Chapter Twenty Nine
Caroline
“Mike has been gone for so long, but I think he’s finally going to pop the question when he gets back to the states.
” Kate is going on and on about her long distance military boyfriend as we pull up to the Starbucks drive thru window.
We’re making a trip to the outlet mall today to find some new clothes.
I’ve gotten away with wearing oversized t-shirts for as long as possible, but I think I’ve accepted that it’s finally time to buy some maternity clothes.
Or at least some comfortable stretchy pants that I can wear to work.
Now that I have a paycheck again, I guess it’s time to treat myself a little bit.
“You really think so?!” I feign interest in her statements.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Mike. He’s just never seemed as interested in her as she is in him.
But they’ve been together for so long, I really hope the engagement she’s been holding out for is around the corner.
And if that’s what makes her happy, then that’s what makes me happy.
“Yeah, he’s just been acting weird. I think all of his friends' fast paced relationships may be getting to him. What about you? What’s going on in your life?” She has much more energy than I do today.
“Oh you know, just growing another vagina and staying away from penises,” I say nonchalantly.
“Have you heard anything else from Mr. Perry after he played daddy at your ultrasound?” She snickers then slyly grins at me.
“Well.. he actually stayed at my house last weekend.” I hadn’t told her about our little sleepover, because I didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. And I honestly still wasn’t sure what it meant myself.
“What?! And you didn’t tell me this why?!” Kate screams.
“Not like that. I just picked him up from the casino after Carter drunkenly ran off with a girl again.” I try to sound as casual as I can.
“And how did that land him at your house…?” Kate continues to pry.
“We honestly were just having fun catching up. We grabbed taco bell and laughed about old times, then before we knew it the storm had hit and the power went out. So I let him crash on the couch.” I shrug, as if it’s no big deal.
“And you mean to tell me, there was no funny business that occurred between you two?” She arches a brow in disbelief, trying to side eye me while driving.
I debate even telling her about our almost slip up.
“Well… we did almost kiss…” I hesitate, then quickly add. “But no, we kept our hands to ourselves like responsible adults. Besides, who wants to get in bed with a woman that’s pregnant with another man’s baby?”
“Well, lots of people probably. I think that’s like a fetish or something.”
“Eww, no thank you.” I turn up my nose in disgust at the idea.
“So you two are on good terms now? Have you heard from him since?” Kate ignores my comment and continues to pry.
“No, I think he’s got his hands pretty full with his dad’s health issues and everything at the clinic,” I explain.
“Well, you know what they say. If he wanted to, he would.”
I still haven't told her about the check. It’s killing me not to tell her everything, but I know she’ll have strong opinions on it and I think I just need to make this decision on my own.