Page 72 of Unexpected Pass

I stood in front of the bedroom Kellon had let me turn into a closet. Lolo walked right past me and started flipping through hangers like she lived here.

“You’ve been hiding in baggy clothes far too long. We’re going to the spa. Nobody is going to see you. You can give fine and pregnant for one day for your bestie,” she pleaded, making me roll my eyes.

“That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to avoid. I don’t need to draw any attention.”

Like the hardheaded best friend she was, she handed me a tight, ribbed peach-colored dress that hugged all my curves, even the new one that was in front. It was cute and had a little stretch. It was one of the pieces I’d picked out when shopping with Kellon’s mom.

I pulled it on slowly, eyeing my reflection. I hadn’t dressed up in a minute, not since before I’d started showing. News was already swirling around about me being pregnant, and I didn’t want to come out and confirm it yet. Right now, it was just Reggie running his mouth and throwing around rumors in people’s comment sections.

“He showed up at the shop a few times last week,” Lolo said suddenly as if she was reading my mind.

“What?” I turned to look at her.

“Kellon made me promise not to tell you about any Reggie sightings, but he’s been by a lot looking for you. I told him you didn’t work there anymore, but I guess he thought I was lying.”

“I’m so sick of his ass, Lolo. He’s been a damn menace.” I rolled my eyes so hard they almost got stuck. “Him and his damn fiancée have been trolling me and Kellon online since February. We’ve hit them with restraining orders, and Kellon’s mom had the lawyers send a cease and desist letter.”

“He’s fucking obsessed with you,” Lolo muttered.

“And I don’t understand. He didn’t want this child. He told me to get an abortion. I literally don’t bother him and haven’t asked him for anything, and he’s still not satisfied.”

“He can’t stand the idea of you moving on and finding real love and happiness. He’s probably jealous that Kellon’s a bigger football star than he is,” Lolo said.

I took a breath, trying to relax. I hadn’t responded publicly, posted a bump picture, or said a word, but Reggie and Natalie wouldn’t let up.

I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for Kellon keeping me calm. “Let them talk, baby,” was his motto. He was always calm when I wasn’t, and I truly didn’t know how I’d gotten so lucky to run into him.

“Forget Reggie and his hating ass fiancée. My friend is glowing, loved, and living in a New York City penthouse with her fine ass loyal, rich man. That’s the focus, baby. That’s the flex!” She snapped her fingers just as the doorbell rang. “And that is our ride.”

She turned on her heels, and I quickly grabbed my purse and waddled off behind her. I couldn’t lie… It felt good to have my bestie here. I made a mental note to make sure and thank my man later. He always knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it.

“So,let me get this shit straight,” Lolo said before sipping on her cucumber water. “This man cooks, makes your doctor’s appointments, pays for everything, flies your bestie out in private jets, and rubs your feet?”

“Mmhmm.” I nodded my head in confirmation.

We were still at the spa. Our faces were slathered in a cucumber masque, and we wore matching white robes and were having the time of our lives. I didn’t realize how bad I needed this catch up session with Lolo. We talked damn near every day, but nothing compared to us being face to face. It was always a good time.

“Okay. Let me ask you this. Is the sex hitting?”

“Hitting!” I giggled. “At first, I felt bad for having this man all up inside of me while I was pregnant by somebody else, but that thought faded after the first orgasm.”

Lolo’s mouth dropped open, and she held up the bottle of champagne like she was holding me at gunpoint.

“Alright, heifer. This is a stick up. What’s the prayer?” She clicked her mouth like she was loading a gun. “I just need to know what prayer was said, sis. That’s it. That’s all.”

We burst out laughing as I lifted my hands in surrender.

“I can’t help you, bestie. God did this one on His own.”

Lolo sighed loudly as she lowered the bottle slowly and placed it on the table.

“Seriously, though,” I said, leaning my head back. “I thank God every day for that man. I really don’t know what I did to deserve a love this pure.”

Lolo smiled. “And I love this for you, bestie. If anybody deserves it, it’s you.”

The sound of my phone buzzing pulled my attention away. I thought to ignore it, but something pulled me to open it. It was an email from Nature Shea Essentials. My breath caught in the back of my throat.

Phileigh,

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