Page 134 of Come Back To Me

Red takes a step closer, slowly picking up the napkin and folding it in her hands before she looks up at me. “Thank you.”

Giving her a small smile, she then turns and walks away, and I’m left feeling hopeful.

Back at home, I take some painkillers for my headache, then slip into the shower once Legs has left. In my comfy clothes, I make me and Lauren some dinner. She opts to eat upstairs so she can revise, whereas I settle on the sofa.

My phone pings a message. Before I can reply, it starts ringing in my hand.

“You look like you’ve seen better days,” I laugh answering the FaceTime call.

Bex huffs. “Don’t, I feel so tired.”

“You, okay?”

She smiles. “Yeah. Just wanted to see how you were.”

I place my plate on the table, then sit back running a hand through my hair. “I’m fine. Got a headache, but things are good. She dropped yet?”

“That sucks. Uh, yeah, I think so. I’m feeling heavier, definitely. How about you, what’s the midwife said?”

“My blood pressure’s still high. I have to go on Wednesdayfor another check-up.” I smile to myself knowing Dean can now come with me.

“The check-ups once a week now?”

I nod. “Pretty much.”

“That’s good. And reassuring I imagine?”

“Yeah, it’s lovely seeing the baby.”

Bex takes a sip from her mug. “Still in the dark as to what you’re having then?” I nod and she smiles. “That blows my mind.”

“What?” I ask curiously.

“Thatyouof all people are happy not knowing the sex. I had you down for finding out, having it all ready and set up months in advance.”

I can’t stop my face from dropping. I would have if I’d been able to. Up until this morning, the thought of buying anything without Dean was out of the question.

“Shit, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise,” I say quickly. “We’ll go this week. It’s school holiday’s where we are. I’m only working a few days, then we’ll go.”

“Jess and your mum helping?”

Shit.I haven’t told Bex or anyone for that matter that Dean’s home. I’m not sure how it will go down. My eyes look anywhere but at my phone in my hand as my heart drills, making me come over all lightheaded.

“Madison?”

“Jesus, Bex. I don’t know how to tell you this…” Slipping up on my words, I take a breath.

“What is it? Everything okay?”

I rub my face. “I,” my voice quivers. “I hope so.”

“Youhopeso? What’s going on? You’re worrying me,” Bex says with a shaky breath.

“I’m fine. The baby’s fine. It’s just… it’s Dean.”

“Have you spoken to him recently?”

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