Page 41 of Trials of a One Night Stand
Her gaze narrows. “What’s up? You’re not sick, are you?”
My mom was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer in her forties. She only lasted two years, and it tore my family apart. “No, but I ended up—”
“That asshole gave you an STI!” The words fly out of Lottie’s mouth. She touches my arm. “Whatever it is, I’m here for you. I have a great doctor if you need one. She’ll know what to do.”
Her tone is so earnest with zero judgment that I can’t help but smile. I love Lottie so much. “He didn’t give me a disease. We used protection, but I’m pregnant.”
Lottie’s mouth gapes. “I-I…”
“Lottie?”
She holds up her hand and then stands. “I need a glass of wine. Give me a minute.”
As she heads to the kitchen, I look at Dodge, who wags his tail. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen your mommy speechless.”
Dodge pants as if he agrees.
“I know, right?”
“Now I’m ready for this discussion.” Lottie holds a full glass of red, takes a sip, and sits on the couch again. “How do you feel about being pregnant?”
“I’m still coming to terms with it.”
“Well, you have nine months to do that,” she teases. “Sorry, you left that one wide open.”
“I did.”
“So …”
I force myself not to sigh.
Lottie takes a sip. “We both know this was our worst-case scenario growing up. This must be a shock.”
I stare at Dodge on my lap. “I thought I had food poisoning. It should be food poisoning.”
“Do you know what you want to do?”
“That’s all I’ve been thinking about. I had to force myself to think about work today, so I could get the depositions finished at Zentello.”
Somehow, I’d managed to be professional and not vomit into a garbage can or even a toilet. I’ll take it as a win. Nathaniel had only made an appearance in the morning when Zelda rolled in a cart with the healthiest selection of breakfast goodies I’d ever seen. Not only was there decaffeinated coffee but also a large selection of herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices. Unfortunately, my stomach wasn’t ready for food, so I settled for a cup of peppermint tea.
“Wait. All you ever think about is work.” Lottie’s voice sharpens. “Has that ever happened before?”
“Only after Colton.”
“You have options.”
“That’s what Nathaniel said.”
“Nathaniel?” Lottie’s eyes widen as if she remembers the name. “You mean the baby daddy?”
I nod and take another sip of water. My mouth is so dry.
“He knows you’re pregnant?”
“He was there when I took the test yesterday.” Thirteen tests, but why get that technical?
“I didn’t realize you were seeing him.”
