Page 55 of Embers in Our Past

We decided to meet for lunch at a small diner down the street from my apartment. Spring is trying hard to make its way through after a tough winter. Who am I kidding? Every winter in Boston is tough.

Luckily, today is a nice day, and I’m starting to feel the warmth of the sun breathing through the clouds. I thought it would be a good time to break the news of my pregnancy to Malloy. I’ll be showing more as the weeks creep forward.

“It’s good to see you. I haven’t been here long, so don’t worry about it,” I reassure him, and he gives me a small smile, seeing right through my lie.

I’ve been here for thirty minutes. I hate being late, so I got here extra early to get a seat. I wanted to make sure I got a spot with a nice view of the street so I could watch people walk by.

“You’re a shit liar. You know that, right? I’ll make sure to play poker with you.” He winks and grabs his water.

I’m about to say something when the waitress comes over, and I swear she drools at Malloy. “Hey, can I grab you something to drink other than water?”

“Oh, I’m good with this, thanks.” He holds up the water while I roll my eyes, and he chuckles at my reaction.

“Okay, just wave me over when you’re ready to order. Our specials are the turkey club and tomato soup. My name is Amanda, and I’ll be helping you today.” She winks. This would usually be her cue to go, but she’s still standing there, and it’s sort of uncomfortable.

“Alright, Amanda, we’ll let ya know when we need you to come back,” I tell her, really needing some privacy so I can let Malloy in on my secret.

She swings her head over toward me, and I swear it’s like she just realized I’m sitting here. What am I, invisible?

Malloy laughs because I think he’s thinking the same thing as me, and I glare at him. She sets her sights back on the handsome firefighter but luckily takes the hint when he doesn’t return her gaze and leaves.

“My goodness, obsessed much?” I huff.

“Someone’s got her panties in a wad,” Malloy teases, and I stick my tongue out.

Ever since that night last week when Clay was over and we had our little “show-and-tell,” I can’t stop thinking about how much I want a repeat. These hormones of mine are making me hot and bothered constantly. I’ve got an itch that I cannot scratch alone anymore, and it’s driving me nuts.

“I need to tell you something,” I finally spit out.

“I guessed as much. I’ve got some stuff to update you on too. Why don’t you go first. You look like you’re going to combust.” He gives me a look like he’s scared of me.

My glare doesn’t seem to scare him off, so I throw a napkin at him and decide to spit it out already.

“Fine, I’m pregnant,” I say nonchalantly, looking down at my nails because I’m trying to play it cool, even though I’m anything but.

“I’m sorry, say that again.” Malloy puts his cup down and I can feel his eyes on me.

“You heard me. I’m. Pregnant,” I repeat.

“Oh really. And who is the father?” A small smirk forms on his lips. He knows exactly who the father is. Fucker is going to make me say it.

I look up to meet those forest green eyes and quickly look away, the smile that’s threatening to break free on my face too difficult to hide.

“You are sly, Ms. Morris.” He sits back in his seat.

“It was one night,” I say in return.

“Yeah, I hear that’s all it takes.” He laughs.

“Well, I tried for more than one night, and it never took, so this was a surprise for both of us,” I admit, taking a drink of my water.

We’re quiet, Malloy processing what I admitted to him. I have never really gone into immense detail about how things went down with Clay and me after the bar.

“So what does this mean for you two? It must change things?” he asks.

“Not really. I mean, we’re still living our lives the way they were before I found out,” I admit.

“Come on, Abby.” He looks at me, shocked.

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