Page 86 of Give My Everything
“Have you been able to feel it all? Like any kicks or anything? Or is it too early?”
“I think it’s too early, but I need to finish reading the stupid pregnancy book Lucas got me on our breakup date.”
Ben snorts. “That guywouldgive you a pregnancy book after you break up. I swear, I’ve never met someone as genuinely nice as he is in my entire life, even if heisa little bit self-absorbed.”
I let my eyes stray up to the picture that still sits on my bookshelf, to the image of the two of us, so young and happy.
And then I think about Ben. About how much he loves his sister and brother. About how kind and caring he has been to me, even in the wake of our weird conversations and interactions.
I can’t help but hum a noise of disagreement.
“I can think of someone else who is genuinely nice,andselfless,” I say. “And he just found a way to make my life a whole lot less difficult.”
Ben’s silent on the other end of the line.
“Thanks, Remmy,” he finally says. “Someday, you’ll realize I don’t deserve that, but for now, I’ll take it.”
We talk for a few more minutes. He asks if Dominic still hates him—yes—and I ask when I will get to see Ivy—he isn’t sure.
Then we get off the phone with Ben promising to let me know what Logan says about scheduling an appointment.
I feel oddly sad when we hang up. I’ve never been a phone person, someone who enjoys sitting on one end and listening to someone on the other. It’s honestly probably one of the reasons why Lucas was always so bothered about our time apart.
We dated long distance for five years, and I called him on average once every one to two months.
That’s not a relationship.
Now, I’m talking to Ben for ten minutes and wishing I could schedule a time to talk to him again. It’s crazy how things change.
But who knows? Maybe I can blame this on pregnancy hormones, too.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but a text from Ben an hour later saying we’re scheduled for an OB appointment on Monday wasnotit.
Now, as I walk into the hospital, Ben at my side, I realize it was probably better to have a 48-hour turnaround as opposed to something where I had to wait for weeks and build up the anxiety of wondering if someone was going to see me.
This way, we just rip off the Band-Aid.
After scanning the room and letting out a sigh of relief that I don’t recognize anyone, I walk up to reception and sign in, snorting as I write my fake name on the sheet.
Allie McLovin.
This guy has seenSuper Badtoo many times.
Once we’ve checked in and I’ve provided the receptionist with my phone number so she can text me when it’s time for our appointment, Ben and I take a walk out of OB and into pediatrics, down a long hallway, stopping at room 483.
Ben knocks twice, then verbalizes it as he opens the door.
“Knock, knock.”
No answer.
“Perfect. He told me he’d probably be in a meeting but that we could take a seat and relax. Sometimes it can take an hour or so before a walk-in can be seen.”
I nod, following him in and then closing the door behind me.
“How do you know this guy again?” I ask, my eyes roving around the sparsely furnished office.
Ben takes a seat behind Logan’s desk.
