Page 65 of Wicked Love

“You’ll always be my maus,” she says.

She opens her arms and I go over and hug her. I tower over her, so she has to rear back to look up at me. She gives my hair a tug.

“You need a haircut.”

I lift my eyebrows.

“And I’mnotkidding about that,” she adds.

CHAPTER TWENTY

MOMAGER

POPPY

I’ve always been good at faking normal, while my insides are all topsy-turvy, I can remain cheerful and perky on the outside. Marley and my parents are usually the only ones who can tell when I’m not as sunshiny on the outside, so I’ve been avoiding them. And everyone.

I didn’t mean to go quiet—it just happened.

After staring at that little plastic stick with its life-altering answer, my world has tilted on its axis. Iput my phone on silent the next day, ignored the notifications, and beyond work, my only constant, I have mentally and physically covered my head…in bed. I’d stay there if I could.

Beyond that? Nothing feels fine.

By day four, the concerned texts start pouring in. Marley gets adamant.

Marley

Are you alive? Answer me, dammit.

Sorry! Just crazy busy at work!

Marley

Call me when you get a minute. I miss your face.

Will do. Love you. Xo

It isn’t a total lie. I have been busy—mentally cataloging how every single thing in my life is about to change.

Bowie even texts again.

Bowie

Still doing okay?

I’ve come up with every possible scenario of how to break the news.

Not today. Not now. Not yet.

I should be asking you that question.

It’s true. The guy just lost his dad and any tentative, shaky friendship we may or may not have started is now completely teetering when I bail on him in his time of need.

On the sixth day, I decide enough is enough. I book anappointment with an OB-GYN, hoping the doctor will tell me I imagined the whole thing.

The doctor’s office smells faintly of lavender and antiseptic. My nose stings with how strong it is and my stomach turns slightly. Nope. Not doing the nausea thing. I remember what Tru said about something salty and pull out the little bag of goldfish I keep on hand at Briar Hill. I chew a few and am surprised when my stomach settles.

Hmm, I guess it does work.

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