Page 39 of Pieces of Us
I stand and hold out my hand to help her up. We walk out of the bathroom and down the hall.
“If you want, grab your stuff and meet me at the door. I’ll just let everyone know you don’t feel well, and I’m taking you home.”
“Okay.” She grabs her purse from the living room, and I stop in the dining area. Audrey said she knew it and gets up to meet Mel at the door.
“I’m sorry you don’t feel good, babes.”
“I think I just need some rest. Sorry I’m missing dinner.”
“Text me in the morning and let me know how you’re doing.”
“I will.”
Audrey turns to me. “Thanks for taking her home, Linc.”
“No worries. I’ll get her settled and come back. Save my food for me?”
“On it.”
Mel stays quiet on the ride to her place. We get inside her apartment, and it feels like déjà vu. I haven’t been inside her space since the night I met her.
“Couch or bed?”
“Couch. I think I want the TV on.”
“Alright. Start finding something to watch, and I can get stuff so you’re comfortable. Is it okay if I go in your room?”
“Yeah.”
Walking into her bedroom, I see her bed and the chair I sat in that night. I fight the memories surfacing in my mind. I’m here to take care of her, not think about sex.
I gather her duvet and a couple of pillows and walk back out to the living room. She’s sitting on the couch, about to press play on a movie.
“Which end would you like the pillows?”
“Oh, um, that side’s fine.”
I arrange the pillows where she pointed and drape her duvet behind her. I kneel in front of her, and she freezes. “I’m going to take your shoes off. Do you want PJs?”
“Linc, you don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.”
“Linc, you can go back to Audrey’s. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m going to make sure you’re okay first.”
“I’m fine, I just—”
“Let me take care of you, Mel.” I bark out the words. I’m aggravated and hungry. “Please. Just let me take care of you.”
She’s staring down at me like she’s looking straight through me.
“I’m sorry. I’m hungry and— ”
“I’m pregnant.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
