Page 21 of Shattered Hearts

Am I mad about this outcome? Honestly, no, I’m not. I always wanted to have kids of my own, and that was no secret. I just wish it was with the man that I have loved my whole life, and not someone I was with in a moment of weakness.

Sucking in a breath, the thought runs through my mind. Grayson should know. He will find out eventually, and I would want it to be from me and not someone else in Ashwood Creek. We all know how some of the older ladies like to gossip like there’s no tomorrow.

Despite my brain telling me that I should tell him now, the sickness in my stomach is saying otherwise.

Dropping it back in the drawer, I slip my phone out of my pocket and pull up the website once again. It’s been up for a few days now in my browser. My toes wriggle as I make the appointment for later in the week, knowing that either Sadie or Macie will need to come with me. I don’t think I’ll be able to walk into that doctor’s room alone.

Confirming the appointment, I suck in a deep breath and pull up Scott’s contact number. Three calls and none of them have been returned. I think it’s time to break the ice with a message.

LAYNIE: Hey Scott. I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m Sadie’s cousin, Laynie. We hung out a few months back when I visited Sydney… Anyway, can you please call me when you get the chance? There’s something I need to talk to you about.

Chapter Seven

Grayson

Humming to myself with Freddie watching me, I dish up our bowls and place them on the dining table when Laynie reappears from the bathroom. Basil lingers in the air as she gives Freddie a quick tickle before stopping beside me at the wooden table. Her stomach growls loudly, and I snicker.

“I think someone is excited for some of my great cooking.”

She scoffs lightly. “You know I made the sauce, right?”

“Ah, but I made the pasta, and that’s possibly the most important part of the dish.” I grab the back of her chair and pull out for her. Laynie stares at it for a long moment before meeting my gaze. Her crystal eyes are flared, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from audibly laughing at how shocked she looks right now. Is pulling out her chair that startling?

I decide to lighten the mood again. “I’ve heard that chivalry is dying, so I’m trying to keep it alive.”

“I don’t think you have ever pulled my chair out for me,” she points out.

My heart thumps as I roll my eyes, trying my best to appear aloof. “Just sit down.”

She does, with a chuckle, and I take the seat opposite her.

The front door whines open. My eyes meet Laynie’s. Are her parents back already?

“I’m home!” a feminine voice beckons that doesn’t belong to Macie. “And I thought I would get you something to make you feel better!”

Feel better?

Laynie is up in a flash, ignoring my confused features, and she races down the hallway. I hear a small yelp, and some whispering, and call me intrigued, but it sounds like they’re conspiring something. I stand. The whispering stops as I approach the end of the hallway and see a blonde girl who looks similar to Laynie standing in a leotard, leg warmers, and a dainty pink skirt.

“G, this is my cousin, Sadie. She’s staying with me while she’s visiting from Sydney,” Laynie offers.

The wrinkle between my brow deepens as Sadie gives me a small wave. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Laynie has spoken about you for years, so it’s nice to see you in person.”

“Ah, yeah. You too,” I respond tighter than anticipated. I thought it was only going to be Laynie and I tonight. Sue me for wanting to spend some time alone with my best friend who has been pushing me aside the past few weeks.

Laynie smiles, taking a paper bag from her cousin’s grip before scurrying past me. I eye the paper bag questioningly, but Laynie just shoves it in the kitchen cupboard.

“Sorry, if I knew you were coming now, I would have made some more pasta for you,” she says loudly as Sadie walks into the kitchen area. “But I didn’t think you were going to be back this early.”

Sadie shrugs, moving past Laynie to check in the fridge before pulling out some containers of pre-cooked meals. “It’s not an issue. I have a strict diet, anyway.” She glides a hand down her petite front. “So you don’t need to worry. I have to stay in top shape for ballet.”

“You teach ballet?” I ask curiously.

Sadie smiles in my direction, as if she forgot I was standing there. “I did. I’m looking for something permanent around here. Do you know of any places in the area looking for a teacher?”

My jaw shuts as I look between their expectant faces and offer a shrug. “My niece is going to Dancer’s Edge in Hollow Grove. Maybe you could try there?”

Sadie squeaks, “Oh, great, I had an interview there today. I really hope they call me back because it was a cute little studio, and the lady who runs it seems really lovely.”