Her life! GxG! Intersex! (Book 1)

79

The sky outside the penthouse had darkened to a muted steel gray, casting a soft gloom over the apartment as the once golden light faded completely. Emma was curled up on the couch, blanket tucked under her arms, while Abigail stood by the window, arms crossed, a pensive look drawn across her face.

There was something in the air—subtle, but impossible to ignore.

Emma glanced up from her tea. "You've been quiet."

Abigail didn't turn. "Just thinking."

Emma waited a beat, then softly asked, "About what?"

Abigail finally turned to face her, her voice tight. "About how we've had company in our space every day this week. About how I can't remember the last time it was just you and me without some kind of audience."

Emma blinked, surprised. "You love Megan and Ashley."

"I do," Abigail said quickly. "That's not the point."

Emma sat up a little straighter. "Then what is?"

Abigail rubbed the back of her neck, frustration flickering in her eyes. "I just feel like we haven't had any time to be... us. Just us. I know everything's changing with the baby, and I want to soak it in with you—but lately, it feels like I'm always sharing you."

Emma set her mug down, her voice calm but clipped. "You could've said something before now."

"I'm saying it now," Abigail replied, sharper than intended.

There was a beat of silence.

Emma's jaw tightened. "You know, I'm pregnant, Abigail. I'm exhausted, hormonal, and trying to keep everything together. I didn't realize I needed to keep track of your social energy too."

"That's not fair," Abigail shot back, her voice rising. "You think I don't see how much effort you put in? I do. But it's like I'm standing here watching everyone get the soft, easy parts of you, and I get what's leftover."

Emma stood now, hands clenched at her sides. "You're the one who gets me when I'm vulnerable. Who sees me when I'm falling apart. Don't act like that's nothing."

"I'm not saying it's nothing!" Abigail took a breath, pacing now. "I'm saying... I miss you."

The words hung heavy in the air.

Emma looked away first, lips trembling just slightly. "I don't know what to say to that."

Neither of them moved for a long, aching minute. The sound of the city outside buzzed faintly through the balcony doors.

Then Abigail's phone buzzed on the counter.

She glanced at the screen. Megan.

"I should get that," she muttered, stepping away to answer.

"Hey," Abigail said, her voice low.

"Hey," Megan chirped on the other end. "So... random, but a few of us are hitting this club tonight. Chill spot, nothing wild. Thought I'd invite you. Come blow off some steam. Bring Emma too, if she's up for it."

Abigail hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward Emma, who was still standing stiffly by the couch, arms crossed.

She softened her voice. "Let me check."

"Cool, I'll hang on."

Abigail approached slowly. "Megan invited me out. Her and some friends. Just... something light. Club, drinks, dancing."

Emma looked at her for a moment, like she was weighing something invisible in her hands.

Then she nodded once. "Go. Might be good for you."