Page 64 of Wicked Prince

Man, it would be nice, though.

When I walk into my first class, I glance around to see if Lorenzo is there without being able to stop myself. He is, of course, but he doesn't even look my way. Not even when I walk past him to take my seat in the back.

However much I hate to admit it, I spend more of the class period trying to casually see if he's looking than listening to the professor.

He never is.

I guess I'm not surprised. He's officially Kayleigh's boyfriend now, and I gave him an ultimatum. He chose her. He chose the path of least resistance, and I can't even say I blame him. My life would sure as hell be a lot easier if I could just manage that.

And now that I'm all but certain I'm pregnant with his baby, I'm about to find out just how complicated things can really get.

After class, Lorenzo leaves with his friends, and I'm almost relieved to not have to talk to him. Almost, but not quite. No matter how much I try to convince myself it was my choice to end things, it doesn't really feel like it was.

Anthony texts later in the day to ask if I want to meet for lunch—although demanding might be a more accurate term—and I readily agree. I really don't want to be alone right now.

He's waiting for me at a table near the door, which is probably for my benefit in case I need to run and get sick or something. Anthony is thoughtful like that. It's really true what they say about the good ones.

"Hey," he says, smiling brightly as I join him at the table. "Glad to see you're feeling up for class."

"I'm not," I admit. "But it's better than languishing in my dorm room."

He gives me a sympathetic look. "No word from the clinic yet?"

"Nope," I answer.

"How long does it take to run a pregnancy test?" he asks, stirring his iced coffee.

"You're telling me," I mumble, shrugging out of my jacket. It's only a matter of time before the school uniform becomes a problem, and I'm pretty sure they don't make it in maternity sizes. I guess I could just pass it off as the freshman fifteen.

For a while, at least.

"You're not getting anything?" he asks.

"In the middle of the day when I still have three classes left?" I ask. "I wouldn't tempt the gods like that."

He chuckles. "Didn't they say they'd give you something for the nausea?"

"Yeah. I just haven't picked it up yet. I'll stop by tonight before work. It's on the way to the restaurant."

He gives me a look, and I don't have to guess what the cause of it is. He's made no secret of the fact that he doesn't get why I'm working as a waitress. "You know, you're not going to be able to keep that up forever."

"It's not forever, just until I figure out something better and plan my exit. Besides, people work throughout their pregnancies all the time."

"I guess," he says doubtfully. "You know, if it's just a matter of money, I could help."

I blink at him. "As sweet as that is—"

"I know, I know, pride," he says, holding up his hands. "I'm just offering."

I can't help but smile. "Thank you so much, Anthony. I just need to figure this out on my own. Especially if I'm going to be doing the whole single mom thing."

"So you've decided you're having it?" he asks warily.

I hesitate. "I mean, I think so. If I am pregnant." I lower my tone and look around just to make sure we're not being overheard.

In reality, I'm all but certain I’m pregnant, but it makes me feel better to pretend like there's still a shred of hope.

Anthony nods thoughtfully. "Well, there are other options. You could always give it up for adoption."

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