Page 34 of Trials of a One Night Stand
They still work together? Had I missed that? I wish I could remember. That wasn’t something I could waste energy trying to figure out right now. I unscrew the top of the mouthwash, not caring that two people I just met are watching me try to pull myself together. I need the icky taste out of my mouth now. I gargle and spit twice.
“That’s better.” I check my reflection looking for any stray chunks, but none are in my hair or clothing. Thank God. “I appreciate the help.”
Zelda’s nose crinkles, which I hope doesn’t mean I smell like vomit. “If you need anything else—”
“I’m good. Thanks.” Of course, Nathaniel’s ex is efficient. I glance at her left hand to see a diamond ring, reminding me she’s engaged. Somehow that doesn’t bring the relief I thought it would.
“Don’t forget to look into that other possibility,” Max says.
I nod, appreciating his discretion because I doubt there are any kind of HIPAA rules in place for a situation like this. “I will when I get home. If you can give me a couple of minutes, I’ll use one of the stalls and then meet you back in the conference room.”
“Do you know where it is?” Max asks.
“I’ll show her,” Zelda chimes in. Of course she would since she’s helpful and kind.
People used to describe me that way. Now, I’m practical and professional about work and pathetic when it comes to relationships. And if I’m pregnant…
Nope. It must be food poisoning.
By the time I return to the conference room thirty minutes later, the remaining depositions have been postponed, and only Nathaniel and Cliff remain at the table. I must admit I’m relieved the stenographer and the offending tuna fish are gone.
“We’ll finish the depositions tomorrow at one o’clock.” Cliff gathers his things. “I’m assuming that won’t be an issue.”
“It won’t be.” If I have something scheduled, I’ll change it. I’m the reason for the delay today and won’t stand in the way of completing this portion of discovery. I pack my briefcase. “Anything else?”
“No.” Cliff grabs his things. “Coming, Nate?”
“I need to get my stuff.” Nathaniel sits across from me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Cliff glances between Nathaniel and me, but he doesn’t say anything and leaves. The temperature seems cooler with his departure. Guess he took all the hot air with him.
Nathaniel leans over the table. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” I do feel better. Still tired, but my mouth is minty fresh. “Zelda brought me mouthwash.”
“Good.” He pushes a small paper bag across the table. “You need this too.”
Oh, did he get me a toothbrush and toothpaste? My heart speeds up. That’s thoughtful of him. I glance in the bag and do a double take.
My jaw drops. “That’s a…” I can’t even say the word.
“Pregnancy test.” He has no problem annunciating any of the syllables. “I ran to the convenience store down the street and beat you back here.”
“Why—”
“I followed you, heard what you said to Max, and did the math.”
Right. Nathaniel’s a scientist at a pharmaceutical company and, according to him, brilliant.
“You’re the only man I’ve been with.” Oh God. I don’t know why I said that.
“I didn’t assume there were any others.” He seems to catch himself. “Not because men don’t want you, but because of your breakup and the case. Cliff has mentioned several times you’re a hard worker.”
“I doubt that’s what he said.”
“Close enough.”
The corners of my mouth turn up. I can’t believe I’m almost smiling at a time like this. I rub my forehead. My skin is cool, so I can’t blame a fever.
