Page 101 of Falling for Grace

“Come on,” I say, looking at my friend, my hands shaking. “This is the universe playing a really sick joke on me.”

“Or this is the universe giving you a second chance. But it could be a false alarm, just like with Drew and his giant cock.”

“Do you have the test? Please tell me you have the test still? I do not want to stroll down to the local pharmacy to buy a test. Can you imagine that headline?”

Theresa passes me her glass. “Here, have a gulp for the nerves. Actually—” Before I take it off her she pulls it back to her lips and takes a huge glug. “Here. Now I’m good. I’ll be right back.”

“I shouldn’t really be drinking this,” I say. Theresa disappears from the bathroom and starts to rummage in the hallway cupboard.

“Says the girl who’s been drinking at least half a bottle over the last three nights. I’m sure one gulp isn’t going to do anything that the bottles haven’t already done.”

I blanch, but take a gulp anyway.

“Fuck,” Theresa says, poking her head in. “I’m sorry, I didn't think before I spoke then, this must feel weird.” She disappears again. I can hear her rummaging, the cupboard full of all the unused products we’ve collected over the years.

“It is, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. I don’t know yet. Did you find it?”

“Here.” She chucks me the box and sits back on the toilet with the seat down.

“T?” I look at her expectantly.

“Yeah?”

“You're sitting on the toilet. Where do you expect me to wee on this thing, in the bath?”

“Oh shit, yeah.” She leaps up and stands by the door. “I’m sorry, I’m just... This is bloody marvellous. Doesn’t the universe talk to us in strange and wonderful ways?”

She leaves me in the bathroom and I close the door, ripping open the packet and putting the stick between my legs.

“How long does it take to wee on a stick?”

“Jesus, T, give me a sodding minute. I’m trying to concentrate.”

“Concentrate? You’re pissing on a stick, not taking an exam.”

“I can’t wee if you keep talking to me.”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I’ll be quiet. For the record, though, can you imagine, it’s like a romance novel.”

“You read weird romance novels. Now shush.”

But she doesn’t shush, because this is Theresa. “No, no, it is. Childhood sweethearts, a death, a secret to destroy, and a happy ending. Bosh bestseller. Oh my God, there could be a second part with a wedding and a baby.”

I place the cap back on the test and reach over and plop it in the sink.

“This is your second chance.”

“Just managing expectations. I’m hiding behind the door until I know the answer.” I place the toilet seat down.

“Have you done it, shall I set a timer? Two minutes, right? Oh, and just so you know, I’ve poured myself a new glass of wine. You know, for the nerves, so feel free to finish that one.”

I look over at the wine glass that is now half filled and I’m tempted to down the thing. I’m nervous, I’m terrified, and as always I want to shit myself.

“You're going to tell him this time, right?”

“Jesus, Theresa,” I say through my hands which are over my face.

“Sorry. Sorry, I know, heartless, but I just thought I’d ask that now. So was that a yes?”

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