Page 20 of A Brilliant Spring

“Jesus, man. What is going on?”

“Elissa…broke up…with me,” I say between panting breaths.

“Fuck man, I’m sorry.” I nod my head, my hands locked on my hips as I force myself to take measured breaths. “What happened?” The muscles in my jaw and neck tense at the memories flashing through my mind of this morning’s conversation.

“She asked if this strain was it. I mean, I know I’ve been pushing her away, but it was only to protect myself because I knew this was coming. If she truly wanted me, she would have fought for it.”

“Did she ask about the photos from last night’s gala?” Rhys dribbles the ball while we stand idly. I shrug my shoulders and give him a sneer.

“Possibly. She didn’t really ask anything, but I didn’t offer up any explanations. Not my fault if she gets something from nothing.”

“Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you? Maybe she wanted you to say something. Maybe she was giving you space to say something so she didn’t have to accuse you of anything. God, you really suck at this relationship thing.”

My face grows red as my blood boils, prickling my skin. “Fuck off. Like you’re one to talk. You suck just as bad as me,” I growl. Rhys lets the ball drop and it gradually stops bouncing while he holds his hands up in the air, surrendering. “She did ask what I wanted, though. I guess I could have said something then.”

“Why don’t you go talk to her? But this time, actually talk? Get what you’re feeling off your chest. Who knows, maybe she feels the same as you?” I stay silent, letting the conversation die.

I’m done talking about this. I’ve fought for her, for us, already. It’s her turn, and she just walked away from us. I can’t be the one constantly chasing her, asking her to stay. Rhys’ eyes burn into me like a hot brand as I feel his concern burrow into my skin. I grab the basketball off the wooden floor and my shoes squeak as I run and dribble the ball. The ball is in her court, or was, and she let it drop.

Chapter

Nineteen

Riley

Another two weeks go by, and Elissa has retreated further into herself. She’s burying herself in work and researching stuff for babies. I swear she’s more prepared than I am for this baby. Elissa has really been supportive these last few weeks and I feel so grateful to have her back in my life. We plan on telling my parents about the pregnancy soon, when we go home for a visit. I’m terrified of their reaction. I’m also sweating the paternity test results coming back. I should hear any day now. I know the baby is Rhys’, but it doesn’t make me any less nervous. Nervous because of what his reaction will be. I’m preparing myself for the worst, that he wants nothing to do with me or the baby.

I’m hoping Rhys’ softer demeanour two weeks ago was a changing point. Maybe he’s coming around to the idea, and he’ll be accepting of the situation.… Are you kidding yourself, Riley? I need to prepare myself even more for the possibility of raising this baby by myself. I know Elissa is here for me, and judging by the extensive research she’s done, she wasn’t just telling me that to make me feel better. But I can’t ask her to help raise a kid that’s not hers. I can’t ask her to give up this place for me to raise a kid and have her move somewhere else. It’s just not fair to her.

Elissa comes padding out of her room. Her blush blouse is half-tucked into her black leather pencil skirt, sheer black tights cover her slim, muscular legs, and her coral Coach heels click as she fastens an earring in her right lobe. The golden watch on her wrist sways and clinks as she shakes out the sleeves of her blouse. Her lips are stained red and her copper hair is sleek, the hair at her temples twisted into braids and tucked behind her ears. A shade of olive green is dusted across her lids and her lashes are thick and curled, thanks to black mascara. She looks so gorgeous, but her eyes reveal her soul, and it’s shattered.

“Hun, are you sure you can go to work and face Brandt today? Last week he failed to show up at the board meeting, and he confirmed he’s going to be there today. You don’t have to go. Make up some excuse.” Elissa’s quiet and her lips part to suck in a breath, then blow it out.

“I’m fine, Riles,” she says, clicking over to me. She bends down and talks to my swollen belly. “Good morning little Kiwi.” Her thumb rubs my stomach, and my heart swells. “You’re really starting to show now.”

I groan. “I know…I can’t hide it anymore. I’m going on four-and-a-half months. I’m almost halfway through my pregnancy. I guess it’s time to tell my parents.” Elissa walks over to the cupboard, pulls out the decanter of whiskey, and pours a couple of inches into a tumbler before slamming it back. “Er…you good?”

She beams a false smile. “Never better. Just a little liquid courage.” She opens her mouth and stretches it wide, I assume from the burn of the amber liquid.

“Girl, if you need to take a drink right now, maybe you should just cancel the meeting altogether and wait until you’re better equipped to handle it.” Her copper hair whooshes and her vanilla shampoo clouds around me.

“No can do, Riles. I’m officially the CEO now and chairwoman of the board. Gotta suck it up and grow a pair of ovaries. I’m not going to let a man ruin things for me. The best way forward is to act professional,” she says, packing up her oversized, pale green leather Kate Spade clutch. As she passes me, she presses a kiss to my cheek. “I’ll see you later, Riles. I’ll bring home some dinner. Let me know what you want. And keep me updated when the results come in! Any day now, right?” I groan and bob my head. She offers me a smile and gathers her jacket, slinging it over her arm, and heads out the door, calling Arthur, her driver, to meet her out front.

•••

I didn’t feel like going anywhere today, so I asked my therapist if we could have a phone session instead. She was reluctant, but indulged my request.

“I really need you to come in for your sessions unless you’re sick, Riley. It’s good for you to get out of the house, especially since you’re not currently taking on jobs.”

“I know, Dr. Pierce. I’ve just been having a rough few days and needed to veg.” Dr. Pierce clicks her tongue.

“All right, well. How do you feel about telling your parents about your pregnancy this weekend?” I sigh and nibble at my lips.

“A little nervous. Elissa said she’d be there with me when we broke the news.” She hmms.

“And what about Rhys? Where does he fit into this reveal to your parents?”

“Well, the paternity test isn’t back yet, so nowhere. I don’t even know if he’s going to be part of the baby’s life, even if he has the proof he needs,” I snipe. I can hear some faint scribbling on the line. I wait for her to talk again.

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