Page 156 of Savior
“I assure you, all is well and progressing normally.” The Doctor insists once again. “Be sure to schedule your next appointment on your way out. I want to see you back here in three weeks.”
When she leaves the room, I watch Vanna get herself dressed.
“I had no idea you were worried about Ace’s development… Why didn’t you say anything to me about it?” I finally ask.
“You know why.” Her voice is quiet.
“If I did, I wouldn’t ask. I thought we were in this together?”
“We are.” She says, slipping on her sneakers before she finally looks up to meet my eyes. “I didn’t want to worry you.”
Of course she wouldn’t. Not with Ace being our little miracle.
“I don’t want you internalizing any more fears or worries over this pregnancy, Vanna. It’s not good for anyone.”
“Well, it turns out I’m just lucky I guess.” She says. “Maybe Ace won’t tip forward until after my parents party for us, and we can tell them the good news at the end of the night, without a grand spectacle.”
“Or you can just call them, and we’ll deal with it together.”
“No… this is an in-person kind of conversation.” She insists.
I’m not going to argue with her. I promised to go along with whatever she decides in regards to dealing with her family.
“Whatever you say, baby… Just, next time you’re worried, say something to me. We’re in this journey together. There’s no reason or excuse to go at any of it alone.” I sigh. “Besides, I only get to experience in what you share with me. And I want to experience everything I can.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” She says, walking over to wrap her arms around my waist. I hold her and press a kiss against the top of her head.
“When is this damn party, anyway?” I reluctantly ask. “I’ve got some important club shit coming up with the agencies that run the safe houses. Nothing can interfere with that.”
“Next month... And it’s fancy… You’ll need a suit.” She sounds like she’s as eager to go to this damn thing as I am.
When we step out into the parking lot, Rusty is waiting on his motorcycle by Vanna’s car.
She stops walking for a moment, hesitating, but then carries on as if her pause never happened.
“What’s Rusty doing here?” she asks. I can tell she’s trying to sound casual about her interest.
“Until further notice, you’ll be escorted to and from work by a prospect. You don’t go anywhere alone, anymore.”
Her pace slows, and I keep in step with her.
“Does this have something to do with the night Axel was stabbed? That cut on the side of your head?” she glances up at me, trying to get a read on me.
“It’s just a precaution, doll. I warned you the night you told me about Ace. My protective tendencies over you have kicked into overdrive.”
“I suppose we can talk about this later.” Vanna sighs as we approach her car. She must not want to get into this in front of the prospect. Something tells me, though, it doesn’t have anything to do with being a good Ol’ Lady.
“Morning, Prez.” Rusty lifts his chin at me, then looks at Vanna. “Hello, Vanna.”
“Hi, Rusty.” Vanna greets him. I notice it isn’t with much enthusiasm, but Rusty remains all smiles. Does she not like him all of a sudden? It’s not like her to border on cool with anyone connected with our MC. “Will you guys be manning the parking lot again?”
“I’ll just be escorting you to and from.” Rusty shifts his focus to me. “Unless something’s changed?”
“I’ll let you know if it does.” I say, grabbing her car door and holding it open for her.
She steps in front of me, putting her back to Rusty. “We’re going to have a conversation tonight, you and I.” she nearly whispers, about to slide into the driver’s seat of her car, but I grab her arm.
“Forgetting something?” I ask, leaning into her. She raises up on her toes to press a parting kiss against my lips. “I love you.” I remind her.
