Page 7 of The Promise
“I don't know, but something’s up withyou.”
“I’m fine, Ju, Well, aside from the obvious. I’ll see you later,” I say as I bolt for the front door. I don’t need her probing too much because I’ll cave and I know exactly what she’ll say. I can hear the conversation clear as day in mymind.
I get in the taxi idling outside and give him my destination. I sit back and try to relax as I head closer to putting this whole disaster with Blake to anend.
After checking in for my appointment at reception, I sit in the waiting room as instructed. I’ve only had my arse down for a second or two when someone calls my name. I grab my handbag and stand, but when I look up I don’t expect to be face to face with my bestfriend.
“I knew you were lying. I can’t believe you’re doing this and you didn’t even tellme.”
I fall back down on to the chair and put my head in myhands.
“Addison, why didn’t you tell me?” she asks, soundinghurt.
“Because I knew you’d try to talk me out ofit.”
“Only to make sure you’re making the right decision.” There are only a couple of people who know Juliette terminated a pregnancy when she was seventeen. She knows it was the right thing to do at the time but she’s told me many times how she still regrets it even to this day. I’m aware she’s only thinking of me right now, but I know what I’m doing. This whole thing was a mistake, and I’m in no position to have a baby right now. My life is unstable enough at the moment without adding a child into the mix. “I understand you hate him right now for what he’s done, but don’t you think he has a right to know about this? That baby in there isn’t just yours, you know. It’s his too, and he has a right to be in on this decision. You made it together, so you should be doing this together. I don’t care what he did—at the time, you lovedhim.”
“Ju, don’t you think I’ve thought of all this?” I ask, side stepping her comment. I didn’t want to admit how strong my feelings for him were when we were together, so it’s the last thing I want to do now it’sover.
“Please just reconsider. Ring him; he’ll talk some sense into you,” she begs, holding her phone out tome.
“Addison Kennedy?” a nurse calls, putting an end to ourconversation.
I get up and step towards her but Juliette going to follow me catches myeye.
“What?” she asks when I look at her. “I’m not letting you do thisalone.”
* * *
“Well, I have to admit, this wasn’t exactly how I’d planned to spend my Monday,” Juliette admits when we walk down the street a while later. “I need a stiffdrink.”
“How about a coffee?” I ask, pointing at the Costa over theroad.
“I guess,” she grumbles as we cross thestreet.
“She’ll have a double espresso,” I say, ordering for Juliette, “and I’ll have…uh…a vanilla latte,please.”
“Decaf,” gets shouted over my shoulder. “And two of those pastry things. I need sugar after all the stress you just put methrough.”
* * *
“You promise to talk to him?” Juliette says as I’m about toleave.
“Yes, I promise. Will you stop worrying? You’re stressing me out even more thannecessary.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks, I can’t wait to see your bakery,” Juliette says, reminding me how much I’ve got to do if I’m ever going to be ready for openingday.
“Okay, I love you, and thank you,” I say, giving her a tighthug.
“You’re welcome. Look after yourself. I love youtoo.”
* * *
The house is empty when I get back. I remember Aunt Addy saying she’d be at the theatre working on the costumes for their next performance. but I have no idea where Mum is. I make the most of the peace and quiet and run myself a bath. I intended to start moving my stuff straight away and be in the flat tonight, but after travelling and the stress of the last couple of days, I’m wiped out, so I put it off until tomorrow. One more night with us all cramped up in here isn’t going to make anydifference.
I rest back in the nice warm bubble bath but I can’t switch off. My mind is racing at a mile a minute. Did I do the right thing? What’s Blake going to say when I tell him? When am I going to tellhim?
I’ve just got out and wrapped myself in a towel when I hear banging and shouting coming from the frontdoor.
