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Chapter Nineteen
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I Choose You Chapter Twenty
The next morning, I sat at a table in the corner of the coffee shop while I waited for Caroline. Since I was on the opposite side of town, I’d called her only a few moments after getting home from Jacob’s apartment demanding we meet up soon. And she’d agreed without any hesitation.Besides, I knew she liked coffee shops and I knew she liked double shot espressos with caramel and almond milk. I’d already ordered her one and a vanilla mocha for myself. Her drink sat across the table and right in front of her chair in what I hoped would be an enticing sight, something like using a bone to call a dog. If nothing else I wanted to bring her mood to a level near mine, and for Caroline, coffee was always the answer.The coffee shop was bustling at nine-thirty in the morning and I appreciated being able to sit and wait contentedly. It was the beginning of a warm day without any fog that sometimes accompanied California mornings.Even the sun is in a good mood, I thought.Caroline wore a tight
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-One
The house was silent when I arrived home. Dad was at work, and Mom had left a note that she and Tommy were getting shoes for school. I had the house to myself.Well, almost to myself. Athena was still there. I heard her nails hit the floor as she jumped off the couch and ran to greet me. She danced around my ankles with the kind of smile that only a welcoming dog can achieve.“Were you on the couch?” I asked, lecturing her in tender baby-talk. “Were you sneaking in a little nap up there?”She pushed between my legs and circled back around without ever losing contact, her tail whipping from side to side.“You think you’re sneaky, but I bet if I go over there your beautiful gold fur will be all over it, huh?” I pet her head and loved on her for a moment. “You just leave too much evidence.”She followed me up the stairs and into my room.“Wanna come up?” I said, patting my bed. “Come on, come up.”Athena jumped onto my bed and circled once before plopping down onto one my pillows. I had
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Two
For the next four hours I watched episodes of House Hunters in the living room. I wanted something to take my mind off of things. Something that would keep me from obsessing over my job and what that meant about my future with Jacob.It was seven-thirty by the time my father, mother and Tommy all got home from dinner. I'd seen more houses on TV than I'd ever even been inside in real life.“Hey, Sweets,” my mom said, kissing the top of my head as she came in.“Hey, Mom,” I replied.“You thinking of buying a house in Boca Raton?” she said, stopping behind me and noting the setting of the episode I was watching.I faked a laugh, but otherwise ignored her comment. “Did you guys see a movie today?” I asked.“Yeah, your brother and I saw that new sci-fi one,” she said, her attention more on the show than answering the question. “The one with the robots.”“How was it?” I asked, not really caring what the answer was but making conversation anyway.“It was a little much for my taste, but ask y
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Three
My head was turned over my shoulder as I edged the corners of my car into the spot behind a truck and in front of a bulky Jeep Rubicon. It was tight, but going to school in Los Angeles had allotted me near professional parallel parking skills.I’d driven myself on my own suggestion. It didn’t feel right asking Jacob to pick me up for a lunch where I’d then profess that I was moving away to take a job that would have me not only in another city, but working crazy hours.Driving myself eliminated the car ride back, which I figured was destined to be some level of awkward. I really had no idea how the news would go over, whether it would be significant like Caroline had alluded to, or if he’d simply say, “okay, nice knowing you,” before politely shaking my hand goodbye. This way, I eliminated any awkward drives home.It was noon-thirty and the morning warmth was beginning to transition into the heat of the day. I could feel it immediately after stepping out from my Focus and onto the dry
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Four
Six weeks later…The sun had set a long time ago when I finally parked my car in front of my apartment. Wearily, I stepped out of the driver’s side door and made my way up the concrete steps that led to the building. My eyes were half closed, as if my body was already anticipating the sleep that it so badly needed.As soon as I unlocked the door to my place, I noticed that the TV was on in the corner. It was the only light in the room, and it coated the walls with a flickering blue glow. On the couch nearby, was Lauren, my only roommate. She appeared to be sound asleep, with her hands folded underneath her head, using them as a pillow.Quietly, I closed the front door and locked it before tiptoeing to my bedroom. My bed was tucked in the corner, beckoning me toward it and I didn’t hesitate to oblige. I slipped off my skirt suit and changed into some sweat pants and a loose-fitting t-shirt. Then I crawled under my covers, wrapping myself in a cocoon made out of my blankets.I’ve been c
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Five
I woke up in a panic and ran to my bathroom, flipping up the lid of the toilet quickly as I dropped to my knees in front of it. Then I threw up, not once but three times, one right after the other. My stomach clenched until it was all over. Once the storm had passed, I laid down on the bathroom floor for a minute. I drew in a long breath and tried to relax. The nausea was gone, but my stomach still felt tight from the throwing up.Sunlight flickered on the bathroom floor and I shut my eyes against it. All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and die. There was nothing I hated more than throwing up. It was terrible. The nausea, the retching, the smell. I wanted so badly to avoid it. I thought that maybe a sip of water could make the feeling go away, so I took a drink from the glass next to my sink. It only made it worse, though and my stomach turned again. That water was coming back up, whether I liked it or not.Dammit, I thought. I closed my eyes and willed the water to stay down. It
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Six
