Chapter Forty-Four

Kate

One week later

 

The procedure was over.

I was now under observation for a bit before I could dress and go home. I’d been mildly sedated and given pain meds. We wanted no significant bleeding, fever, major cramping, or reactions to the drugs. The sedative had made me lightheaded, like when I had nitrous oxide at the dentist for my first filling.

Definitely a good idea Sonya was here.

When she got me home, I was sent to bed with soup.

Life was tragically funny. I get my uterus fixed for the potential of children the week after I break up with my boyfriend.

The only local job openings I’d found were for significantly less salary, but I’d probably have to take one. My last day of work, the VP offered the temp position at the L.A. office again.

They hadn’t filled it, yet.

I said to put my name in if they covered room and board while I was there.

No contact from Sydney Price the past week. Like I expected.

Tomorrow, I needed to start packing. A week and a half left in my apartment if I couldn’t find a new roommate. Sonya had looked among her single friends for a replacement and I was supposed to meet a chick for lunch. See if we hit it off.

But today I was wallowing. Hugging one of my pillows.

I’d gotten too comfortable and now everything was pear-shaped again.

Sam tried calling once after I hung up the video chat last Saturday.

When I didn’t pick up, he left no voice mail.

Hadn’t heard from him since.

Well, I had warned him. I knew I would hurt him.

I should’ve sent him home after he showed up with pizza and wine.

I should’ve closed the bathroom door instead of kissing and fucking him.

I should’ve never bothered with that stupid reunion.

Sonya tapped on the door before sticking her head in. “You okay?”

“Yeah. It’s no worse than a period.”

“And what about the other thing?” She leaned on the doorframe.

“What thing?”

“The name I haven’t brought up since I found you crying a week ago.”

“Oh. That. Still don’t want to talk about it,” I muttered into the pillow.

“Want my opinion?”

“No.”

“Go to California.”

“You go.”

“Very mature.”

I rolled away from the door. “Can’t you let me be sad in peace?”

“If you’re so sad, then go make up with him!”

I sat up. “And what? Be a kept woman? No thank you.”

“Kate, you could never be anyone’s kept anything.”

“I can’t do it, Sonya. I can’t show up hat in hand.” A loose thread in the comforter caught my eye. “And living together is different than dating. You’ll find out.” Picking at the thread, I sighed. “I can’t afford to go to California, anyway. You think Nashville’s getting expensive? Pfft!”

“Stay with Jane if you won’t go to Sam. Get a fresh start under your surrogate mom’s roof. I’d miss you like crazy, but can you really still be happy here?”

I didn’t know.

I didn’t know if I’d be happy anywhere for a long time.

“I shouldn’t have let any of you talk me into this. I knew it would end in pain.”

Sonya snorted. “Self-fulfilling prophecy if you ask me.”

“I didn’t ask you.”

She rolled her eyes at my glare. “Honey, I’m your best friend. I’m not doing my job if I don’t tell you when you’re being stupid.”

“Now you’ve shared your opinion, you can leave.”

Sonya patted my shoulder. “It’s okay. I still love you.” She closed the door.