"Well, from what you tell me, you don't have anything to worry about, but if that day does come, I'll get you through it. It's what we do."
I hear my bedroom door open and Crew's heavy footfalls as he walks down the hall. He stops to stand behind me where I sit at the kitchen island beside Maggie. "Missed you." He kisses my cheek and rests his chin on top of my head.
"You're interrupting girl time, Ledger," Maggie teases him.
"Don't care," he mumbles.
"Mags, why don't you and I do lunch today?"
"Sure, I'll let you two get going. Noon? Let's go to that sub shop that's just opened beside Coffee House."
"I didn't know it was open yet."
"They opened yesterday. I'll meet you there." She stands, rinses out her coffee cup and heads to her room.
"I need to go home and shower. You coming with me?"
"No, you go. I'm going to head in and get started on paperwork. I have some schedule changes for the staff that came up in the meeting yesterday."
After a kiss that almost has me begging him to stay, we both head out.
When I pull into the club, my phone rings. It's Crew.
"Miss me already?" I ask.
"Always," he says, chuckling. "Listen, Mom called and needs me to pick her up. Her car broke down and Dad isn't answering his phone. He was outside in his wood shop when she left and he doesn't get good service there. I don't know how long I'll be."
"Okay, tell your mom and dad I said hi."
"Will do, beautiful. I'll see you soon."
Time passes quickly as I rework the staff schedule, allowing for some time-off requests. I leave a note for Zane that the security has also been switched up. I'm not worried since I know he's adding more from the outside for now. Glancing at the clock, I see it's time to meet Maggie for lunch.
When I get to the sub shop, she's standing outside on her phone. "Sorry, I'm late. I lost track of time."
"I was just getting ready to call you." She laughs.
"I'm two minutes late."
"I'm starving," she counters.
Maggie pulls open the door and as soon as the smell hits me, I feel like I'm going to be sick. I don't tell her where I'm going, just seek out the sign for the restrooms and head that way. I barely make it before losing my breakfast.
"Berklee," she asks hesitantly from outside the door. "Let me in."
Grabbing a handful of paper towels, I wipe my mouth, wash my hands and open the door.
"Change of plans," she says. "Meet me back at our place. I have a stop to make. You need anything?"
"No. I don't know what came over me. I think I'm coming down with something."
"You okay to drive?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll meet you there."
Barry's car is in the driveway when I get home. "What are you doing here?" we ask at the same time.
"Early dismissal," he states. "You?"
"Not feeling well."
"You need anything?"
"No, thanks. I'm just going to go lie down."
Once in my room, I send Crew a quick text.
Me: Not feeling well. Stomach bug. At home, going to sleep.
Crew: Need anything, babe?
Me: Just sleep. I'll call you later.
Crew: I'll stop by once I'm done here.
Me: K.
Actually, I'm not feeling too bad right now. Maybe just lying still is the ticket.
Before I can think any more about it, Maggie is knocking on my door. "Can I come in?" she asks.
"Yeah," I say, not bothering to sit up.
"Listen, B. I have a hunch, but I think you're too close to the situation." She stops and takes a deep breath. "Can you do something for me?"
"Sure, what's up? What are you talking about having a hunch?"
She reaches into the bag that I didn't notice before and pulls out two boxes.
Pregnancy tests.
"No," I say, shaking my head. "I never miss a pill, ever."
"I know that. But these things happen. You've been tired, and today the smell at the sub shop got to you. And I bet you've not started yet this month. Am I right?" she asks, knowing damn good and well she is.
No use in putting it off. Slowly I climb to my feet, two boxes in hand, and head to the bathroom. There are two tests in each box, and I use all four. There is safety in numbers, after all.
With the tests lined up on the bathroom sink, I go back to my bed where Maggie sits patiently waiting.
"One said five minutes and one said three. I'll wait five for both." I'm holding strong on the outside, but on the inside I'm flipping out. Crew's words that night about how he's not ready for kids filter through my mind. He's going to hate me. He'll think I trapped him for his money. Gah! How did I let this happen? There's still hope that it could be negative, but that's my luck. Fall in love with a guy who isn't ready for kids, get knocked up and lose him. Strong work, Hanson!