Either way, she hadn’t spoken to Patrick since that night a few days ago when she wound up on his doorstep and made her tearful confession. Since then, it had been radio silence, and Charlotte couldn’t tell if she was relieved or heartbroken. On the one hand, it was good to know where he stood on the matter. On the other hand, she hated the fact she’d killed their chances at a future without even trying.
Why couldn’t the timing have been better?
Why hadn’t Patrick asked her out sooner?
You’re the one who decided to turn your whole life upside down with very little warning. You can’t blame Patrick for needing a beat to process everything.
Except she hated not knowing whether he was coming back, or if she’d lost his friendship for good too.
Libby reached across the table and patted her hand. “He’ll come to his senses. He has to, and if he doesn’t, it’s better if you know now anyway.”
She knew the sentiment was meant to make her feel better, but it didn’t.
It only made her feel worse, like she was the biggest idiot in the world for thinking she could have her cake and eat it too.
Nothing except time was going to make anything okay, and even then, she had her doubts.
Charlotte’s mouth felt dry as she swallowed. “Yeah, I guess. What about you? How are things with Annie?”
Libby grimaced and took a long sip of her coffee. “The house is a war zone, not that I can blame her. We haven’t had a conversation that didn’t end in pleading or slammed doors in weeks.”
Charlotte frowned. “Do you have any idea if she’s still seeing that guy?”
Libby shook her head, and her expression tightened. “I decided to stop following her, even though I want to, but it really isn’t helping anyone.”
“I’m sure it’s for the best.”
Continuing to invade Annie’s privacy was only going to make things worse. As far as Charlotte was concerned, Annie and Libby needed to find a way to meet in the middle before their house turned into ground zero.
With a sigh, the two women drank their coffee, each lost to their own thoughts.
When Charlotte’s phone vibrated to indicate an incoming text, she fished it out of her pocket. “Addison and Mason are going to meet me at the clinic.”
Libby downed the rest of her drink. “Are you sure you’re comfortable with me being there for the ultrasound? I know it’s a private thing.”
Charlotte pushed her chair back and smiled. “I want you there.”
Having one more friend in her corner made her feel better, especially when her mom hadn’t been able to get away from work.
Libby snatched the take-out bag off the table, and they set off together. The walk to the clinic was quiet, with Charlotte doing her best not to let her mind wander. But by the time they made it there, she was sweating, and her mind had dreamed up all sorts of scenarios, including a pregnancy that wasn’t viable and ending with her being on the operating table.
In the doorway to the clinic, Charlotte froze.
It was Libby who pushed her inside the rest of the way and brought her a plastic cup full of water. She made Charlotte sit down and drink. Then, she stepped behind her desk and typed a few things into her laptop. Charlotte’s fingers were trembling as she looked around for the bin and spotted it across the room.
The cup spun in a circle before it landed in the middle.
Libby came back and sat down next to her. “It’s going to be okay.”
Addison and Mason arrived a short while later in a flurry of activity. Addison sat down on her left while Mason sank into the seat opposite her. The two of them were still talking over each other while Charlotte’s heart pounded. Libby gave her hand another squeeze and stood.
She disappeared down the hallway, and Charlotte leaned back against the wall.
Was she actually going to be sick?
How much of it was nerves, and how much of it was morning sickness?
With a slight shake of her head, Charlotte found herself smoothing out her skirt. Libby appeared with a bright smile and paused to tuck her blouse into her skirt. Then, she motioned tothem, and the three of them stood up at the same time. Charlotte trailed after Addison and Mason, who were holding hands and exchanging smiles.
