* * *
They were both silent on the drive to her house. He’d parked her car on the street so it was out of everyone’s way. Now, in his Lexus, her exotic scent filled the space. He inhaled it, subtly.
Finally, she said, “I’m sorry you had to leave the party early because I couldn’t drive. But I do feel weak.”
“Hence the fact that you’re not behind the wheel.” His tone was dry but affectionate.
“I know. I could have called an Uber.”
“Not on my watch.”
After traveling a few miles, Nick asked, “You’re 40, Noreen. Isn’t that late to have a child?”
“No, it’s not anymore. Prenatal medicine has come a long way. And besides, I didn’t say that I’d have it, if I am indeed pregnant.”
“I’ve always found abortion distasteful.”
She put her hand on his knee. “Of course you do. After Scotty.”
He stiffened at first, then sighed. “I suppose.”
Laying her head back on the headrest, she closed her eyes.
“You can snooze, if you want.”
“I can. I trust you to get me home safe.” She was quiet again, for longer. Then, “I think it’s silly to be thinking I’m pregnant because I got sick one time.”
“You do?” His eye caught something neon up ahead and off to the left. He swerved into the parking lot when they reached it.
“An all-night pharmacy in Westwood? When did this open?”
“I’m not sure. But I’ll be right back.” He squeezed her hand. “No sense in talking about this if there’s nothing to discuss.”
“I guess so.”
He climbed out of his Lexus, disappeared inside and came back in five minutes. “Not many people shopping this late at night.”
They drove the rest of the way in silence again.
He pulled into her condo driveway. “Ready to do this test?”
“Yes. I’m glad you stopped to get it.”
They walked in through the front door holding hands. He remembered vividly the last time he was here. Sex in the foyer. In her bed, twice more.
She led him into the living room and held out her hand. “Give that to me. I’ll be out in a couple of minutes.” She walked down a hallway off to the right.
Nick mused about the condo which he hadn’t had time to do on his first visit. In the main room, the ceiling soared to peaks and sported two very large skylights. A wall of windows complemented them. The couches and chairs were made of fabric similar to the ones in the Kirkland’s house, but these were accented with teak tables. A desk and two shelving units filled with books added character to the room.
In five minutes, she walked back out. She’d changed from the dress into a knit sweatsuit of sage green. Her expression was unreadable. She handed the test stick to him.
It read,pregnant.
“Huh.” He looked back to her. “How are you feeling about this?”
“I-I don’t know. I think I’m in shock.”
He cocked his head. “What were you hoping for when you waited?”
