Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
James looked horrified.
“Right? And when they left, Evelyn threw a fit, basically demanding she be included for every second of her future appointments. Even threw it in Brystol’s face that they’re the ones paying for the doctor visits.”
“Ouch.”
I sighed. “But this morning is what broke Brystol. I stayed the night last night.”
His eyes went wide. “Holy shit, Gavin.”
I couldn’t hide the smile on my face. “It was fucking fantastic…and I don’t know, James. I’ve never felt that way with any other woman. It was…so different, but in the best way possible. I can’t honestly imagine being with anyone else after this.”
“Wait, are you saying you’re in love with Brystol?”
I let out a laugh. “I’ve been in love with that woman for as long as I can remember. You always told me I was, and now you’re surprised?”
“Well, no, but at the same time, yeah. I’m happy for you, Gavin. I’m happy for you both.”
“Thanks,” I said, trying to get the smile off my face.
He cleared his throat. “Okay, what does your staying the night have to do with whatever broke Brystol?”
“After dinner last night, we walked into her house, and let’s just say things moved quickly. Brystol left her phone in her purse. Apparently, Evelyn had been trying to call her last night and this morning. She came rushing to the house at seven a.m., jumped on Brystol for making her worry, noticed me there, and flipped her lid.”
Confused, he asked, “Why? Everyone knows the two of you have secretly had a thing for one another. Evelyn should definitely know since she’s best friends with Brystol. What was her problem?”
I nodded. “She didn’t like the fact that we’d slept together. In her mind, Brystol should abstain from sex until after the pregnancy.”
My brother’s mouth fell open. “What? What if you guys had been married, and she’d agreed to this? Did she really think Brystol wouldn’t have sex the entire pregnancy?”
“Yep. Was pretty adamant about it too. And when that little issue got worked out, she flipped again after Brystol mentioned going to the Turkey Trot, which she’s done every year since high school. It’s like Evelyn has become this person I don’t even know anymore. Denny texted me just before I got here, said Evelyn’s been changing daily. She’s insanely jealous Brystol is carrying the baby and she’s not. I told him she needed to talk to someone about it, a therapist. The worst part is, Brystol told them she regretted her decision to be the surrogate.”
“Oh hell. Damn, man. Did she mean it?”
“I think so,” I said with a solemn nod. “At the time, at least. She doesn’t now, of course. But she’s just fed up with how Evelyn treats her, and I don’t know how to help.”
“You do what you’re doing. Stand by her, be there for her. That’s all you can do until Evelyn gets her shit worked out.”
I blew out a breath. “I feel bad for Denny. I’m not sure how he’s handling it all. I asked him if he wanted to grab a few beers later, and he said he couldn’t. Evelyn’s having a bad day after what Brystol said. It’s like neither of them can see what they’re doing to Brystol. I mean, the last thing I would want to do is stress out a pregnant woman.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “Try not to worry. It’ll all work out. I’m sure Evelyn is just stressed about things. Once Brystol gets past the first trimester, and Evelyn starts to see signs of the baby, I’m guessing things will get better.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.”
“Let’s say to hell with our workout, invite Declan and Kian out for some beers, and talk stupid guy shit.”
I laughed. “That sounds like a great plan. Let me give Brystol a quick call and see how she’s doing.”
He nodded. “I’ll text Declan and Kian.”
Stepping out of the gym, I made my way to the courtyard and hit Brystol’s number. I smiled the instant I heard her voice.
“Hey, I thought you were going to work out with James?”
“We weren’t in the mood. James suggested seeing if Declan and Kian wanted to meet for a few beers. I wanted to check in and see how you’re feeling.”
“That was sweet of you,” she said. “Things have been busy here today, which is great.”
“How was your run?”
“Much needed.”
I glanced around to make sure I was alone. “Have you heard from Evelyn?”
She exhaled. “Yes, she’s texted a few times, and in the last one, she said she’d leave me alone until I was ready to talk to her. I feel bad for what I said this morning, Gavin. I didn’t truly mean it. I don’t regret saying it, but…she’s driving me crazy.”
“Have you considered contacting the clinic or the person you had to do your counseling sessions with? Maybe they can offer some advice on what you should do? I’m sure this isn’t the first time something like this has occurred.”