Ambrosia
The last lock that clicks into place might as well be around my heart. I’m never letting myself get fooled again. I sigh and lean against the door, listening to the sound of Devon’s footsteps echo in the hallway.
On the counter of my small kitchenette is a non-descript paper bag. I know what’s inside of it; I called Carly as soon as possible and asked her to buy me the emergency contraception. She dropped it off on her way to work shortly before Devon arrived. I should take it; I don’t want to be the girl that got knocked up the first time she had sex. But does that even really happen? I leave it there for now and head into my living/bedroom.
I’m clearly taking a sick day which means I have plenty of time to google Devon. He had the upper hand and knew everything about me before we even met. What I find out doesn’t make my decision to let him go any easier.
When all of his siblings turned down the opportunity to run the family business, Devon stepped in and turned a failing company into a billion-dollar business. And despite his confirmed bachelor status, he’s very much the family man. Picture after picture of Devon with his brother, with his two sisters, with his nieces and nephews, with his parents, and with the entire Shire family all pop up in my search. It was easy to understand why he wanted to be a father but it wasn’t so clear why he didn’t want to be married or at the very least, in a committed relationship.
By the time Carly shows up with a bottle of my favorite wine – pink – I’m beginning to regret my decision.
“I brought you a present,” she says holding up a white plastic grocery bag.
I take it from her and roll my eyes when I see what’s inside. A box of Dream Creams, the snack cake that Devon’s company makes.
“So not funny,” I tell her.
“I cannot believe you boned Devon Shire! You’re so lucky.”
“Oh yeah, Carly, I’m real lucky. The guy basically stalked me and then lied to me.”
“He didn’t lie; he just withheld the truth.”
“A lie by omission is still a lie. Also, whose side are you on?”
“Yours, of course! But come on, Ambrosia, I’ve read some of those dirty romance books. I know how this is going to end.”
“This is real life, Carly. Not fiction.”
Carly’s eyes land on the paper bag from the pharmacy. “Did you take it yet?”
“No,” I answer honestly.
“Why not?”
I have no answer for that. I don’t know why I haven’t taken it yet; I should. A baby is not a part of my plan right now; I just graduated college and started my career. I still have time to take it.
“I have to go,” Carly says as she hugs me tightly. “I have a date with Christian Grey tonight.”
When she’s gone, I walk to my kitchenette and grab the paper bag from the counter. Taking the emergency contraceptive is the right thing to do; it’s the responsible thing. So why am I willing to risk my future? Because being pregnant with Devon’s child means that the best night of life was more reality than fantasy.
