Chloe

I stare down at the screen of my phone.

I read the text message again and again. It’s unexpected and unwelcome. It’s also breaking the rules of the agreement that was signed just six months ago.

Call me, Chloe.

If it was anyone other than Christopher Newell, I would call, but the man has made my life hell for the past two years since he threw me out of our apartment and tried to steal most of my belongings along with my dignity.

Our divorce was complicated and tumultuous. He wanted out of the prenuptial agreement I signed when I was just nineteen.

My parents were captivated by his charm and wealth. They encouraged me to sign on the dotted line without a lawyer’s approval.

Rocco wasn’t as trusting. If it weren’t for him, I would have left the marriage penniless and despondent. He paid for a consultation with one of Manhattan’s premier family law experts and the agreement I finally did sign, gave my marriage a price tag if it ever ended.

The problem was that Christopher knew there were loopholes including a clause about me being unfaithful.

I never was.

He was the only man I was with.

I lost my virginity to him and he stole ten years as a bonus.

“Do you have a naked picture of Evan on your phone?” Gabi strolls into my office.

“What?” My head snaps up. “What did you say about a naked picture of Evan?”

She gestures toward my phone. “You’re staring at that thing. You never do that. You skim your messages, answer emails quickly and then you put it down. You’re not as attached to your phone as I am to mine.”

I place my phone on the desk hoping that the text message from my ex-husband is just a mirage and when I check back it will be gone.

“Do you need something, Gabi?”

“A hard cock and a stiff drink.” She shakes her head. “I am wound up tight today.”

I blink my eyes. “It’s only noon. I can’t imagine what you’re going to be like by the end of the day.”

She plops down into one of the chairs in front of my desk. “My mom is driving me crazy. She wants to come to New York for a weekend. An entire weekend, Chloe. That’s two full days of my life that I’ll have to give up for her.”

I’d give up years of my life for an extra hour with my mom to tell her that I love her and to thank her for every moment she devoted to me while she was alive.

“How do I get out of this? I saw her at Christmas. I don’t need another dose this soon.”

“You’re selfish,” I say quietly, hanging my head to hide my tear filled eyes. “You’re so lucky.”

She’s silent for a moment before she finally speaks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think, Chloe.”

I look up and she’s perched on the edge of the chair, her hands fisted together in her lap.

“I need my mom right now more than anything.” I wipe my hand over my face to brush away the tears. “I’m scared of what’s about to happen to me and the only person in the world who could make me feel like everything will be okay is my mom and she’s gone.”

“Chloe.” She’s on her feet and around the desk in an instant. “What do you mean? What’s about to happen to you?”

I can’t meet her gaze so I look over at the window and the light snow that is falling. “I miss her, Gabi. She’d tell me it was all going to be okay and I’d believe her.”

“I’ll tell you the same thing.” She crouches next to my chair. “Whatever it is you’re going to face it. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known. I can help too if you tell me what it is.”

I shake my head as a hiccup through a sob. “I can’t.”

“Ever since you went to see Dr. Reynolds, something hasn’t been right.” Her voice quivers. “You’ve been tired and quiet. We barely hang out. I’m scared, Chloe. I’m so scared that I’m going to lose you.”

I look at her and see the tears in her own eyes. I can’t do this to her. Gabi crawled into my hospital bed more times than I can count when I was sick. She brought all my schoolwork to the hospital and read my favorite books to me. I can’t put her through this.

“Tell me, Chloe.” She rests her forehead against my arm. “Please tell me you’re going to be okay.”

I stroke the back of her head while I whisper the words, “I’m pregnant, Gabi. I’m going to be a mom.”

When she looks up and our eyes meet I don’t see fear, but joy. “You’re fucking kidding, right? This is not April Fool’s Day.”

I laugh through a stream of tears. “It’s not a joke. I got knocked up the first time I slept with Evan.”

She cradles my cheeks in her palms. “You’re happy, right? This is a good thing, isn’t it?”

I nod. “It’s a very good thing.”

She kisses my cheek before she stands. “You’re going to slay this mom thing, Chloe and if you need any help, me and my mom will be there for you every step of the way. I’m going to run and call her back. You’ll have lunch with us when she comes to visit, right?”

“Right,” I answer softly. “I’d love to see your mom again.”