One Night in New York

Chapter Eight

One moment changed my night, and one night altered my life. I was content with my job as a receptionist. Right? Sure, I complained about it, but who doesn't occasionally complain about what they do? I knew I'd have my label one day, and I was working towards it while planning for the future. Then he came into my life. Why was he placed there, that one night in New York, at that precise moment?

Why did I fall so hard for him, despite the gravity of the situation? Why did he have to return after I shut him out? What if I had stayed at home and never visited the rooftop bar? What if I never asked him why he was with the girl who turned out to be his sister? I pondered all of the whys and what-ifs as I imagined different scenarios of what my life would have been like if he had never entered it, and I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Liam chased behind me as I sprinted up the stairs. I stood mortified as I displayed my dinner all over their front lawn, "Nat, stop, are you OK?" Liam seemed concerned, and I believed he was, but I also knew Andrew had planted the seed of pregnancy in both his and my minds.

"I'm fine, Liam; I just want to lie down," I said as I slipped my slacks off, trading them for a comfy pair of sweats.

"I know you're not feeling well, but I can't shake what Andrew said. Do you think it could be true?" he sat on the bed with a look of concern on his face, so I knew if I were, it would be something that would make him upset or make him question if he wanted to be with me.

"No, I think it's just something I ate, is all. With the Chinese food, then flying down here, topped with the buffet, it was just too much," I tried to think of a logical reason why I would be sick, not wanting to think of the latter.

"Should we get a test to be sure?" Liam asked as I could see the wheels spinning while his heart was beating fast out of his chest.

"No, I really don't think I am, Liam, plus I got a light period a few weeks back. I'm sure I'm not pregnant. I only want to rest if that's OK. This day has finally caught up to me."

"Absolutely," Liam replied as he covered me up, leaning over and kissing my forehead.

No, he didn't kiss me on the lips. Why would he, after the firework display in the yard of everything I'd eaten in the previous twenty-four hours? I certainly wouldn't. I quickly fell asleep after chewing five tums, and it was one of the best night's sleep I'd ever had.

The smell of coffee and bacon permeated the house the next morning, two of my favorite aromas. I hopped out of bed, forgetting I wasn't at home and made my way to the kitchen, still in a coffee-less trance.

As I walked in to greet them, I noticed Liam, Thomas, Connie, Andrew, and now his sister Alyssa sitting at the kitchen table. Liam began to laugh along with the others, but Connie was unimpressed. They were all dressed up for the occasion, while I was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt that was two sizes too big. And my hair, well, that rat's nest looked like it might have been home to some creatures.

With embarrassment, I closed my eyes and felt my bun on top of my head. I hadn't even realized I looked as bad as their expressions suggested. "I'm sorry, I'll be right back," I said as I spun myself around and rushed up the stairs to shower and change.

I looked at myself for a few moments, reprimanding my reflection. "Great, now they think you're a crazy person. Next time, Natalie, use your head. You're not at home, fricken, think before you do anything."

I quickly showered and went through my luggage to find an appropriate outfit for the day. I packed a few dresses but quickly tossed them aside in favor of a nice pair of jeans and a red knitted sweater.

"Yes, this is what I am wearing, Connie. I'm not some millionaire or even the wife of one." I spoke to myself as I pulled my shirt over my head.

I finished getting ready and had to give myself a pep talk before making my way back down, "You can do this, Natalie. Five more days, you can do it," but really, could I?