20. Melanie

20

Melanie

I t's been one glorious month since Brady told me he loved me, and I revealed the same to him. Honestly, things have been going well with us. We haven't talked much about my living arrangements, probably because he's been so busy with hockey, and I've been trying to work and go to classes. But I still have my sublet for November and it's probably best I keep it.

Right now, the thoughts of packing and moving sounds exhausting with this relentless headache. I haven't been feeling all that well these last couple of weeks, and have missed far too many shifts at the bar, which isn't going to bode well when tuition is due next month. I don't know what is wrong with my stomach or my head. I was sick last month at the end of exams, and can only blame this new virus on the stress of a new semester and a busy fall season at the resort. Not to mention our living arrangements and our future together.

Here it is, late Friday morning, and for the first time in a while, my stomach feels a bit better, but my head, not so much. Unfortunately, I don't have a shift at the bar tonight—the one night where I'm sure I could make it—and while making money would be nice, I'm also happy to go out to dinner with Brighton this evening. It's been a while since we've had a girls night out. I'm just not sure I should eat or drink much. I don't want to set my stomach off again.

As I glance out the patio window, I note the dark clouds overhead. It doesn't matter. The view of the water and beach never gets old, even when it's raining. I'll have quite a different view when I move to the city, and that's okay. I really enjoy being in the city and close to all the amenities. I'll be farther away from Brady, for sure, but we can make it work. With love, anything can work, right?

I do wonder how long Brady will live here, though. At some point, won't he want his own house? I think deep down he's afraid to spend money, with the way his family takes advantage of him, but it's not my place to say anything more. We're only dating. It's not like we're married and I have any kind of say. I'm also not his therapist.

I check the time on my phone and throw my laptop into my backpack. I have a class after lunch, and need to get moving, although I don't have to take the bus or train and that's a blessing. I still can't believe Brady went to the trouble of getting my car fixed. I haven't paid him back yet, and he doesn't want that, but I feel like I need to. It's still so hard for me to let go of past trauma and realize the man wants to do nice things for me—without anything in return. How did I ever get so lucky?

I rush to the bathroom to comb my hair and groan at the dark circles under my eyes. I've been sleeping, a lot actually, but I can't seem to get caught up. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was pregnant, but I'm not. I had a period a couple weeks ago. I shudder at the thoughts of pregnancy, despite the small part of me that totally adores Camryn and Gina's daughter Zoe.

Gina and I have gotten to know each other over the past few weeks and she's become a good friend. The trouble she went through to host a party for me touches my soul and warms my darkest corners. It's crazy to think how far I've come in the last few months since meeting Brady. Other than Brighton, I really had no friends.

I pull on a nice pair of jeans, and a blouse, since I'm going out to dinner right after class and want to look nice. Once I'm satisfied with the look, I pick up my backpack and walk to the door. Just as I'm about to open it, my phone pings and my heart jumps when I see it's a video call from Brady. I quickly pinch my cheeks to add color. He knows I haven't been feeling all that great lately, and that I've been missing shifts and I don't want him worrying about me any more than he already does. Like I've said, he has enough responsibility with his family as it is.

"Hey Coddy," I tease playfully when I see that he's in his hotel room. "Alone?"

"Yeah, Nicklas just left. Are you headed out?"

He sounds so tired. I hope I didn't give him whatever virus I'm fighting. "On my way to class."

"Sorry I would have called earlier, but I didn't have any privacy."

"Were you hoping to catch me in bed?" I tease.

His grin is wicked and playful. "Would you hold it against me if I said yes?"

"Are you talking about my body?" He laughs and runs his hands through his hair, and I can tell he's getting into goalie mode, trying to focus his thoughts for his game today. "How do you feel? Are you ready to kick some New York butt? I really wish I could watch you. I've never been to New York."

"We'll come on vacation one of these days," he assures me.

A little thrill goes through me. "I like the idea of that."

"Maybe an after graduation celebration."

I laugh at that, but the idea that he's planning long term makes me happier than I can put into words. "You're too much, Brady."

His eyes narrow and I almost pull the phone away. "How are you feeling? Still tired?"

"Jeez, thanks," I shoot back, playing it off. "Tell me I look awful without telling me I look awful."

"I'm sorry, babe." He frowns and blinks, looking completely sincere and apologetic for hurting my feelings.

"I'm kidding," I hurry out, appeasing him. "I'm okay. I was just up late studying." Not a lie. I wasn't well enough to work last night, so I opened the books and fell asleep on them.

He eyes me like he's not sure he believes me, then he lifts his head and glances at something in his room. He seems distracted. "I better get going."

"Have a great game." I blow him a kiss. "Sending all the positive vibes."

"Love you, babe."

"Love you too."

He frowns for a second and I don't know why but a burst of unease moves through my veins. He looks like he wants to tell me something, but isn't sure how. "Brady?"

He blinks, and focuses back in on me. "Have a great day, and see you tonight."

"Okay. Talk soon."

I end the call and step into the hall. I hear little Camryn laughing from her wing of the house and a small pang of envy tightens in my stomach. My God, what is going on with me? I swore a long time ago that I'd never bring kids into this world, but I never thought I'd be in such a loving relationship either—with a guy who is adamant he doesn't want kids either. Maybe I'm emotional because I'm missing him so much.

I push those thoughts to the back of my brain and hurry down the stairs. Outside I walk to my car as more dark clouds move in and I hold out my hand, catching a few light drops. Even though the air is colder, I enjoy the cool drops on my flushed face.

