Page 25 of The Little Black Rose

“Shut the fuck up,” I say pointing the business end of my fork at Sophie before dipping it into my giant bowl of pasta and twirling the fettuccini around the tines.

“I’m kidding,” Sophie says with a laugh before she stabs a fried shrimp with her own fork and pops it into her mouth.

“Seriously, Ava, you look amazing,” Zoey says, tilting her head to study me.

“If you say I’mglowing, so help me God…” I say in a warning tone.

“You are glowing,” she says, her eyes wide. “Pregnancy suits you.”

“Tell that to the heartburn I’m going to have after I inhale all this food,” I grumble.

And I will have to deal with some discomfort. I can already tell. But it doesn’t stop me from eating with gusto. I’m starving, and the rich sauce is pure heaven. Besides, that’s what antacids were created for.

“So, we’ve established that you look amazing, and you’re still a salty bitch when you’re hungry, but other than that, how are you feeling?” Sophie asks.

“Pretty good, actually,” I say with total honesty. “The morning sickness seems to have gone away––thankGod––and I have more energy than I did a couple of weeks ago. Chuck has been heading into the rescue early to clean all the litter boxes before I get there, so that helps a ton. Did you know your sense of smell gets off-the-charts sensitive when you’re pregnant?”

“Not from personal experience, no,” Zoey says with a laugh.

“Well, it does. And I think mine is doubly sensitive because I’m having twins.”

“I can’t wait to be pregnant,” Sophie says wistfully, and I roll my eyes.

“Let’s see how you feel when you’re puking all day and just the sight of Jared’s face makes you want to drop kick him in the nut sack,” I say, smirking to let her know I’m half-kidding.

“Is that how you feel when you see Zeke?” Zoey asks, the humor fading from her expression.

“What? No. I mean, maybe once or twice when I was feeling really nauseous. But Zeke’s actually been pretty awesome during this whole thing.”

I tug my lower lip between my teeth, gnawing it as I contemplate whether or not to mention Zeke’s request. I’d decided to keep it to myself until I’ve made the decision, but I’m no closer to knowing what’s best now than I was when Zeke first mentioned moving in together. I need some perspective, and who better to give me advice than my best friends?

“So, I wanted to talk to you guys about something,” I say slowly, and Sophie and Zoey both set down their forks to give me their full attention. “It’s about Zeke. And me. Possibly living together.”

“What?” Zoey yelps, her eyes flying wide. “You’re moving in together?”

“Breathe, Zo,” Sophie says, keeping her gaze locked on me. “She saidpossibly.”

I can’t tell if Zoey’s reaction is good or bad, so I just barrel through the explanation before she, or Sophie, for that matter, jump to any conclusions.

“Zeke wants to beroommates. He’s all-in on this pregnancy and doesn’t want to miss anything. He wants to be present and experience all of it with me––the good, the bad, and the ugly. And he promised to do most of the housework and bring me treats fromGlaZZedevery day.”

“That’s…great, actually,” Sophie says, nodding slowly. “Way to step up, Zeke.”

I look from her to Zoey, whose glazed-over eyes stare unseeing at her plate. I wait for her to process her thoughts, and after a few seconds, she looks up at me with a small smile.

“I’m proud of my brother. I think it’s amazing that he wants to be fully involved.” Her smile fades. “But I am surprised he suggested moving in with you. That’s a big step, even if it’s just as roommates.”

“I know,” I say. “And could it even work? I mean, fuck, we don’t even reallylikeeach other.”

“Seems like you liked each other just fine at least once,” Sophie mumbles with a chuckle.

Zoey’s hands clap over her ears as she squeezes her eyes shut. “La la la la la la la. I’m not listening.”

“Stop it. I know you said something similar to Zeke, yourself,” Sophie says, yanking at Zoey’s elbow.

“You didwhat?” I ask, my eyes flaring wide as I stare at my blonde friend.

“What?” she shoots back, shrugging as she picks up her iced tea and takes a sip. “He was giving me the same bullshit you’re giving us right now. You both say you don’t like each other, yet you both lost control of yourselves, had sex, and created those babies you’re carrying. Zeke didn’t waste a second claiming them as his, promising to be a solid, dependable partner in raising them, and now he wants tomove in with you? He wants to be closer to you, Ava, even if he refuses to admit it.”

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