“Why are you staring at me?”
“I don’t know.” She purses her lips in thought. “There’s something different about you.”
“Different good or different bad?”
“Good. Definitely good.” She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “It’s just so nice to see you happy again.” My thoughts instantly go to Brad and his threat, and my sister is far too good at reading me. “What?”
“I ran into Brad at the fireworks last night,” I say, my voice low.
“More like he stalked her,” Callan pipes in.
Amanda’s eyes go wide. “Are you serious? Why is he still bothering you?”
“Because he’s an asshole,” Callan says and puts a protective arm around my shoulder. “Don’t worry, though. I don’t plan to let her out of my sight for a minute.”
“Maybe you should talk to Mom and Dad.” Amanda toys with her napkin and continues with, “Maybe they could talk to his parents or something. He shouldn’t be stalking you, Gemma. I never liked the way he always seemed controlling with you, but that’s a bit scary.”
I hold my hands up, palms out. “I’m not dragging Mom and Dad into my problems, and potentially ruin their relationship with their best friends, and honestly, the last person I want to talk about tonight is Brad.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Amanda says. “Now let me have a look at that wine list.” She winks at us. “Since we beat your sorry asses and the bill is on you two tonight…”
I laugh at that as the server comes over to take our drink orders. Amanda picks a nice bottle of wine for the table and we open our food menus. My stomach takes that moment to growl and I chuckle.
“I haven’t eaten since breakfast,” I say. After pancakes, I lost my appetite again, but it’s back full force now.
“When have you ever missed a meal?” Amanda teases.
“She wasn’t feeling great,” Callan says. “I think it might have been the candy apple followed by the cotton candy.”
“That’ll do it,” David says with a chuckle. “You always were one for sweets, Gemma.”
The waiter returns with bread and with little finesse, I dive in, eating like I’ve been lost in the desert and living off rations.
We fall into easy conversation and soon enough our meals are served. I smile. I love being out with my sister like this. Love spending couples time together. My stomach squeezes tight. Soon enough this is going to come to an end too.
Stop!
I refuse to let those unhappy thoughts infiltrate my brain tonight. I just want to enjoy the time I have left with Callan and not ruin it with thoughts that sadden me. I take a sip of my wine, and for some unknown reason tears prick my eyes. What the hell is wrong with me? I guess I can try to pretend a future without him won’t bother me, but deep inside, I’m an emotional mess.
I twist my napkin between my hands, and try to think happy thoughts when the server returns to clear our plates and take our dessert orders. My sister is watching me carefully when I place my napkin on the table and force a smile
“I have to go to the little girl’s room,” I say.
“I’ll join you,” Amanda says. “I need to freshen up my lipstick.”
Our heels click as we make our way through the restaurant, and once we’re inside the ladies’ room Amanda puts her hands on my shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” she asks. “You looked like you were about to cry at least ten times tonight.”
“I don’t know. I’m a bit of an emotional mess,” I say. I take in her big blue eyes and consider telling her that my relationship with Callan is a fake one, even though it feels far too real to me.
“Gemma.”
“Yeah?” I ask when she goes all serious on me.
“When was the last time you had a period?”
I go perfectly still, my mind racing, working to count down the days. “I…my God, I’ve been so busy, I totally lost track. Wait, okay, two weeks ago, I spotted. I didn’t have a full period, but I chalked that up to my crazy busy schedule, and hormones from all the sex I’ve been having.”
“Lucky girl, but do you think…”
“Oh, my God, no!” My words come out in a hushed whisper as I back up until I hit the wall. I lean forward, brace my hands on my knees, and take deep gulping breaths. “I can’t be.”
“Actually, you can be. You’ve been having a lot of sex.”
I shake my head and my hair falls over my face. “We used a condom at first, but then stopped because I’m on the pill. I mean, I might have forgotten a pill or two, but still. I mean both you and Nicole tried for months and months to get pregnant.”
“That doesn’t mean it will be the same for you, and it only takes once, you know?”
“I know,” I shoot back, angrier than I should be. Dammit, what is wrong with me? “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Your hormones are all over the place.” I stand up right and smooth my hair back. With a rejuvenating breath I step to the sink and splash cold water on my face. Once done, I catch Amanda’s eyes in the mirror. “You said you were sick this morning. Do you think it could have been morning sickness?”
“I don’t know,” I say, and put my hand over my stomach. “This can’t be happening.” I turn to face Amanda, my hands behind me, gripping the sink.
“I know this is a shock, Gemma. But you and Callan, you two are so right for each other. Isn’t marriage and children the next step?”
I shake my head hard. “No, it’s not. None of this is what you think.”
She takes a step closer, her voice low
