for a minute.” I want to tell him those thoughts were about him, but I don’t. “It’s a habit of mine.” One my parents despise.