Page 26 of Baller's Surprise Baby

I’m crazy. More specifically, I’m crazy about this guy. He really made me question his trustworthiness when he ghosted, but in all honesty, I saw him date girls in high school, and he was never a douchebag back then. I don’t think he’s careless about others. I just don’t know what that means for us and how many times I might get hurt on this journey.

With something between a moan and growl I put my phone aside, purposefully not answering even though I’m pretty sure I’ll always regret it if I don’t try one more time.

Two hours later, I’m showered, dressed, ‘makeupped,’ and have answered all of my emails. I’m back to staring at that text from Ryder. It’s calling to me.

Flipping to my favorite contacts I select the one I know I need and hit dial. Seconds later Rachel’s voice answers, and we chat for a few minutes while I update her on the new job. Once we’re done with the squealing and cheering and dreaming, I take a breath.

“Hey Rachel, can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” she answers in that tone that implies I’m some kind of idiot for even starting like this.

“Hypothetically speaking… if I was into basketball players, how weird would it be?”

She laughs immediately, “Girl, I already know your type, tall dark and handsome. So predictable.” And I snort a laugh. It’s true.

“Yeah, but I guess I was wondering how weird it would be if I liked someone a little closer to home…Would it be, like, absolutely awful if I found Ryder attractive?” I wince and hold my breath waiting for the response. We’ve never covered this territory before, and my palms are suddenly sweating.

“Everly.... first of all, ew! Because: brothers… blech. But also… I guess I see your point, sort of… I mean, Ryder and I share genetics and I’m gorgeous, so I guess his dumb face probably looks attractive to others too.“ We laugh and feel myself relax just a fraction.

“But seriously, do you think you like him?” She asks. “I mean, you know how Ryder and I are. We drive each other batty, but he really is the best brother a girl could have.”

“I might… I don’t know. I mean, you’re right that he’s my type, but it could be kind of complicated, couldn’t it? Dating my best friend’s brother? I guess I just wanted to check with you because I’m not sure, and…I would never do anything that would upset you.” I scrunch my eyes, remembering that technically I already slept with him and didn’t mention a word to her. But this is more deliberate, and I need to know how it impacts her.

“Well, if you two do date, just give me a heads up and make sure you zip it on any bedroom business, because I don’t want to know. That’s the rules,“ she states emphatically.

“Never fear.”

I see another call coming through while we talk, but since I don’t recognize the number, I let it go to voicemail. Ten minutes later we hang up, and I text Ryder back.

EVERLY: Yes. I’ll do dinner with you. Where?RYDER: My place. I want to cook for you. Monday, 6pm. Sound good?

EVERLY: Okay. See you then.

RYDER: Can’t wait.

I throw my phone down and walk away, my heart pounding. I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I am, and it’s time to be brave. I’ve got a new job, and I’m taking a new chance on the man I haven’t been able to put behind me.

Belatedly I realize I hadn’t checked my voicemail, and I go back to hear a message from my doctor’s office asking me to call back about test results. I frown as I dial the number they left and then tell them my name and date of birth.

“Ms. Marshall? You came in for your yearly checkup last week.”

“Yes.”

“Well, we ran our routine tests, and there was a delay in reaching out to you since the doctor was on vacation for a few days. We’re catching up now, and I just wanted to let you know that your pregnancy test came back positive.”

“What pregnancy test?” My heart stops. It literally stops. I feel it beating one moment, and the next I can’t feel anything.

“Ma’am, as a safety precaution we regularly check urine samples for pregnancy hormones, and I just wanted to let you know that you tested positive.”

I thank the nurse and hang up in utter shock as I mutter to myself, “This can’t be right. The last time I was even active was three months ago…in Phoenix!”

OH MY GOD!

19

Everly

“I’m heading out,” Aunt Sharon’s voice calls from the kitchen, and I walk away from my home office to see her. Stepping into the kitchen, I lean on the little island in the center and watch as my aunt grabs her grocery list from the fridge and then bustles around searching for her reading glasses before finding them in the key drawer.

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