Page 8 of Baby for the Professor
“Right,” she said. “They’re cute but it’s impossible to stop them from talking!”
We shopped at our usual favorite stores, including H&M and the Gap, and got some trendy summer wear. Shopping was a fun way to work out. Two hours later, we were both sweaty and hungry and decided it was time for lunch.
Over burgers and fries, Emily told me about Bob, a fifth-grade teacher who worked in the same school. "I’ve never seen any other guy so good with kids. They all listen to him and do what he says! He just really saved my ass on my first day because I had a hell of a time managing my class.” She finished her sentence with a smile showing interest in the guy.
I raised my eyebrows. “Looks like you have the hots for him. Is he single?”
“Yeah. And he asked me out.”
“Oooh! Did you agree?”
She thought for a moment. “I don’t know. He’s a coworker and not really my type."
I rolled my eyes. Throughout our college years, Emily had dated on and off but never long with any guy. Unlike me, Emily had never considered marriage. She had already inherited a small fortune from her grandma, so good looks instead of financial status or reliability, were always the most important criterion for choosing a mate. And that was a reason why her relationships with those guys never lasted.
"Emily, looks aren't everything. Maybe it's time you give kindness a chance."
"Nah, I’m not yet old enough for that kind of wisdom. Enough about me. How's your love life?" she asked me. "Have you gotten a chance to reconnect with the hot guy you met at Ruby's?"
I shook my head. "Nope.”
"Why not?" she frowned. "He seemed to be an amazing guy. At least go thank him."
"For what?"
"For helping you to get over your asshole ex."
I laughed. She was right. After that night, I realized I had wasted four years of my life with a man who didn't know how to please a woman. The one night with Jackson was more memorable than all four years combined with Kevin.
However tempted I was to see Jackson again, I always stopped myself because I knew the reason the night felt fantastic was because it was a one-night-stand. Plus, I was rebellious if not drunk. If we became a steady couple, the thrill would wear off, and our relationship would turn stale. So, I was better off not acting out my impulse and letting that night remain the best memory of my life.
The food I swallowed just backed up to my throat, and I gagged. When it wouldn’t stop, I grabbed a napkin and covered my mouth.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. It might be a stomach bug or something. It's been going on..."
I hadn't finished my sentence when another nauseous wave hit me. I excused myself and ran to the ladies' room.What the hell?
I was washing my hands at the sink when Emily came in. "What happened?"
"Oh, I threw up, but I'm fine now."
"Are you sure it is a bug? And nothing else?" she asked worriedly. "I've never seen you throw up before. And you're acting awfully similar to my sister when she was pregnant."
My stomach sank at the suggestion. Shit. I hadn't given it a thought. I mean, I avoided thinking about it. But it was very likely because my period was late. “You might be right," I murmured.
As soon as Emily finished her lunch, we headed for the drug store in the mall.
"Now, let's go to my apartment," Emily suggested.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "We haven't checked out the shoes yet."
"Oh, it can wait," she said. "And this can't."
She was right about it. I actually had the wish to rush to a bathroom in the mall to do it. I smiled up gratefully. "Okay."
The traffic wasn't too bad and we made it to her apartment in fifteen minutes. After I peed on the stick, I stood alone in the bathroom for a minute and decided I should go out and talk to Emily first.
