Page 83 of Insufferable Boss

"Maybe," I said, "but he has earned it."

"So why exactly are you so worried?"

"Everything," I replied. "Just a few weeks ago, I would have preferred the guy not exist, and now... My point is, wanting to make things official is great. It's a wonderful thing, but... I want time. And if this is... I'm afraid," I looked down at my stomach, "if this is what is happening, then that takes time away. From both of us."

She went silent again, and then she turned to me.

"Beyond your need for time..." she said, and I knew where she was going.

"Nothing is beyond time."

She looked at me and didn't push it, but in my mind, it was already a question that I had been ruminating over.

"If I didn't have time," I replied, "it would be a no-brainer. But I've been in business too long... been logical too long to just go with my gut."

She cocked her head.

"I remember saying your gut is the key."

At this, I laughed.

"Right, but I had experienced that it worked for business matters. For relationships... it's trash."

"I think you're confusing your gut with your heart."

I laughed again, knowing she was right.

"If there was a way for me to clearly differentiate, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

At this, we smiled, and then she squeezed my shoulder and got up.

I kept my gaze on the television and listened to her comments until eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. I got up and went to my room to pick up my jacket, and then I grabbed my wallet and started to head out.

"I'll be right back, Dee," I said, and she finally noticed me.

"Where are you going?" She came after me with a tiny teaspoon in hand.

"Pharmacy," I replied, and she gave me an encouraging look.

"Don't take it there," she said. "Come up here. I won't ask if you don't want me to, but it's cleaner here."

I was amazed that she was saying this, and her eyes narrowed in response.

"You were planning on taking it there, weren't you?"

"Maybe, but if I was going to hide it from you either way, I wouldn't have said I was going to the pharmacy."

"Semantics," she said. "Just get back here soon so that I know you're safe."

"Alright," I replied and headed out.

The pharmacy was very close to the apartment, but I decided to take an even longer route and head to the 7-Eleven instead. I was sure they would have the kits I needed, so I headed over.

Soon, I arrived and walked in, and quickly found the kit I was looking for.

I truly considered asking about their staff bathroom and just taking it there. It seemed as though the walk back home would take several hours otherwise, but as I saw the state of their bathrooms, I turned and went on my way.

The moment I arrived; Diana was thankfully not in sight. I had a spare bedroom which was now hers for the duration of her stay, so I was sure she was enjoying a snack. Without a word, I headed straight to my own bedroom and closed the door to the bathroom.

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