This wasnt justupsetting and unsettling. He couldnt feel more lost if hed been dropped in the South Pole without a compass.
Look, Luce, he tried again. Lets work from stuff we know we can agree on. Ill pay all your doctor bills. And for anything else you need or wanted related to this
Actually, I dont think Ill need help. You know what great insurance I have from Bernards. But dont worry. Ill ask if something gets beyond what I can manage.
Shit and double shit. Strangers could be having this conversation. Not people who were supposed to have been lovers. Okay, skip any talk of money for now. What aboutthe pregnancy itself. I mean, I dont know whether youre scared or happy or angry or what. Have you thought about what you want to do?
Her shoulders drooped just a little as she shook her head. I just found out yesterday. To be honest, Nick, Im still reeling.
It was the first honest, natural thing she said. Me, too, he admitted. I dont know what to say, what to do. But it seems like the place to start is with the sure things. If youre absolutely sure you want to keep the baby, thats one thing. But if youre considering
An abortion? Or adoption? She swallowed hard, as if trying to talk through a stone-size lump in her throat. Ill consider everything. All the options. But the only thing Im positive of right now, Nick, is that you and I dont even like each other. Not really. We had a moment. Thats all. Theres no basis for a marriage or anything crazy like that.
I wasnt thinking marriage.
Im sure you werent, she said swiftly. I just wanted to clear the air, make sure you know that Id never pull that chain in a hundred years.
Shed stiffened up all over again, as if braced for him to say something hurtful. He started to answer her, but then the doorknob rattled, followed by strange scratchy noises. Not now, Nick called out, but the knob just rattled again.
Uncle Nick, its not me! He heard Gretchens voice pipe up, and glanced at Lucy, who was obviously as distracted by the childs voice as he was. Her lips twitched at Gretchens obvious fib.
If it isnt you, how come I can hear your voice? Nick said wryly.
Because its Baby and Boo Boo. Somehow they got in the front door. And they ran all over the place. Theyre trying to find Lucy. And I cant hold them. But dont interrupt your meeting! Im right here! I wont let them in! Dont you worry, Uncle Nick!
Any other time, hed have laughedand Lucy undoubtedly would have, too. This time she just said quickly, We cant discuss this now, Nick. Not at work. And besides that
Yeah, he knew. Besides that, outside the door was clearly bedlam.
Of course, pregnancy was a kind of bedlam, too, but for now, hell, both his personal life and Project Bliss seemed like trying to handle balloons in a high wind. Hed not only lost control. He couldnt imagine right then how the hell he was ever going to get control again.