Page 27 of Amor Prohibido

But thinking about her likethatnow that she was pregnant created another wash of bile to rise.

I sucked in more controlled lungfuls as the acid re-burned my oesophagus. Once the rolling illness eased, I pushed off the porch rail and strode down the path to my truck.

Shock still numbed my fingers and clamped my thoughts as I started the engine. With the image of Jax wrapped in a blanket burrito, eyes red and puffy, downturned mouth and her dark hair falling out of the messy knot on the top of her head, I reversed from her driveway and sped down the street.

I had a date with a tall, dark, classy Jamaican by the name of Coruba.

And dinner with Anna.

Fuck.

TEN

JAX

I woke with a jolt to my phone ringing. Groaning and blindly searching for it around the now-opened box of crackers on my bedside table, I plucked it up and squinted at the screen.

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” I answered grumpily, working my tongue around my mouth to try to coax some moisture back.

Jace’s voice came hushed, as if he was trying to keep our conversation on the down-low.“Uh, yes. It’s ten forty-five. How’d you sleep?”

I scoffed. “I had the best sleep of my life.”

“Really?”Surprise piqued his tone.

“No—it was shit. But thanks for asking.” I reached for a cracker and silently cursed each crumb as it fell onto my sheets. “Side note; you don’t need to pity call me.”

He sighed loudly in my ear.“This isn’t a pity call, J.”

“Oh. Did you want something specific?”

“Just to make sure you’re okay. You’ll be hearing a lot more from me, so get used to it.”

“Dandy,” I muttered, and paused to nibble on another piece of cracker. “How are you today?”

“Still wrapping my head around things…”He trailed off for a second before adding,“Hey, I’d like to let my parents know. Is that okay with you? And do you want to be there?”

My stomach dropped. “Would youlikeme to be there?”

“To be honest, yeah. I would.”

We were both radio silent as his words sank in.

“Uh, sure. If that’s what you’d prefer…”

“It is.”

I nodded, despite being alone. “Okay, just say when.”

“Mum will cook a massive dinner as soon as I say you’re coming around. Do you have plans today or tomorrow?”

I scoffed. Currently, my weekend was an entirely free schedule. “Aside from barely surviving, nope.”

“Cool. So, I’ll pick you up later this afternoon? At four? It won’t be a late night and I’ll drop you home whenever you’re ready.”

Bewildered and still trying to fully function after recently waking up, I managed a hum in agreement. Telling his parents was a good place to start. Updating Darren could wait one more day; I wasn’t ready forthatfall out from yet another Jace and Jax saga.

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