Page 24 of Toxic

Without having to think about it, I reply, "Me, too. How's Eva?"

His face hardens, and he shifts in his seat. "Not sure. We broke up a few months ago."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I think I'm resolved to the fact I'm going to be single for the rest of my life. It's easier."

I tilt my head.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he questions.

"I think that would be a shame."

His gaze locks onto mine. "Why's that?"

I watch Sean happily lying against his suit coat. "You'd make a good dad."

He glances at Sean. "Nah. I just think your little guy likes my ice cream." He feeds him some more.

"Hmm. Well, I—" A popping sensation erupts in my lower body. It feels like I'm peeing myself. I jerk my head down and panic. "Oh God!"

"What's wrong?"

"I... oh God!" I cry out.

He tosses his spoon on the table. "Bridge, what's happening?"

"I think my water just broke. I'm-I'm only seven months. It's too early!"

He sends a text on his phone, tosses cash on the table, then rises with Sean. He slings the diaper bag over his shoulder. "Can you walk?"

"Yeah," I state, freaking out.

Dante holds his hand out. "Okay, stay calm. My driver's outside. Let's get you to the hospital."

"My baby—"

"Bridge, I need you to get up if you can," he sternly orders.

"Right." I swing my legs out then take his hand and put my other on the table. I rise, and liquid floods the floor. I stare at it in horror.

Dante pulls me out of my trance. "Are you sure you're okay to walk?"

"Yes."

He puts his arm around my waist, Sean on his hip, and leads me outside. His driver pulls up, and he helps me get in the car.

Sean screams, and Dante bounces him on his hip. "It's okay, buddy."

I grip Dante's suit coat. "I need Sean to be there. I can't have the baby without him!"

"Try to stay calm, Bridge," Dante repeats then pulls out his phone and tries Sean, but he doesn't answer. He tries my father and gets the same response.

"Oh God!" I fret, as the panic grows bigger.

Dante puts the phone to his ear and grasps my hand, rubbing his thumb over it. "Papà, I ran into Bridget, and her water broke. We can't get a hold of Sean or Tully. Find out where they are and tell them to meet us at Mt. Sinai." He hangs up, and the smell of poop fills the car.

"Oh shit. Sorry... Sean... I need to change him."

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