Page 14 of Merciful Lies

So has everything else.

I spent the last six months hiding out in the condo my best friend’s family owns in Florida. Giselle is still pissed at me. I never explained why I ran away, but I knew she’d help.

We go way back. More like sisters than friends. Always there for each other. That’s been our promise since we started first grade over at St. Lucy’s Parochial School.

So when I asked, she handed me the keys immediately. There’s no one like Giselle.

Damn.

I realize how much I missed her over the past several months.

My heart squeezes inside my chest, and I suck in a sharp breath. I don’t know if I can do this alone.

But I don’t really have a choice.

Giselle has already done too much for me, allowing me the use of her family’s vacation home without question. She is a busy person with a thriving career in social media marketing.

I can’t even pretend to know what that is. She’s tried to set up accounts for me for the bakery, but I can’t pay her, so I won’t allow it.

I won’t abuse our friendship that way. Even if I do give her parents bread whenever they’re in town.

It’s just not the same.

Her parents only use the condo during the summer. So, it was a good run while it lasted.

June just rolled around, and I booked my ticket and came back. Giselle’s parents arrived shortly after I left.

I already got their text thanking me for the fresh rolls I baked and left on the counter, and for cleaning the place.

Anyway, I just can’t stay away any longer. Can’t run forever.

Sammy’s latest round of voicemails made no sense at all, and I know I need to see my brother to figure out what the heck he’s doing and to tell him I’m done.

The air inside my apartment is stale. The AC is blowing cold, so I thank God for that.

Thoughts of my brother gnaw at my mind, but it’s no good. No matter how I feel about him I need to draw the line.

Sammy is an adult. He makes his own choices with no thought for me or anyone else.

My heart hurts when I think this, but it’s the only option left. I just can’t worry about him anymore. I can’t put my life aside for him.

Not anymore.

Because it’s not just me I need to consider. I have someone else to watch out for now.

My hand goes to the bump beneath my breasts, and I can’t help but smile when I feel the flutter of life growing within my belly.

The thing about being a big girl is I’m only starting to look pregnant now as I enter my third trimester.

Before, I simply looked fat. Maybe it’s because of all the morning sickness. I didn’t expect to have that cute little basketball belly skinny women have when they are pregnant, but still.

I am thrilled now that I can see what the doctors and the half dozen home tests I took told me.

I am pregnant. With Nico Fury’s baby.

Like every other time I think about him, my pulse races and my heart thuds heavily against my ribs.

When I took off on New Year’s Day, I expected to return after a few weeks. I thought I was just going down to Fort Lauderdale to get my head on straight.

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