Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
I dropped to the mattress and breathed in, wanting this to pass. I raised my head and slowly walked to the kitchen to pour some orange juice since coffee had smelled too strong all week. There was a knock at the door, and I walked over to open it, blinking at Tori.
“What’s wrong with you?” she asked, pushing her way into the townhouse to feel my face. “Do you have a fever?”
“I don’t think so. Just sick.” I walked to the couch and sat down wearily. “I’ve been feeling it off and on for the last couple weeks. I can typically push through it and get stuff done, but today it’s intense.”
“Huh.” She stared at me as her eyes narrowed in thought. “Have you told Ryder?”
“It hasn’t been that bad, and he’s so busy. I’m fine.” I waved my hand and took a long drink of the juice. “I just need a quick shower and we’ll go. That should bring me back to life.”
“I think our plans changed.” Tori pulled out her phone and typed out a long text before joining me on the couch.
“What? I have to get these paintings to the gallery, Tori.” I stared at her in disbelief, and she shook her head.
“That’s what I have people for. All they have to do is get them there safe, and the gallery will take it from there. My guys know damn well to be careful, and I don’t think the gallery wants to lose money.” Her phone chimed and she responded before staring into my eyes. “It’s handled. Let’s get down to business.”
“Business?” I repeated, and she licked her lips.
“Are you late?” Tori pressed, and I tried to figure out what she was talking about. Late for what? I’d been doing good with my dealings, and everything was good apart from today. I was exhausted, but it would be worth it at the end.
“I know our cycles sync to a degree and I’m hopped up on pain pills right now. Are you?” Her eyes were wide, and I gasped. My period.
“I’m not. I didn’t get anything but forgot all about it. I’ve been so busy.” I pressed my hand to my chest and pushed the possibility away. “That can’t be it. I’m on the pill and take it every day.”
“Yeah, and that’s so perfect. Things happen, Elyse. You should take a test or ten.” Tori smiled slowly, and I felt tears in my eyes.
“We just moved in together. It hasn’t been that long.” I wiped my eyes as they fell. I had no idea how to even think about being a parent after what happened with my family.
“No, but Ryder is crazy about you. He won’t turn you away, and I think he might even be happy,” Tori shrugged.
“You’re insane,” I said, and she tilted her head at me.
“Let me buy some tests. We can find out and know where you’re at. If it’s negative, you just have a little bug. Either way, everything will be fine.” She leaned forward to hug me, and I slipped my arms around her slim waist.
“This would be better for you. I have no idea what the hell I’m doing with any of this. I barely got the art in a good place.” I sighed and rested my head on her shoulder.
Tori pulled away and kissed my cheek. “I’m going to run to the store, and we’ll get to the bottom of this.” She picked up her purse and gazed at me. “Want coffee or anything?”
I felt my face pale, and she raised an eyebrow at me. “No. It hasn’t tasted good.”
“You love coffee. Something is definitely up.” Tori left, and I dropped back against the cushions, closing my eyes. I felt like I could sleep for a week, but there was too much to do. My phone chimed from my bedroom and I groaned, too weak to get it. I knew Ryder was trying to keep in touch with me, but I needed to know what the fuck was happening before I spoke to him.
I felt someone shaking me, and I gasped as my eyes shot open. “It’s me.” Tori smiled. “Did I scare you? I’m sorry.”
“Just a dream,” I breathed out as she dropped the bag on the table and stared at me. “That’s the test?”
“I got a few to use just to be sure,” she assured me, and I scowled. “Can you pee a lot?”
I drank a large glass of water and waited until I was ready. We set up the tests, and Tori gave me privacy while I took them, setting them down on the counter once I finished. I stood and washed my hands thoroughly before drying them and looking at the various squares that would reveal my future. There would be lines and even something that spelled it out for me.