Page 55 of Risky Vows

"Good morning," Colleen says, concern crossing her expression. "How did you sleep?"

"Well. I feel much better. I can't be in bed anymore, even if I look like I was hit by a bus." I move to a sitting position. "Have you heard about Andie? I've been meaning to ask, but I’ve been in a haze because of the drugs. I haven't been?—"

"Yes. I have some bad news," Collen cuts me off, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"The baby didn't make it?" I touch my chest, my heartbeat rising.

Colleen glances at her lap before her eyes meet mine. "The baby is well. I'm sorry to say that Andie didn't make it."

I clap my hand to my mouth. Sadness overwhelms me, and I quiver. Oh, Andie. Tears press against my eyelids. "Really?"

She nods. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"W-what happened?"

"Her blood pressure was too high, and even when they made it to the hospital, it didn't come down in time. She had eclampsia. The doctors acted quickly and were able to deliver the baby via a C-section."

I touch my chest, pressing my hand to my heart, trying to calm myself. Andie's face flashes through my mind, her expression as she asked me to make sure her baby was okay.

"I need to go to the hospital and see the baby," I say, shoving the sheets out of the way.

"You will. Massimo had to leave for an important meeting, but he'll take you."

I dash into the closet, looking for random clothing I can throw on. Restlessness takes over me, the harsh truth swirling inmy head. Andie. Is. Dead. I may not have known her for long, but the idea of that poor baby losing her mom… "I need to go now."

Colleen stands in front of me, hands lifted, silently telling me to calm the fuck down with a raise of her eyebrow. "You can't go alone. If you try, the guards will stop you."

I shove the clothes on the floor. I may be rattled by the news, but I'm not idiot enough to think I'd be able to leave unannounced. I don't want to. I learned my lesson. "Fuck."

"Besides, your mom wants to see you. She's downstairs and has been waiting for you to wake up."

My mom is the last person I want to see. She's not exactly a source of comfort, especially after a loss. I might not have known Andie for a long time, but she became a good friend. The knowledge that her baby will go through life without a mom breaks my heart.

"I don't want to see her."

Colleen rolls her eyes, signaling she's as annoyed by my mom's visit as I am. "She's pestered Massimo since yesterday. News travels fast. He told her if she says one thing to upset you, she'll never see you again."

"Oh."

"I'll be in the hallway. If you call me, I'll get her out."

"I guess… let her in, then." My emotions are numb after losing Andie. Dealing with my mom's passive aggressiveness will be a breeze.

Colleen nods and leaves, and a minute later, my mom walks into my bedroom. She clutches the strap of her shoulder bag and isn't wearing as much makeup as usual. She walks toward me with slow steps, differently than the sure, long strides my mom is known for.

Massimo must have scared the living shit out of her.

"Hey, Mom."

She pulls a chair close to my bed and sits. "How are you feeling?"

"Pretty crappy. My friend died."

She reaches for my hand and squeezes it. "I'm sorry for your loss, honey. I just heard."

"Yeah." I look around. Telling my mom about my fun time in the basement isn't what I want to do. And talking to her about Andie seems strange. "I'll be okay," I say to change the subject and dispel some of the tension engulfing us.

"You can tell me about your friend if you want."

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