Page 1 of Ruin The Friendship
1
DRUG STORE VIBRATORS
LYDIA
“There’s no way,” I mumble to myself.
The pregnancy test boxes stare me down in the middle of this small drugstore. I was only here to grab my prescriptions when something pulled me into this aisle.
It hasn’t been more than a few weeks since my last period. Right? I’ve never been good at tracking it, but I’ve never needed to. My cycle has always been regular, and I take my birth control at the same time every day.
Only… the more I think about it, the more my stomach drops, and a sick feeling burns through my bloodstream. I count out the many weeks since that third date with Jude, and now, my lack of period.
No, no, no.
I cover my face with my hands, taking a deep breath.
Think, Lydia.
He wore a condom, right? And he pulled out. That has to be at least ninety-nine percent effective, doesn’t it? Really, what are the chances I’m pregnant?
Glancing around the aisle, I throw three different tests into my basket and rush to the self-checkout. I ring them upand pay, tossing them into a plastic bag. Damn it. I always bring reusable bags to the store, but of course, this is the one day I didn’t.
I hope Fletcher left for the arena before I get there. I can’t have my best friend and roommate of over six years seeing me with pregnancy tests. Normally, I tell him everything, but I didn’t tell him about Jude.
Dating has sucked lately, so when I saw Jude for a second date and then a third, I didn’t want to jinx it by telling Fletcher. Every time I get excited about a person, I get ghosted or used for sex. I thought Jude was different, but when my texts went unanswered after the night we slept together, I found out the hard way that he was only looking for a hook-up. Even though he said he wasn’t. He was just playing the long game.
I rush to my car, taking deep breaths as I climb in and turn it on, trying to beat the October chill. I rest my hands on the wheel as my phone rings through the stereo system.
Fletcher’s name flashes on the screen, and I take one last deep breath.
“Hey, Fletch.”
“Lydi, where are you? We have to leave soon for the arena.”
Fletcher always gets antsy before a game, never mind that tonight is the season opener. He’s a forward for the Minnesota Blue Herons, the professional hockey team. Straight out of college, he was drafted by the MBH, and he’s been there ever since. It’s worked out well for me; I get to keep my best friend close by, and my rent is cheap since he lets me live with him in his luxurious apartment.
“I’m at the pharmacy,” I say. “I’ll be home soon.”
“Okay, great. We can’t be late.”
“You know you could go without me, right?” I start the short drive home. “I can take the bus.”
“I hate when you take the bus to games.” His voice is filled with unnecessary concern.
“I know, but it’s fine. Then we won’t have two cars at the arena.”
Fletcher groans. “Just come right home, and then we won’t have two cars, and you don’t have to take the bus. Problem solved.”
I chuckle. “Lucky for you, I’m pulling into the parking garage now. I’ll be up in a few.”
I park next to Fletcher’s fancy SUV, grabbing the plastic bag out of my passenger seat. The tests are easily visible through the thin plastic; there’s no way Fletcher won’t see what’s inside. I frantically dig through the random sweatshirts, blankets, and things in my backseat for a reusable grocery bag. Nothing. Shit. I’m going to have to hide it from him, I guess.
Taking the elevator up to the eighth floor, I do my best to roll up the bag and tuck it under my arm.
I open our apartment door, not announcing my arrival the way I normally would. Instead, I rush through the living room down the hall toward my bathroom, but I don’t make it far.
“Lydia?” Fletcher’s low voice calls. “That you?”
