“Thanks, but I can only have decaf.” I point to the balloon also known as my stomach. “Kinda pregnant over here.”
“It is,” Amelia says as she hands it to me. “Cream and sugar, the way you like it.”
I squint at her. “You’re being… nice. It’s creepy. What’s going on? And how do you know how I take my coffee?”
“You and Charlie were talking about it one day when you were in the garden. I overheard.”
The coffee smells so good, I can’t resist.
Bash rubs the back of his neck. “I should call Michael.”
“Absolutely not. He has a huge game today. And he already thinks I tried to sabotage his career with that billboard, which messed up a big endorsement. I’m not going to take the blame for messing up his season too.”
“What billboard? Oh, wait. The strip club?”
“Yes.”
“Why would he think that?”
“It’s a long story.”
Bash looks around. “We’re gonna be here a while. I have the time.”
I hate rehashing this, but I guess I should fill in my brother so he doesn’t jump to conclusions again. When I’m done, I point at Sebastian. “I’m still pissed at him. That doesn’t mean I want you to beat him up.”
“Now it makes sense why he called me last night.”
My heart stops. “He called you?”
“He’d been trying to reach you, but you didn’t pick up. Michael was worried. Called me pretty late. Wanted me to check in with you first thing this morning.”
I try to hold back the tears, but I’m too overwrought. “Michael was so mad at me, Bash. Why would he listen to Amelia instead of me?”
My brother sits on the edge of my bed and hugs me.
“I’m sorry!” she yells from the other side of the room. “I told you I made a mistake. That’s why I’m here while you spritz everyone with placenta juice. I want to make amends or whatever.”
Sniffling, I look up. “Placenta juice? Really?”
“I realize you don’t care what I have to say on the matter, but I think you should let Olly know you’re in the hospital,” Amelia says.
I’m so tempted to give in. Deep down, I want him here more than anything.
My heart drops when I glance at the clock and reality settles in. “He’s about to step on the field. The last thing he needs is to find out I’m in the hospital. Let him play the game. His flight will get home tonight. I’ll probably still be here, pushing out two humans.”
Bash backs off. “I don’t have to stay for the pushing, do I? Because that would be weird.”
“Go home, Bash. I can do this on my own.” I always do everything on my own. Why should this be any different? “Take Amelia while you’re at it.”
“Maybe I could just stand by your shoulders. Until Mom gets here at least.”
“You called Mom?” That’s the first good news I’ve heard all day. I could really use a hug from my mother.
“She’s on her way.”
A wave of relief hits me. “Appreciate that.” Which reminds me… “Thanks for sending Mom that check. It helped a lot.”
“I would’ve sent it sooner if she’d told me she needed the help.”
