Page 48 of Seizing Control: Part Two

Stifling a laugh at her ridiculousness, I relax back in the couch.

Nadia passes out with her mouth open within a minute.

It takes me a little longer to give in to my tiredness, so I watch her sleep for a while.

As best friends go, Nadia has proven her weight in gold, over and over, since she allowed her addiction to get the better of her in our teens. Her collusion with Alex was devastating, however, during my best friend’s eternal quest to make it up to me, her loyalty has never wavered. She’s stood by me. Propped me up when I’ve faltered. Saved me from my worst inclinations.

I can feel a storm brewing around her, especially in the wake of her latest breakup with Sander. She’s fragile. Close to breaking point. On the cusp of self-destruction.

Her history is darker than mine.

And that’s saying something…

Just before my sleepiness takes me under, I vow to have her back like she’s had mine.

My twin will always be a priority, but I will never take Nadia for granted.

We’re ride or die, even when we’re old and grey.

Doc meets us in the underground parking garage at the private hospital where I plan on giving birth. His snowy-white hair is brushed back, but the cowlick that he swears makes him look like Elvis flops perfectly over his forehead. In his hand, he has every record he’s made over the years, starting with the chronic ear infections I suffered as toddler and ending with his daily observations of my pregnancy.

The good, the bad, and the ugly are contained within those pages.

My medical history as told by the kind man who’s cared for me my entire life.

“Afternoon, little Cherub.” He tips his head to me, then does the same for Nadia. “Afternoon, Nads.”

My best friend beams.

Doc is one of her favourite people in the club.

He never questions her experience or qualifications, and trusts her implicitly to follow his instructions whenever the shit hits the fan. The way the Shamrocks refuse to fully utilise Nadia’s skills grates on her pride, and I kick myself for not raising the subject with Slash before he left on his run. She could be an asset if the club brothers would let her. Being married to the president, I can finally use my influence to make her feel more comfortable.

“I see you’ve come prepared,” Nadia jokes.

I cross my legs, dancing a little jig, as my full bladder makes itself known.

Holding the thick file high, Doc quips, “Mightn’t be Cherub’s obstetrician of record, but I’ll have the answer to any question they might have about her health.”

Technically, Doc operates the veterinary clinics that the Shamrocks own.

In reality, he’s our on-call doctor.

From bullet wounds to childhood fevers, he’s the man we rely on when times are tough.

Previously a medic in the Vietnam war, Doc is well aware that he’s out of his depth when it comes to women’s health. In his mid-sixties now, he’s still a club man through and through, so he makes it his mission to check in on me nearly every day. Since he also liaises with my obstetrician and midwife regularly, I know I’m in good hands should something bad happen, and there’s a delay getting me to the hospital.

He looks around the deserted space. “We should head to the waiting room.”

After I give my details to the receptionist, I’m ushered toward a private room.

“What about my support person?” I ask. Doc is seated in the corner of the empty foyer, flicking through his notes in anticipation of the meeting he’ll have with my midwife after the scan. The security accompanying us stand guard at the doors. Gesturing to Nadia, I add. “She’s supposed to come in with me.”

“I’ll come in when it’s time.”

“Nads... I need you.”

“Just go.” When she waves me off with a smile on her face, I try not to show how much she’s upsetting me. Snagging the seat next to Doc, Nadia promises, “I won’t miss the ultrasound.”

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