Page 42 of The Chef's Kiss
“Give me a break. I just did one of those at-home tests a few days before I left school. I’m still processing.”
“Well, you need to process your rear end over to see Dr. Staples.” Ruby shooed me off the bed so she could start making it.
I knew from experience she would make the bed with me in it if I didn’t get out of her way. She learned that trick from her mom.
I shuffled across the room into the bathroom, feeling like a ninety year old with creaky bones and aching muscles. Checking my reflection in the mirror, I gave another groan. Whoever said all pregnant women glowed were stupid liars. I looked like death with really tangled hair. I’d showered last night but hadn’t had the energy to wash my hair.
“That’s okay, we can rock the dry shampoo look for one more day. Right, kiddo?” I brushed a hand over my stomach, wondering what this kid was going to look like.
“Please look like me. Your dad is all sorts of attractive, but he’s kind of a jerk. We aren’t too happy with him.” I rushed through my morning routine and felt a bit better after a quick splash of cold water on my face.
“Can you make me an appointment with Dr. Staples?” I asked Ruby when I came back out to get dressed. “You’re right; I need to get checked out.”
“Already called her while you were in the bathroom. You have an appointment on Friday at two. And I think you got a text while you were in there. Several, from the sounds of the racket your phone is making.”
“Thanks, Ruby. You’re the best. I wish I could take you with me whenever I find a place of my own.”
“You know your dad is going to send me to check on you wherever you land, whether you want it or not.” Ruby folded a fresh stack of laundry and tossed my pajamas in the hamper.
“Well, he and I are going to have a long talk at some point.” I snatched my phone from my nightstand and cringed at the message from Jeff. I didn’t even want to check it.
Jeff:You take care of it?
Jeff:Jorgie, tell me you took care of your little situation. I gave you the cash. I expect you to do the right thing here.
“Mine?” I gripped my phone, wishing it was his stupid jerk-face neck. “Is this Neanderthal serious right now?”
Jorgie:MYsituation? You arrogant, lying prick! You think I made this happen all on my own?
I hit send and immediately regretted it. I didn’t want to—or have the time—to get into it with him right now. I finished dressing in my closet while Ruby tidied my room. Shoving my phone in my purse, I pushed Jeff to the back of my mind and made my way downstairs.
I didn’t have time for breakfast, though I had a massive craving for a giant bowl of cereal, and I really hoped Hudson would feed me because he didn’t need to meet hangry pregnant Jorgie. It was way too soon for that.
* * *
I darted into the restaurant and through the dining room, skidding to a halt in the kitchen.
“Two minutes early!” I lifted my arms over my head in a cheer and winced as my head swam, and I sank into the nearest seat at the counter.
“You okay?” Hudson tried not to crack a smile as I panted.
“Headache.” I dropped my purse on the floor. “It’s a miracle I’m actually here and on time.”
“Didn’t you have frequent morning classes in college?”
“Only when I had to, and I usually went back to bed after.” I lifted my face as a wonderful aroma hit me. “What smells like breakfast?”
“That would be breakfast.” Hudson stood from his seat at the counter and disappeared behind the cook line. “You look hungry.”
“I’m starving and so glad I skipped the cereal I was craving.” My phone chirped in my bag, and I reached to silence it. Another text from Jeff.
Jeff:Jorgie, I’m not joking. I need to know you’re dealing with this.
Sighing, I typed a quick response.
Jorgie:You don’t need to worry about it. We don’t need anything from you.
I silenced my phone and tossed it back into my bag just as Hudson came around the corner with two steaming ramekins and a pot of coffee.
