Page 31 of Say I'm Yours, Firecracker

How dare she use my nickname. I couldn’t process my feelings. It felt like everyone was against me, even though I had been willing to give Finn another chance, it had to be onmyterms, not anyone else's.

“I hate that you’re all bulldozing me into resolving my shit with Finn, and I hate that you may be right. Even if that’s true, Bell, you’re supposed to be inmycorner.” I couldn't control the cracks in my voice, or the tears from welling in my eyes. “I’ve got to go.”

“Ronnie.” Aaron started, but I pushed past him and started for the door.

Eli was reaching for the handle when I pulled it open and pushed past him, looking for Finn. He stepped back, but didn’t say anything.

I looked back and forth, across the street, even took a few steps to view around the corner, but he was gone. I shouldn’t feel bad for having the feelings that I did, I know I’m allowed to feel betrayed, and lied to. I also know Bellamy just wants me loved and taken care of, and she wants to make sure Finn is stepping up. I guess he is trying, which I appreciated, but I was tired of everyone forcing my hand. I needed to be able to forgive Finn when I was good and ready.

“Baby daddy went that way.” Eli said, sticking his thumb up over his shoulder. “Do we need to reschedule?”

I leveled him with a glare. “No.”

His hands went up, palms facing me. “Okay.”

He nodded to where his car was parked on the side of the street and we walked over together. Helping me in, he waited until I was buckled before closing the door and walking around to his side.

We didn’t speak as he drove us into Charleston. The text he sent me told me to wear something nice, but not too fancy. After practically cleaning out my closet I settled on yellow flare pants that I found while scourging an online yard sale for pregnancy clothes. They were bright and cheery, two of my favorite things.

A white blouse that bunched around my breasts to show off my bump, with sheer billowing sleeves finished off the ensemble. The shirt had crochet over the bust in floral patterns that made me giddy every time I looked down. It was subtle, but feminine in a way I loved.

I still wore my tan chunky heels. My feet would be killing me if we did much walking, but I couldn’t fathom not wearing them with the outfit. I paired it with the gold pendant Bellamy gave me all those years ago after our very first heart-to-heart.

It’s rare that I ever take this particular necklace off at all.

Gold hoop earrings dangle daintily from my ears, and I did my makeup like I do every day. Standard concealer for the sleepless nights that left me with bruised looking under eyes. Foundation to cover the freckles that dotted my face. A swipe of liner across my lids and a peachy nude for my lips.

Hit the lashes with a little mascara, and viola!

If this pregnancy was the only one I got to have, I was going to do it in style. Dr. Steele hadn’t specifically told me this little one would be it for me, but I’d done my research, and this miracle shouldn’t have been possible.

Eli pulled the car smoothly in front of a busy looking restaurant. The awning was dark blue, with glass covering the front. Inside it looked like a fun pub, all dark wooden paneled walls, industrial lighting lined the ceiling, emitting a warm yellow glow.

The tables were covered in white linens and a little vase with a candle sat in the middle of each one. It felt like a real date, and I guess my face showed my hesitation when Eli placed a hand on my back to guide me behind the hostess.

He leaned down so he could speak in my ear. “It’s not as fancy as you think.”

I eye’d the place again, settling on his smiling face. “I can see we have a different opinion on ‘fancy’.”

When we got to our table he pulled my chair out for me before rounding the table to sit down himself.

The perfect gentleman.

The waiter came over with two waters filled with ice and a lemon slice on the side. He asked if we’d like to know the daily special and if we wanted to order any other drinks.

Eli ordered an old fashioned, and I asked for a black cherry soda.

“Should I be worried about you drinking and driving a pregnant lady around?” I teased, knowing most likely if he got any buzz it would be long gone by the time we got done with dinner.

“No,” he smirked, “but you probably should worry about the big brute who followed us here.”

I whipped around, spotting Finn with his arm hanging out of his truck window, staring at us through the clear windows.

“I can’t believe him!” I said, throwing my napkin down and making to stand.

Eli’s hand shot out, grabbing mine before I could get up. “Just let him stalk.”

“I’m mad at him though, and I really need a good yell.”

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