Page 58 of Knocked Up By the Grump

Yet, I can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity. His warm smile reassures me, and I decide to take on the challenge.

“Come on, Emily, you've got this,” Ben encourages when I step closer.

“Alright,” I tell him. “Just one round.”

The limbo contest begins, and Ben takes on the role of the enthusiastic and energetic host. With each lowering of the pole, the cheers of the guests grow louder. As we start to bend and sway, the dim lighting adds an element of excitement and playfulness to the game.

Amid the cheerful atmosphere, we exchange friendly banter and laughter, encouraging each other to push our limits.

“This is so much fun,” I exclaim, unable to stifle my laughter as I make another successful bend beneath the limbo pole.

Ben grins, “You're a natural, Emily!”

Our shared moments of laughter and friendly competition make the glow-in-the-dark limbo an unexpected highlight of the evening, uniting us in the joy of the celebration.

As I turn away from the game and scan the party, my eyes lock onto a stunning sight. There, in his glow-in-the-dark outfit, stands Alex, radiating an undeniable charm. His jacket has stitching that glows in the dark, combining luxury with a touch of fun. It totally brings out the handsome lines on his face, too.

Alex extends his hand, inviting me to dance, and I gladly accept, a soft smile playing on my lips. We sway together in the neon-lit ambiance, the lively rhythm guiding our movements. The glow of the neon lights creates an ethereal halo around us, casting enchanting shadows across the deck. In his arms, I feel an indescribable connection, a sense of being truly understood.

Alex looks into my eyes, his voice a warm whisper amidst the music. “You know, Emily, I've been waiting for this moment.”

I chuckle, the glow-in-the-dark accents on my dress shimmering. “Have you now?”

He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “Dancing with you, without any worries or reservations, is everything I've ever wanted.”

The world around us fades into the background as we move together, lost in the magic of the moment.

Ring! Ring!

Suddenly, my phone rings, snapping me out of the moment.

I offer Alex an apologetic smile and excuse myself, stepping into the dimly lit hallway to answer the call. When I do, I hear Lily's voice on the other end. She gets straight to the point, her tone agitated.

“Emily, where are you? You've been avoiding my texts and calls!”

I furrow my eyebrows and stare at a painting on the wall in front of me. “Lily, I'm on Ben's party boat,” I say slowly. “The Glow in the Dark party, remember? What's going on?”

There’s a long pause where I can only wonder what my friend is thinking.

Then, finally, she says, “I found the pregnancy tests, Emily. I knocked them over in the bathroom.”

The world seems to stop for a moment as I let the words soak in, the entire guilty truth sinking in.

Crap,she found out before I could tell her.

“Lily, I can explain…” I begin.

“Explain what, Emily?” Lily says angrily. “You’re pregnant, right? Why didn't you tell me?”

“It's not that simple, Lily. I didn't know how to bring it up.”

“You're my best friend! We share everything. How could you keep something this important from me?”

“I'm so sorry, Lily. I didn't want to burden you.”

Lily sighs on the other end. She doesn’t respond for what feels like forever. I can imagine her falling onto our couch dramatically. “Emily, we're in this together. You don't have to go through it alone. We're like sisters,” she says.

I’m touched. I lean back against the wall and close my eyes.

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