Heavy grey clouds hung low in the sky, threatening snow. Normally, I’d welcome the first snow of the season, but as I directed the vendors to their assigned booths, I cursed the timing. I sat there compulsively checking the weather, praying the storm would swing north. The last thing I needed was snow to scare the crowds away from our annual street fair.

On the bright side, my newfound weather fixation helped keep my mind off my other pressing issue; the unopened pregnancy test in my upstairs bathroom. I knew ignoring the test wasn’t going to change the outcome. I should have just taken the test last night. At least that way I’d know. Knowing for sure had to be better than this torturous back and forth.

What if I was pregnant?

How could I let this happen?

I used to think I was a smart woman. We didn’t use a condom once. Once! The sad thing was, I knew better. I knew even if I was on birth control this could happen. Part of my job involved counseling teens about the risk of unprotected sex. How will I be able to look them in the eyes and tell them to be careful, when I couldn’t even follow my own advice?

There were a ton of things I needed to consider. I was twenty-eight and single, but I wasn’t sure I was ready for a baby. I’ve killed every houseplant I’ve ever had. I couldn’t cook. Not to mention the fact that I was a workaholic.

Could I still be as dedicated to my job if I had a baby? Would I even want to spend so much time away from home? Should I move to a bigger place?

I hadn’t even thought about my housing situation yet. I loved my brownstone. I loved my neighborhood. But it was on a busy street. There wasn’t a park or any green space close. There were better schools. Maybe I should have a place with a yard?

And what about my relationship with Cooper—or lack thereof? How would he handle the news?

I couldn’t imagine him being happy. The man could barely handle the idea of a girlfriend. And if I thought I wasn’t ready, I knew he wasn’t. A baby would freak him out.

But I wasn’t really being fair. I shouldn’t expect him to take the news any better than I was myself. Neither of us expected this, but I knew deep down, he was a good guy and would make sure his child didn’t want for a single thing.

But what if I wasn’t pregnant?

Surprisingly, that outcome was equally scary. I was twenty-eight and single. There were no other men in my life. The goal of having my own family felt like a distant dream. And while being a single mother wasn’t ideal, it was, at least, a beginning.

If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d be relieved, but a part of me would also mourn the child that could have been.

“Are you feeling okay?” Ben asked as he approached the registration booth.

Even bundled up in a heavy wool jacket and gloves, the handsome real estate mogul oozed sophistication. He looked like he just stepped off the cover of GQ’s winter edition. His short dark hair was no match for the stiff breeze that whipped around the tall buildings. But even his messy locks added a certain devilish allure to his look. A few months ago, I would have been charmed by his soft touch and concerned gaze.

That was before an unpredictable, long-haired third-baseman stole my heart.

“I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep well. What are you doing here so early?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

I didn’t need another person hounding me about my health. Yes, I looked like crap. But that was to be expected. The street fair had me stressed, I wasn’t sleeping, and I was just getting over some stomach bug.

At least, those were all the reasons I told everyone else. In reality, I was heartbroken and possibly pregnant.

“I was out checking on a property and thought I’d stop by to see how things were going,” he said, scanning the street.

“So far, everything’s going great,” I said, feeling the need to knock on wood. The event didn’t officially start until five. There was still two more hours of setup, but most of the vendors were already here. “I know I’ve already thanked you, but I want to again. With your help, we’ve already doubled our profits, and the event hasn’t even taken place. And if the hits on our website are any indication, our attendance is going to be way up this year. That is if the weather holds.”

“I was happy to help. What you’re doing is important. Just because I’m a real estate developer doesn’t mean I’m unaware of the impact development has on lower-income residents. We need safety nets like your shelter. So I’m more than happy to help.”

“But you could have just written a check. You didn’t have to personally help promote the event or talk your clients into buying booth space.”

“But then I wouldn’t have gotten to know you so well. Besides, I’m not the only one who helped. I’m sure Cooper did a lot to promote the event, too,” he said, dismissing my praise. “Speaking of our favorite hot-head, have you heard from him today?  I wanted to talk to him before the event and clear the air. The asshole hasn’t returned any of my calls. Do you know what time he’s going to be here?”

I hadn’t spoken to Cooper in almost three weeks. Not since I left him standing on my sidewalk. The only contact we’d had since he stormed out of my office was the single text he sent last night, letting me know he’d be here today.

Even that impersonal text, set off a fresh round of tears. Our relationship had been short, but intense. And I wasn’t dealing with it very well.

However, no one else knew about our breakup. Per the contract we both signed, I was his girlfriend until after the first of the year. In public, we had to act like we were madly in love.

I pasted on a smile and shrugged. “He didn’t say. But you know Cooper, he’ll show up when he’s ready.”

And hopefully not cause a scene.

“If you don’t want me to come tonight—”

“Of course, I want you to come. You’ve helped me out so much these last few weeks. You need to see the end result. Cooper’s issue with our friendship is ridiculous, and I told him as much. I have enough problems to deal with today. I can’t baby his bruised ego.”

Problems like that pregnancy test I still had to take. My stomach churned, and I took another sip of my sprite to settle the nausea.

Ben frowned and narrowed his eyes, giving me a good once over. I knew he was on the verge of asking me if I was okay again. And I swear, if one more person asked, I was going to lose it.

“Besides, I’m going to be busy with the wrapping station. I’d really appreciate it if you could handle any press that shows up. You’re so much better at that than I am.”

“As long as you’re sure, I’ll be here at six.” He turned to leave and waved to my assistant Tony on the way back to his car.

It might have been better if Ben stayed home, but after the way Cooper behaved, I didn’t owe him a thing. His anger was unfounded. His accusations were cruel. I work with a lot of men, and he couldn’t go around hitting every guy he thought wanted to sleep with me.

Besides, I wasn’t interested in Ben. Even after the horrible things Cooper had said, even after breaking up with him, he was the only man I wanted.