Ryder: We’ll figure it out, pixie. I’ll see you tomorrow.
We’llfigure it out.He’s telling me we are in this together.Tears of relief flow down my face, allowing me to finally fall asleep.
When I wake up, I feel like death. We’re supposed to leave for my parents’ house this evening, but I’m second guessing that decision. I don’t want any of them to catch this. I send off a quick text to my mom, telling her that I have the flu. My stomach clenches at the thought of telling my mom and dad that I’m pregnant. I have no idea how they’re going to react, but I’m sure disappointment will be there somewhere.
Of course, a simple text leads to Mom calling me, asking if I’m drinking plenty of fluids and if anyone is here to take care of me. The knot in my stomach grows the longer I talk to her, so I quickly tell her I need to go.
I spend the rest of the day and afternoon in and out of consciousness, checking my phone periodically for messages from Ryder. He sent one this morning, telling me he would see me tonight but nothing since.
Around five, I can’t stand it anymore. I haven’t heard from him at all. He hasn’t responded to any of my texts. Even though I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck, I climb out of bed, throw on some sweats, and get a cab to his penthouse. I use his code to get into the building then take the elevator to his penthouse. I use my key to get in.
When I push the door open, I see a woman standing at his counter, sorting through his mail. Her blond hair is pinned up in a twist that looks like hurricane force winds wouldn’t dare knock a strand out of place. She wears a white tailored suit with a blue silk top beneath the jacket. Her black, red-soled heels are a stark contrast to the white pants.
“Excuse me,” I call out from the doorway.
The woman turns, allowing me to see her face for the first time. Her makeup is flawless. Huge solitaire diamonds sit in each ear and rings adorn nearly all of her perfectly manicured fingers. She raises a brow at me that is all too familiar. “Excuse me, darling? I think it’s you who should be excused. How did you get past security?”
Her tone reeks of condescension and disdain. She looks at me like I’m a vagrant off the street. I suppose I might look like one, considering how I’m dressed.
“I used a code and a key,” I tell her, tipping my chin up in an attempt to show that I’m not intimidated by her. “How didyouget in here? Does Ryder know you’re here?”
“Of course, my son knows I’m here. I’m guessing you’re the problem he asked me totake care of.”
I jerk back at the statement. “I’m not a problem. I’m his girlfriend.”
“Oh,my darling. My son is entirely too shallow and selfish for a girlfriend. He’s had his fun slumming it, but now it’s time to move on. He knows there are standards he must meet in a prospective partner, and I’m afraid you are severely lacking.”
“No,” I argue. “That’s not how Ryder is. He doesn’t see social status and money. He’s not shallow or selfish.”
“Then you clearly do not know my son,” she chuckles mirthlessly.
“I do know him. I love him. And he loves me.”
“Has he told you that? That he loves you?” I open my mouth to answer, then snap it shut because he hasn’t said those words. “Just as I thought. Ryder asked me to come here and make sure you were handled appropriately. He’s not interested in being tied to you or that child you’re carrying.”
My hands instinctively go to my stomach. Tears begin to form and spill over my lashes. The only way she would know about the baby would be if Ryder told her.
“He left this for you. It should be a sufficient amount to get rid of the problem and for you to leave the city.” She hands me a check for fifty-thousand dollars. I slap my hand over my mouth to keep the sob in as I see Ryder’s signature at the bottom.
Then her words sink in.
Get rid of the problem.
He wants me to abort our baby.
Bile rises in my throat. How could he want that? My heart is in ashes on the floor, completely decimated by how wrong I’ve been all this time.
I turn for the door, but I don’t walk. I run. I run fast to get away from the lies I’ve believed.
I can’t do what he says. But he doesn’t need to know that. If he doesn’t want our baby, that’s okay. I can love it enough for both of us. Ryder Jamison will never have to worry about either of us. We’ll be just fine without him.
I go straight to the bus station and take the first one back home. I’ll send someone back for my car. I don’t take anything with me. Not even my heart. It can stay lying in pieces on his floor because I don’t need it anymore.
Ryder
Chalk Outline
She’s pregnant.
