Page 55 of Heartbeats & Highways

Without pause, Roman placed his hand against my forehead. “You don’t feel warm. Just kind of . . . clammy.”

“Gross,” Virgil muttered.

I glared at Roman. “I’m not clammy. I put a wet paper towel to my forehead. I think I’ll get some air.”

“Take a ginger ale,” Roman said to me.

Nodding, I crouched down to the mini fridge and took the last one.

Homer and Brittany appeared in the front room.

“We brought lunch,” Jazz said to Homer. “We made your usual.”

“Thanks,” he said gruffly.

“I’m ready to pay,” Brittany said to me.

“Why don’t I get you squared up,” Brielle said to Brittany. “Evie’s getting some air.”

“Thanks,” Brittany chirped.

Homer took the box of food.

“See you tonight, Homer,” she called.

He didn’t reply to her statement, disappearing into the back once again.

I sidled around Roman and trekked toward the front door. Cool air hit my cheeks and immediately made me feel better. I sipped on the ginger ale, letting my stomach settle.

The front door opened, and Brittany stepped outside. She put her sunglasses on and had her keys in her hand. “You okay? I heard you throwing up.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just an upset belly.”

“Whew. Anytime I throw up, I start to worry that I’m pregnant.” She shook her head. “So I invited Homer to this place with live music my friend’s playing at. I don’t know if he’ll show, but I hope he will.”

She didn’t even realize I hadn’t replied to her, so lost in her own excitement about a potential date with Homer.

My skin buzzed with terror.

Pregnant. I can’t be pregnant.

There was no way . . .

Was there?

“Anyway, see ya,” Brittany said. With a wave, she headed toward her car.

My phone buzzed with a text.

Savage

hey babe can’t pick you up today. Club shit. I can send a prospect to drive you.

I took a deep breath and replied.

Me

Don’t worry about it. I’ll take the bus.

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