Page 47 of Imperfections Seduced
“We were invited by a friend.”
“So that makes it safe? I see you must want a cap in your ass.”
Ava and I look at her and start laughing. Ava’s the first to answer her.
“First of all, don’t ever talk street slang, and second,don’t be such a snob, there are plenty of neighborhoods in the Bronx that are safe to stroll through without worrying something’s going to happen. It’s the same as good ol’ Brooklyn. You have your bad parts and you have your good parts. You have to be alert and pay attention to your surroundings.”
“She’s right, Kate, we’ll be fine. We’re going to take a cab there and back.”
“Do what you want, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She closes her eyes and lies back against the cushions. It’s then that I notice she doesn’t look well.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I have a major headache that’s gotten worse since I’ve been talking to you and her. My stomach’s not doing too great either. Feels like I’ve been on a roller coaster all day.”
This is when the guilt sets back in again, and I feel like crap for being the worst sister that ever lived. I hope to God that I’m not pregnant.
“Can I get you anything before I leave?” I offer.
“If it’s not too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all.”
“Room temperature ginger ale and crackers would be good.”
“Okay, I’ll be right back.” I grab Ava by the hand. “You, come with me.”
“Like I was going to stay with her,” Ava says, looking back at Kate with a sour look on her face.
I grab a can ofroom temperature ginger aleand the crackers from the pantry.
“Ginger ale and crackers, Cat?”
“So?”
“Gimme a break. Her pregnancy is supposed to be a secret, right?”
“That’s what I was told.”
“Who’s not going to know if she’s going around asking for crackers and ginger ale? She’s a wine drinker. She’s so obvious.”
“Are you saying she’s intentionally—”
“Trying to tell people she’s pregnant without actually having to say the words?”
“I don’t know.”
“I do. When’s the last time you had a headache and an upset stomach and asked for crackers and warm ginger ale?” She frowns at me with one hand on the counter and answers her own question. “That’s something only a pregnant person does. You and I would self-medicate, pop two Advils, and call it a night. She’s lying in there drawing attention to herself, when she could go home to her house where no one can see her.”
“I don’t believe she would do that.”
“She’s your sister, and you feel guilty, so you can’t see as clearly as I can.”
“I have news for you, you can’t see too clearly either when it comes to Kate.” Holding the stuff for Kate I go to the kitchen door. “Our cab is probably outside.” She doesn’t say anything else but I know she’s not giving up on this theory. I hope for Kate’s sake Ava’s not right about this ’cause Nick is not going to be happy.
Nick
“Well, fancy seeing you here.”
