bChapter /bb588 /b

    I’m still rattled long after Brook’s visit. I watched her through the window as she bstomped /bto her bsleek /bck Audi and peeled away, driving so fast and so recklessly I half–expected to hear the screech bof /bbtires /bband /bthe crunch of metal a block awayb. /b

    I hope I don’te off as a terrible person for saying this, but if that had happened, it would have bbeen /bfor the best. Brook is a terrible person. She takes the whole ‘Mean girl‘ thing to a whole new level.

    She was pissed. Furious, even. The same way Noah had been yesterday when I refused to bend to hismand.

    Had I really been that pathetic before? Otherwise, why would they expect me to bow so easily? Why would they expect me to surrender every time?

    The truth is sharp and ugly: they were used to me being submissive, docile and pathetic. And now that bI /bfinally dared to push back, it rattled their feathers and pissed them off.

    After Brook left, I forced myself to breathe, then fed my sweet girl before making something light bfor /bmyself, and then took a much–needed nap. Honestly, pregnancy shoulde with a warningbel: permanent exhaustion ahead… because I’m tired all the freaking time and all I want is to curl up and hibernate for the next few months.

    I woke up five hourster, feeling refreshed and ready to face the world… And after a snack, bI’ve /bjust beenzing around, making the most of my temporary leave, before I have to go back to work next week.

    The ringing of my phone pulls my attention from the mafia novel I’m reading. Putting my book down, I grab my phone and swipe the ept button.

    “Hi, Lilly,b” /bI say.

    She’s been busyb, /bso I haven’t seen her since the day of the surprise visit, though we have talked.

    “Hi, bestie!” she chirps, her voice bright and fast. “What time are we meeting?”

    I frown. “Meeting?”

    “Yesi./ii” /iShe says it with a tone that already tells me I’ve messed up.

    “bFor /bwhat?”

    “bYou /bcan’t be seriousb, /bSi.” She actually grits her teeth through the line. “Dinner. Saturday dinner. Have you forgottenb?/bb” /b

    Right. When we are both free on Saturday, we always go out for dinner, then drinks afterwards. With everything that’s been happening, I totally forgot about our tradition.

    “But we didn’tst weekend…” bI /btry weakly.

    +15 bBONUS /b

    “That’s because I bhad /bbto /bfly to China on Friday,” she snaps. “Our reps butchered ba /bbcontract /bbwe’d /bbbeen /bworking on for weeks.”

    Right. I’d forgotten about that too.

    b“/bbI /bbdon’t /breally feel like going out,” I admitb, /bsounding more like a sulking child than an badult/b. b“/bbAnd /bbI /bbdon’t /bfeel like driving.”

    b“/bYou don’t have to drive; I’ll be your chauffeur. I’ll pick you up and drop you off.”

    “But-”

    b“/bbNo /bbuts. You need to get out of the house,” she cuts me off, decisive as always. “I’ll pick byou /bup bat /bbsix/bb.” /b

    Before I can say anything ore up with more reasons why I don’t feel like going out, she hangs up the phone.

    I stare at the phone, exasperated. Knowing Lilly, if I’m not ready when she arrives, she’ll drag me out in my oversized sweatshirt and tights. With a sigh, I nce at the clock. An hour and a half. Enough time to shower and try to look presentable.

    1

    After a quick shower, I stand in front of my closet and groan. Full of clothes, yet nothing to wear. Why is it like that? A woman can own a whole boutique of clothes and still find nothing to wear. The funny thing is that it’s universal. Every woman on earth willin that they have nothing to wear; even with a full closet.

    Sighing for the hundredth time, I settle on a simple ck dress. Nothing fancy, nothing shy. This is one of those days I just don’t feel like dressing up.

    I keep my makeup minimal: just foundation, concealer, and a touch of lip balm. Instead of heels, I slip into my ck ts. Comfortable and effortless.

    I’m fastening my purse when a car horn res outside. Peeking through the curtains, I see Lilly’s car waiting at the curb. I give ckie enough food and water, lock up, and step out.

    The moment I reach her car, she gasps. “What are you wearing?”

    b“/bUh, clothesb?/bb” /b

    “Tell me that’s not the outfit byou /bchose.” She says, her eyes practically pleading.

    I nce down at myself, then bat /bher. “What’s wrong with itb?/bb” /b

    Her horrified look could win awards. “You can’t be serious.”

    “I am. At least I’m not in tights.” I slide into the passenger seat.

    “But what if we meet a cute guyb?/bb” /b

    +15 bBONUS /b

    bI /barch ba /bbrow bat /bher.

    b“/bbI’m /bpregnant, Lilly,” I remind herb, /brolling bmy /beyes.

    b“/bbAnd/b? What’s that got to do with anything?” She pulls into traffic, her hands casual but her driving just ba /blittle btoo /breckless.

    As much as Lilly is a great driver, she also has a wild streak. She’s been known to drive like bthe /bhounds of

    hell are after her.

    I just stare at her. Isn’t it obvious?

    “Everything,” I reply tly. “I’m no position to date anyone.”

    “Si, your pregnancy doesn’t mean you don’t deserve happiness… And It shouldn’t stop you from finding happiness… bIf /bNoah doesn’t want to step up, then we’ll find someone who does.”

    My eyes widen. “You’ve officially lost your mind.”

    For the briefest moment my mind shes to Noah. His sharp jaw, stormy eyes and perfect face. It’s ridiculous, really, that even after everything, he’s the first man my thoughts betray me with. But the image curdles as quickly as ites, and I’m left with thoughts of his cruelty.

    I shake myself from those thoughts and focus on Lilly.

    She shes me a grin. “I have not. It’s the perfect n.”

    “How’s that a perfect n?” I ask. “It’s insane. I don’t need anyone stepping into the father role. I can raise my child on my own.”

    Honestly, I love Lilly but sometimes shees up with really crazy ns and ideas.

    “Think about bit/b, baby girl,” she insists. “My nephew needs a father. My cousin is too much bof /bba /bcoward to bfill /bthat role, but I guarantee you, we can find someone, who will.”

    I gape at her, words failing me. She gives me a fleeting look and fuck! She’s dead serious about it. Doesn’t she know bor /bsee how absurd this is?

    “I don’t even have time for romance,” I argue. “Between work and the babyb, /bmy hands will be full. I’m fine being on my own.”

    Her voice is fierce, her grin mischievous. “You’re not searching, but you’re also not staying hidden.”

    b“/bbNo/b! I don’t want anything to do with your crazy n.”

    b“/bYou don’t have to do anything.” Lilly winks at me. “I’ll take care bof /beverything.”

    The glint in her eyes makes my stomach twist.

    b3/5 /b

    +15 bBONUS /b

    bThe /bproblem with Lilly is that once she gets something in her headb, /bthere’s bno /bbtalking /bbher /bbout /bbiof /i/bbit/b. bDoesn’t /bbmatter /bif the idea is brilliant or downright ridiculous. She’ll chase bit /blike it bholds /bbthe /bbsecret to /bbthe /b

    fountain of youth.

    b“/bbLilly-/b”

    She cuts me off with a triumphant smile. “I think I already have the perfect match for byou/b.”

    b4/5 /b