Page 99 of Don't Think

“She better,” Ana says firmly. “That wouldn’t be fair to the guys if she doesn’t. The barbecue’s to celebrate their record, so if she bails, that’s pretty messed up, especially since she’s with Gareth.”

I nod, the uncertainty still gnawing at me. “Hopefully, we can fix this.”

Ana smiles softly. “You guys will. Just give her time,” she says, standing up. “Come on, let’s go eat some Ben & Jerry’s.”

I shake my head slowly, a small laugh slipping out of me as I rise from the edge of the tub. My eyes immediately flicker to the test in the bin, and I quickly glance at it again to make sure I read it right.

Do I tell Jax this was even a possibility? Or just leave it alone?

Can I fix my friendship with Nora, or has it already gone too far?

So many damn questions, with no time to sort them all out. But by tomorrow… hopefully, I’ll have the answers.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Allie

I’ve spent all morning obsessively checking my phone, waiting for any kind of response to the hundred texts I sent Nora. I’ve checked it so many times that Ana finally had enough and snatched it, hiding it somewhere Istillhaven’t been able to find.

I just want to know if she’s coming or not. Or if I should be bracing myself for a cold shoulder, a full-blown meltdown, or maybe even an apology.

Alright, the apology part might be a stretch. Deep down, I’m just hoping she didn’t mean all the things she said. That I “pass off” my kids? After I tried to cancel this trip just to stay close to them? She’s the one who talked me into coming, saying I needed something to focus on instead of turning into another couch decoration.

My mind is all over the place, spinning in constant circles. I’m in such a daze I almost forget what I was even doing.

I slow the knife down, slicing the watermelon into chunks and drop them into the bowl beside me. Then I move on to the strawberries, cutting off the stems, my knife dragging across the cutting board while I push them aside.

A hand suddenly lands on my shoulder, making me jump.

“Woah, Al! Sorry, I thought you heard me,” Jax says, his voice calm. He presses a soft kiss to my cheek.

I glance down, and my eyes go wide—red streaks are smeared all over the counter. I lift my hand, watching the blood twist down and around my wrist like a bracelet.

“Shit,” I mutter, dropping the knife with a clatter.

Jax’s hands are on me in an instant, gently cradling my wrist and leading me to the sink. He flicks the water on with his elbow, then slides my hand under the cool stream. The sting is immediate, spreading down my finger like a wildfire.

“Woah,” Ana’s voice comes from behind us. “What happened?”

“Hey, can you grab a plaster?” Jax asks, not looking up, his attention still on my hand while he turns off the water.

“Shouldn’t we fix Allie’s finger before worrying about the wall?” Ana raises an eyebrow.

He shakes his head. “No, no—I mean a... bandage? Whatever it’s called here.”

He guides me over to the kitchen table, gently lowering me into a chair, still not letting go of my hand.

Ana’s back in no time, handing him the bandage over his shoulder. “This is all I could find.”

Jax takes it with one hand, ripping it open with his teeth. “That’s perfect, thanks,” he says, then carefully wraps it around my finger. Once it’s snug, he lifts my hand and presses a soft kiss to my knuckles before meeting my eyes.

“Are you okay?” His voice is soft, concern clear in his eyes.

I nod, but the words won’t come. If I sayI’m okay, I know I’ll start crying again, and Ana’s already had enough of that today.

“You’re nervous, aren’t you?” he says, almost like he’s reading my mind.

“Is it really that obvious?” I ask quietly, barely looking at him.