“It’s been years since you called me that,” I said.
Nick turned around, abandoning the food to hook his gaze with mine.
“You need to get to a doctor. I’m taking you to one.”
“I’m going to get myself to one,” I said.
“But—?”
“But, part of me is scared this doctor is going to tell me I’m more than two months along. If I am, then it’s Andy’s child. No doubt.”
“How do you know that?”
“Gray and I were together for the first time two months ago. And it’s my fault. Andy and I broke up shortly before Gray and I started our—thing. I always used condoms with Andy, even though I was on birth control myself. I never really trusted him with that sort of thing, I guess.”
“But you trusted Gray with it,” Nick said.
“In the pit of my gut, I guess I did. But that was before I knew about who he was, Nick.”
“I’m not accusing you of anything. I know you better than that. You’re my little sister. Money has never been a thing you pursued. It’s never been your goal in life.”
“He had a reputation in the oil field, you know. Even before we started dating. So I always took precautions with him, for numerous reasons. But with Gray, I didn’t feel the need for those precautions. I was convinced that if something like this did happen, he’d be the kind of man that would step up. But instead, he’s the kind of man that told me to stick around and wait to hear from his lawyer.”
Nick gripped the edge of the counter so tightly it creaked underneath his grip.
“Do you think this child is Gray’s?” he asked.
I drew in a deep breath and closed my eyes. In my heart, I knew it was. I knew this child was Gray’s. But I didn’t know what to tell Nick. I didn’t know how to go about explaining how I felt every time I woke up and placed my hand against my stomach. I didn’t know how to go about explaining why I felt this child was Gray’s. Because I knew he wouldn’t understand.
He couldn’t.
My brother had never been in love before.
“Mich.”
I opened my eyes and watched as my brother crouched down in front of me.
“You need to make an appointment with the doctor soon. It’s the first step in taking control of your life.”
“I know,” I said breathlessly. “And I will.”
“I’ll take you to it, if that’s what you want. I’ll be there with you every step of the way. I’ll even help you find a job until you figure out what you want to do. It might not be glamorous, but it’ll get you some money coming in.”
“Thank you,” I said through my tears.
“But make yourself an appointment. Tomorrow. Let it be the first thing you do.”
I nodded my head before I reached out my arms for my brother. He scooped me up into a massive hug that picked me up from the chair and off my feet. It felt so good to feel his embrace again. To hear his voice again. But more importantly, it felt so good to talk to him again. To be able to lean on someone without them judging me so harshly.
Because I knew if my mother ever found out, she wouldn’t be as kind.
Chapter 9
Grayson
The inside of my mouth tasted like it was filled with some damn dirty cotton balls. I rose up from my bed, feeling the room spin around me as my head throbbed. Holy shit, it was the worst hangover I’d ever had. Worse than the first time I ever got drunk with Andy. Planting my feet on the floor, I drew in a deep breath, trying not to vomit from the pain coursing through my system.
But at least I didn’t dream about her last night.