Page 5 of The Best Friend Problem
“Yes, Dad. I’ve lived in the city for most of my life. I know my way around.”
Gaze narrowing, he bent until his nose almost touched hers. “So have I. Which is how I know it’s not safe to walk the city streets alone at night. Dammit, Pru, I never would have texted if I knew you were going to walk by yourself.”
She knew he was only looking out for her, but it still made her angry that he was right. Walking at night in the city wasn’t the smartest move for a woman alone. Another reason why men sucked.
“Come on, I’ll give you a ride back.”
He started walking toward the curb where his 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster was parked. Reaching into the side bag, he grabbed his extra helmet and tossed it to her. She caught the heavy safety equipment, shaking her head as she slipped it on.
“I still think it’s stupid you bought this thing.”
The used motorcycle was his pride and joy, second only to his dog.
“You can’t even ride it half the year.” Motorcycles and snow did not get along.
“Yeah,” he said, strapping his helmet on and straddling the large bike. “But I can ride it the other half.”
Solid point. But she still thought it was a silly purchase. Her pragmatic brain couldn’t wrap itself around six-months of idleness for such an expensive item.
“Hop on, and I’ll take you to get food before I drop you off.”
“You better.” She slid behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You owe me an extra-large chili cheese fry and a large strawberry shake for tonight.”
He chuckled, the vibrations rumbling through his back and into her chest, which was pressed up firmly against him. For safety reasons, of course.
“Extra-large chili cheese fries and a strawberry shake coming up.”
“Large strawberry shake. Don’t get cheap on me, Jamison.”
Finn started the bike, the engine rumbling to life between her legs. The bike might be useless during the winter months, but it did have its advantages. If she weren’t so terrified of crashing every second she rode this damn thing, she might get one herself just to rev it up and enjoy the ride.
“Large strawberry shake,” he agreed on a shout, right before he backed them up and took off down the street.
Pru held tight, eyes squeezed shut as she accepted the terrifying thrill of riding something doctors so often referred to as “donor mobiles.” Her night might have been interrupted, her plans for specimen selection slightly delayed, but it was okay. She was sure that when she was a mother, she’d have to learn to adjust and go with the flow. Besides, Finn had needed her, and she’d always be there for him, just like he was always there for her.
But will he be there when I become a mom?
She honestly didn’t know.
She knew she needed to talk to him about all this, and her roommates, too. She wasn’t the only one affected by her decision, even if she was doing it alone. As soon as she picked a donor, things would start progressing. The people in her life needed to know about her decision before that happened. They’d support her. She was sure of it.
Mostly sure.
Pretty sure.
Didn’t matter. She wanted this, and she was going to do it no matter what anyone said. So yes, she’d tell Lilly and Mo and Finn. Just maybe not tonight.
Tonight was all about those delicious chili cheese fries.
Chapter Two
The blare of her cell phone’s morning alarm woke Pru from a deeply restful sleep. She always slept better once she’d made an important decision. And last night, after scarfing down Bruiser’s weight in chili cheese fries, she’d come to one. She had to tell her friends about her plans now. No more putting it off. She had narrowed her list of potential donors to ten, and once she made her final decision, things would move quickly.
Of course, she knew the chances of becoming pregnant on the first try were slim, five to fifteen percent, at best. But she had enough saved for four tries. Eventually, hopefully, one would stick, and it wouldn’t be long before she started showing.
She had to tell Lilly and Mo first. They’d be the ones most impacted, since Pru would need to take some time off after the baby was born. Thankfully, most of her work for the business involved budgeting and collecting and distributing payments, work she could easily do with her laptop and wifi.
After she told her roommates, she’d tell Finn.
