Page 71 of Between Hate and Desire

Less than an hour later, we’re back at the apartment, and I only got enough food for the week. I didn’t have time to ask Hunter what he wanted, so I got the essentials for now.

“Want help?” Sophie asks when I take the two plastic bags and a gallon of milk from the trunk.

“Nah. They aren’t that heavy.”

“You want help unpacking everything inside?” she asks, nearly hanging out the window.

“No…” I give her a weird look, and then it hits me. “You just want to come up and make me pee on that stupid test.”

“Duh! I’m curious. Plus, you’re my sister, and I’m worried.” She gives me a pouty face so I can’t be mad at her overbearing behavior.

“When I drink enough to gain the courage to take the test, I’ll let you know.”

“You can’t have alcohol!” She nearly jumps out of the car.

“Oh my God, I’m messing with you!” I laugh. “Calm down. I’m not that dense. I know the basic pregnancy dos and don’ts.”

“Please call me when you take it, okay? I wanna be there for you.”

“I know. Thank you.”

We say our goodbyes, and I go inside the apartment and start unloading everything. I always organize things beforehand so when the checker bags my items, the freezer, pantry, and nonfood items are together. They’re all laid out on the counter when the door opens.

“Lennon?” Hunter calls.

“In the kitchen,” I respond, putting the milk in the fridge and moving some things around to fit the meat and yogurts. “You’re home early. Unless you came to bring me lunch.”

Hunter doesn’t always have the time to pick something up like he used to, and that’s fine because I hate being a burden. Though I can’t deny I appreciated it when he did because I had no desire or energy to think about making anything for myself.

“I have a meeting in an hour across town and forgot some shit.”

I turn and admire him. His slacks and button-up shirt are so snug they look painted on. I’m sure his female coworkers don’t mind, though. “But I did bring you a fish sandwich from?—”

As soon as the smell hits me, I step back and cover my mouth with the back of my hand. “That has to go. It smells.” I’m across the kitchen by the time Hunter understands.

“Oh, sorry. I’ll take it with me.” He’s out of the kitchen, and I finally release a breath.

My eyes snap to the counter where the pregnancy test box sits. Hoping he didn’t notice it, I push it behind the coffeemaker to hide it. Then it hits me.

Oh my God.

The smells.

The nausea.

The throwing up.

No. No, no, no.

This has to be a weird coincidence. I can’t be pregnant.

“Want me to get you something else?” Hunter walks in and asks. He takes one look at my face and steps closer. “Lennon. Are you okay? You look really pale.” Hunter closes the gap between us and cups my face and studies me. “Are you sick?”

I don’t know what to say. He’s had to put up with me being here all this time, so there’s no way he’s going to want a baby living here too.

Hell, I can’t process this right now. I don’t want to tell him anything until I know for sure.

“I’m just tired. Sophie and Maddie dragged me to the grocery store with them. Hopefully, I’ll feel better after a nap.”

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