Page 84 of Leave Before I Love You
June sits across from me, glowing in that way only pregnant women can. Her little belly is getting bigger, and she rests her hands on it like she’s cradling the life growing inside her.
She’s adorable and so genuinely happy it’s almost infectious.
“You look so cute,” I tell her, reaching across the table to touch her belly. “Seriously, you’re like one of those pregnancy Pinterest boards come to life.”
June laughs, her smile widening. “I feel like a whale.”
“Well, you’re the cutest whale I’ve ever seen.”
“Shut up.” She rolls her eyes but doesn’t stop smiling. Just then, I feel it. A little flutter beneath my hand.
My eyes widen as I look at June. “Was that…did he just kick?”
“He did!” she says, beaming.
My throat tightens, and I feel an unexpected wave of emotion. I blink quickly, trying to fight back the tears threatening to spill. But June notices anyway.
“Avery, are you…crying? Oh my God, are you okay?” she asks, bordering on frantic. I don’t blame her. This isn’t like me.
I snort, trying to shake it off. “I’m fine. I think your pregnancy hormones are doing some kind of osmosis shit and seeping into my brain.”
She laughs, and the sound is enough to ground me. But deep down, I can’t ignore the strange feeling in my chest. A desire I’ve never really felt before.Kids? Me?The thought is enough to make my head spin.
My phone buzzes on the table, and I glance at the screen. It’s Henry. A slow smile spreads across my face as I read his text.
Henry: Don’t forget about tonight.
And I can’t stop myself from responding.
Me: What’s tonight?
Henry: You know what tonight is.
Me: Actually, I don’t. So, why don’t you tell me?
Henry: Nice try, honey. My lips are sealed. Think back to your parents’ bathroom if you need a frame of reference. You, me. Plans. That’s all you’re going to get.
I bite my lip to keep from grinning like an idiot. I can still feel the warmth of his hands on my body from this morning. I already tried to get him to tell me about whatever he has planned for tonight, but it ended with me bent over the balcony railing with Henry’s cock inside me while he fucked me sogood I forgot my own name.
Does that make me an exhibitionist?It’s certainly an interesting question to consider…
“So, what’s new in your life?” June’s voice pulls me out of my reverie, and I quickly lock my phone, sliding it facedown on the table.
“What do you mean?”
“I feel like we haven’t really had a chance to catch up. You’re always so busy. We haven’t really gotten any best-friend time since…” June trails off and starts to get tears in her eyes. Clearly, thinking about the thirteen days Henry and I were missing.
“Don’t you dare start with that,” I quickly chime in, pointing an index finger toward her. “Do not start breaking down before we even get our food.”
“I’m sorry!” June sniffles. “It’s a little hard to just get over the two weeks you thought your best friend died, Avery. I have a heart, you know. I’m not soulless.” She dabs a napkin at her eyes, sniffling a little more. “Also, I really think you’re losing sight of our agreement.”
“What agreement?”
“You keeping me updated about where you are,” she expands, and her brow furrows in determination. “Honestly, I think you just need to share your location with me. That would make things way easier than me having to constantly call and text you.”
“You want totrackme?” I ask, horrified.
“Yeah.” June nods like it makes complete sense. Like it’s not at all an insane request. “I track Beau.”