In the car, I turn the music on and enjoy the drive into the city. Once I reach my campus, I park and instead of going to the library to review my notes before class, I head to the financial payment office, to get my final payment invoice.

"Hey, Jenna," I say to the elderly lady behind the counter. I've gotten to know her over the years, as she's helped me with my payment plans. Her smile is bright and contagious as she pushes her glasses up and grins at me like she knows a secret I don't. "Do I have food on my face?" I swipe at my mouth and laugh. Maybe she's noticed the dark circles under my eyes, but surely to God that wouldn't make her smile.

"What are you doing here?" she asks, and picks up a pile of papers and shuffles them to straighten them into a nice, neat pile before she slips them into a manila folder.

"I wanted to get a printout of my last payment."

She angles her head. "You're all caught up, sweetie."

I stand there for a second and then glance over my shoulder. Is she talking to someone behind me? Since no one is standing there I turn back to her. "What are you talking about?"

"Your final tuition has been paid in full."

"That can't be right." I point to the big monitor in front of her. "You'll have to check again."

"Do you want to pay it again?" she asks, in a teasing singsong voice.

"No, but I mean, there has to be a mistake." God, it can't be paid. There's obviously a mistake and I need to get to the bottom of it. Can you imagine if I didn't pay because of a mistake and ended up not graduating?

"Honey," she begins and leans forward. "One very hot hockey player came in here the other day and paid off your balance. If I were you, I'd be hurrying home to thank that big hunk of hotness."

My blood drains to my toes and I grip the counter. I'm not sure if I'm lightheaded because I just found out Brady paid my tuition, or if it's because of this damn persistent headache.

Jenna's smile collapses. "Honey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, just fighting a flu." I push off the counter. "Thank you." My knees are wobbly as I walk down the hall and find the library. My brain is still racing as I drop down into a chair and pull my phone from my bag.

Brady paid my tuition? What the hell?

As I try to wrap my brain around that turn of events, I slide my finger across my phone, ready to call him and yell at him. Lord knows I don't want him to feel responsible for me, but I pause, because he's currently preparing for a game. Could this be what he was trying to tell me earlier? Maybe he knew how I'd react and didn't want to say anything before his game.

I set my phone down, deciding what I want to say in a conversation for when we're in person. I mean, I am touched by his generosity, but it also upsets me. I don't want him to feel like I'm his responsibility. I would have found a way to make the payments. I always do. It's just been a little harder with the missing shifts.

In the library, I try to study, but can't seem to focus, and when it's finally time for class, I pack up and walk down the hallway, meeting up with Tania and Trevor. They're still talking about my celebration party at the Nook. I try to stay engaged and not distracted as we talk, and soon enough, I take my seat in the class.

The professor, who I adore, seems to drone on a little bit longer today, and by the time he's finished my appetite is back, the muffin I'd eaten for breakfast doing little to sustain me through the day. I hurry from the lecture hall once he finishes and make my way to the bathroom to fix myself up before meeting Brighton. Since makeup is doing little to hide the dark circles, I head back to my car and drive to the Italian restaurant Brighton chose. Apparently, she's been craving pasta.

Rain is falling hard by the time I park, and since I didn't have the foresight to bring an umbrella, I'm pretty soaked by the time I make it to the restaurant. I glance around inside and I'm a bit surprised to see that Brighton has brought Dani along.

The hostess leads me to the table, and Brighton jumps up to hug me. But then she pulls back abruptly. "Are you okay?"

I use the rain as an excuse. "I know I'm a mess. I forgot my umbrella."

She smiles, and waves her hand toward Dani. "I hope you don't mind that Dani is joining us." Dani gives a feeble smile, like she's worried I could be upset that she's here.

"Of course not. I'm so glad you could join us, Dani."

"Thanks. With all the guys away, Brighton asked me to join you both."

I drop down next to Brighton at the table, and the server comes. Since Brighton is pregnant, she orders a soda, and since that sounds good to me, I order the same. Dani, who appears to be nervous about something, asks for wine. I think she could use a glass or two. I don't really know much about her, and I don't really understand her relationship with Conner, other than she was married to his late brother.

"Dani was just telling me about this hot book she's reading for book club."

"Oh yeah?" I take a sip of water. "I can't wait to read a book that doesn't involve psychology. Honestly, I'd love to lose myself in a novel."

We talk about books for a few more minutes. The server delivers bread, and butter and our drinks. The sudden smell of fresh bread, which I freaking love, turns my stomach and I lean back in my chair.

"Whoa, are you okay?" Brighton asks.

"I don't know. The smell of that suddenly made me queasy."

Brighton rubs her big belly, her voice joking when she teases, "Maybe you're pregnant."

A strange, garbled sound catches in Dani's throat and both Brighton and I turn to her. Heat flushes her face as she looks at everyone and anything but me. "Are you okay?" I ask. Maybe she's the one who's pregnant.

Dani reaches for her glass of wine and takes a gulp. "Yeah, bread. Just choked a bit. I'm okay now."

We stare at her for a second and when she doesn't say more, Brighton turns back to me. "Wait, you're not pregnant, are you?"

I laugh and shake my head, because that's seriously ludicrous. "I'm not pregnant," I assure her, and give her a dismissive wave of my hand.

She lets it go, and after the bout of nausea passes, we have a nice evening chatting. The rain has lightened by the time I leave, and I give my friends a hug before I head to my own car. I jump in and drive toward home. As I pass a drug store, Brighton's words jump into my brain and I slow the vehicle.

Should I get a pregnancy test?