Page 48 of Spike's Perdition
“A boy?” they both shout in unison.
“Eek!” Megan squeals.
Eric stands and starts doing the Floss. “I’m gonna be the greatest uncle in history. That boy’ll know how to dress to impress.”
“There’s more,” I announce. “I don’t know what to do.”
Megan tugs me over to the couch, and Eric pops a squat on the floor in front of us. “We’re here to help. Tell us,” she encourages.
I wrap my arms around my tummy and rock slightly. “I ran into Aubrey.”
“Who’s Aubrey?” Eric asks, confused.
I realize I never told them what I found out at my initial prenatal appointment. I explain who Aubrey is and the first conversation we had.
“No fucking way!” Megan snaps. “He had a woman at home and then had the audacity to sleep with you? And now you’re both knocked up?”
“Yep,” I say, popping the ‘p.’ “That’s not all, though. After I found out that the baby has to have surgery, I decided I can’t keep this secret from Spike. No matter how much I despise him, he has a right to know. If Spike still doesn’t want anything to do with us, then that’s on him.”
“Exactly,” Eric agrees.
“I’m sensing a but coming,” Megan hedges.
“You’d be right,” I confirm. “I wanted to be honest and not have it look like I’m creeping behind Aubrey’s back.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “I asked her to meet me outside as I was leaving. I told her what Dr. Wilde said and emphasizedthat I don’t want Spike in any way, shape, or form. But he does have a right to know what’s happening with his son. She went ballistic. Basically, she thinks that I’m a homewrecker and that I can’t prove the baby is Spike’s.”
“Yes, you ca?—”
“No, I can’t. Not without a paternity test,” I tell them. “Aubrey’s right. It’s her word against mine. She also said that the club takes lying very seriously, and that if I pursue this, I’ll end up dead before I even give birth.
Both Megan and Eric flinch, but neither of them speaks for a few minutes.
Eric breaks the silence first. “I don’t believe that for one goddamn minute. I’ve been to Purgatory without you all and have seen firsthand what happens. Not once have I seen one of them step out when their lady wasn’t around. And believe me, many women try to get in their pants.”
“Maybe Spike meets his side pieces discreetly,” I counter.
“Nope,” Eric argues. “RaRa and I talked about it. He told me that they’d rather cut out their own heart and have their dicks ripped off than hurt their old ladies. I didn’t want to say anything because I know you have strong feelings about not telling Spike, but I’ve never seen him with anyone at the bar. All the other old ladies are always there with their men, but Spike… He’s always alone.”
“Ivory,” Megan says softly. “It’s possible that Aubrey is lying to keep you away. From what you told us, she always goes on the defense withyou.If I were Aubrey, I’d drag your ass to Purgatory and make him admit to everyone what a lying, cheating asshole he is.”
“Not everyone has your decorum,” Eric teases.
“You know what I mean,” she hisses. “He drove over here that day to talk to you,andhe pleaded for you to hear him out.Does that sound like a man who wouldn’t care about his unborn son?”
“Jokes aside, I agree with Megan. You need to talk to him,” Eric encourages. “We can be there with you if you want. You don’t have to face him alone.”
Now that Megan’s pointed that out, it does seem unlikely, but it doesn’t ward off the fear.
“I’ll think about it.” I lie.
Megan and Eric help me clean up the mess from dinner and head out.
“Call me if you need us,” Megan demands.
“I will,” I promise.
“Don’t think I don’t know you’re lying about talking to Spike,” Eric chastises. “If I thought for one minute you and the baby would be in danger, I’d pack you up and get you the hell out of here. Something isn’t adding up, and until you talk to him, you’re never gonna know the truth, and neither will he.”
“Thanks for the food and listening.” I kiss them both on the cheek.
