Loving My Best Friend's Dad(30)

As for Nate and I, he’s rented a place too, in order for him to be able to set up an office to work here during the weekdays. On weekends, we go to New York together and spend our time there. He took my wish seriously about never being apart again, and it makes me so happy. He never forgets these sort of details, and I honestly wake up every day feeling so happy and lucky to have him.

The only thing is that Renee refuses to talk to us. I feel sad for the loss of our friendship, but more than that, I’m sad for Nate. I know that he takes his job parenting seriously, especially since he’s trying to make up for those years when he was too busy on his job to make room for Renee. Every day I see that it guts him to have his only child cut off contact. I wish there’s something I can do, but every time I see her, she turns around and walks the other way. At this point, I feel that it would only be worse if I do say something to her.

I close my eyes, feeling lightheaded. After a moment, I heave again. Nope, not finished.

Once I’m able to lift my head again, I try and think how long it’s been since my period. You should have gotten Plan B, I scold myself. But I’d been too wrapped up to even think of going. Of course, I’m on birth control now, but it’s no good if I wasn’t that second night we spent together. Or the next. Or the next.

I wobble out of the bathroom stall and head to the paper towels. I rip off a long sheet and put it under the cool water. I’m feeling awful, and I should probably go get a test or something. The girl in the other stall flushes, and when she comes out, I see it’s Renee. She looks stylish and gorgeous as always, in a white turtleneck crop top and red leather skirt. As she washes her hands, we make eye contact in the mirror.

“You look like crap,” she says, matter-of-factly.

“Losing a best friend will do that to a person,” I say weakly.

“I thought you wouldn’t notice since you’re so busy fucking my dad,” she retorts.

I’m feeling pretty drained, but I muster the last of my strength. This might be my only chance to talk to her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” I say to her. “I should have from the start. But remember our conversation in the car? About your dad dating?”

She blinks hard.

“How are you and Sebastian doing?”

She looks down, shaking her head. I pause for a moment. It looks like she’s hesitating on the brink of something, so I give one last push.

“We’re happy, truly happy,” I say, using her own words. “I just hope you can see that.”

Her head shoots up, and she bites her lip.

“I did say that, didn’t I?”

“You know, I’m never going to replace you Renee,” I tell her gently. “Your dad loves you a lot, and I do too. That’s still true, even if we also love each other.”

She looks at me, and she holds out her arms. I hold out mine too, and together we hug.

“I’ve missed you Em,” she tells me. “It sucks living on my own.”

“Nobody to steal Oreos from, huh?” I say, laughing and tearing up.

“Something like that,” Renee replies. “Whoa. Those pregnancy hormones are no joke huh?”

I freeze.

“Wait, you know? How could you know? I just found out!” I say, pulling back. She’s smiling at me, which is a huge relief, because we just made up and I know that a new sibling can be a really upsetting thing. Plus, it sort of really makes real the fact that her dad and I are doing the deed.

“Because you’re never sick. You’ve never been sick, not even after eating my cooking, and it usually takes everyone down. I mean, there’s a reason why I don’t even have a microwave.”

She claps and jumps, the enthusiastic Renee I know and love.

“I’m going to be an older sister!” she says, giving me another hug. “I’ve got so much to teach her!”

“And what if it’s a boy?” I ask her. “And don’t tell your dad, I don’t even know if he’ll be thrilled.”

Renee takes my hand.

“Of course he’ll be thrilled. I know he will,” she says. “You must be so excited.”

I nod at her, but then I shake my head.

“I’m more excited to have my best friend back,” I tell her.

Well, almost. I’m actually pretty damn excited to be pregnant too, now that I think about it, but having Renee back just makes things perfect. I can’t wait to tell Nate, to see his eyes widen in surprise and happiness. We’ll have to be extra careful now when we have sex, but I already know he’s going to be a great dad. I give my best friend another hug.

Yes. Everything is perfect now.