Just five minutes after I stepped out of the shower, someone knocked on the apartment door. My hair was still wet and I was wearing only a towel. I hadn’t even had a chance to think about what clothes I wanted to wear for when Jacob got in town later that afternoon.“Lauren, can you get that?” I called out.There was no reply, so I walked over to my door and poked my head out into the living room.“Lauren?”The apartment was silent and Lauren’s bedroom door was open. She was nowhere to be found. I glanced at the clock. It was two in the afternoon and I assumed that she must have gone to the gym or for a run in the park.There was another knock on the door, this time a little louder and faster than before.“Hold on. I’m coming!” I said.Crap, who’s here right now? I hope it’s not some salesman or something. I’m going to be so pissed if I rushed for that, I thought.I ran back into my room and dropped my towel, before stepping into some jeans and a t-shirt. My wet hair fell around my fa
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Seven
We went straight back to my place after lunch. The entire drive over, it was all I could do to keep my hands off of him. I wanted to touch every inch of him and make sure he was still real. That this whole day wasn't just a wonderful dream where I got everything that I wanted.As soon as he parked the car, I grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs to the front door of my apartment building. For the past six weeks, we'd only been able to talk on the phone. We'd done our share of dirty talk and sexy emails, but it was never as good as the real thing. I wanted to touch him, to taste him- which was just something I couldn't do over the phone or in an email.As we walked down the hallway toward my apartment, our hands were all over each other. He walked close behind me, burying his face into my neck and grabbing my butt. I’d reach back and playfully touch the front of his slacks, where his bulge had already formed. His every touch sent my senses into overdrive.I poked my head into my a
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I Choose You Epilogue
“Are you sure?” Jacob frowned, holding up two nearly identical baby onesies.“Yes, I'm sure. We only need one,” I told him. “Babies grow fast. He'll be out of them before he's worn them twice.”“I don't know,” Jacob said, shaking his head slowly. “We can't be too prepared.”I chuckled. “We already have fifteen of them at home. Maybe we could let my mom buy a couple of things for the baby, too?”“I'm getting both,” Jacob announced, putting both items in the basket.I sighed. It was a good thing that Jacob was a billionaire. I was fairly sure that he'd already spent several million on this kid already.A sharp pain started in my stomach and radiated around to my back. It wasn't awful, but it was enough to make me stop and gasp. Luckily, it didn't last long.“Are you okay?” Jacob asked, coming to my side quickly. His blue eyes were big with concern. “Is it starting? Do we need to go to the hospital? I can leave all this stuff here, or I can have someone come buy it and meet us there or--
I Choose You Chapter Thirty-Two
It was now Friday at three, and I was ready for my interview. I'd barely been at ZephTech as a full time employee for a week now, and I was ready to pull my hair out. I hated it. Without having an end date, every day was worse than before. My heart just wasn't in doing everything for the company with only a pat on the back for reward. I was looking forward to this job interview. I was hoping it would give me something a little less demanding, something that I could continue to do once the baby was born. Even if it didn't pan out, I was excited for the job interview as a chance to expand my horizons.I wore my best suit. It was a dark gray with strong lines that I felt projected strength and dependability. At least, I hoped it did. Paired with some cute low pumps, I felt ready to take on the world.My phone buzzed. It was another phone call from Jacob. I didn't answer it. I still didn't want to talk to him. I'd told Lauren that he wasn't allowed in the apartment, and upon hearing that
I Choose You Chapter Thirty-One
I peed on the stick.And waited.And waited.And waited.It felt like an eternity. I paced the bathroom, I sat on the toilet, I straightened up my shower toiletries, yet the time did not pass. It was the longest five minutes of my life.My hands shook as I approached the sink. It was the moment of truth. I was half afraid the test would somehow be inconclusive, despite the box's assurances that wouldn't happen.I swallowed hard and picked up the test.PREGNANTIt was written there in big bold letters.I shook it, just to be sure.PREGNANTI didn't know if I should scream, cry, pass out or laugh. I felt like I should probably do all of the above. I wished I had someone here to hold my hand as I read that dark word that meant my life was changing. I wished I had Jacob, the one who didn't lie to me, with me telling me that everything was going to be okay and that this was a blessing.I wished I had someone who would help me tell my dad.I sank slowly onto the toilet and felt a tear trick
I Choose You Chapter Thirty
Monday morning came, and it took everything to crawl out of bed. My whole body hurt with heartache and all I wanted to do was sleep until I didn't need to cry anymore. It wasn't the way I had envisioned starting my dream job at ZephTech, but then nothing about the past three days had gone as I'd expected.I blinked several times before standing up. My stomach was still lurching back and forth. Whatever stomach bug I had was still with me. The act of standing hadn’t helped any, but I ignored it as best I could as I lumbered into the shower.The air was fiercely cold against my wet skin when I stepped out, a feeling that gave new energy to the wrench in my stomach. I took several deep breaths while I leaned over the toilet, hoping to prevent myself from falling back into a spiral of vomiting. Finally, I zombie-walked back into my room, the shower not having done anything to cure my exhaustion.The lit up digits on the clock beside my bed suddenly caught my attention like fireworks in th
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Nine
I sat in shock as I stared at the picture. It was most definitely Jacob. He was wearing the shirt he had left in and had the dark rimmed glasses that I thought made him look so smart on.Slowly, I read the first article:Reclusive Monster GO billionaire, Jacob Rigby, seen here exiting his new headquarters in Silicon Valley. After the sudden success of the game, the developer disappeared from Silicon Valley to regroup. Little to no information of the developer was available at that time.Fans were afraid that without the designer at the helm, the game would stagnate. But, during the last six weeks, major game changes were put into play and offices were opened as the company went on a hiring spree. Mr. Rigby has been incredibly busy with his business.Whatever Mr. Rigby did to regroup has worked well as the new updates to the game have fans joining in the highest numbers yet. The battle feature as well as the ability to see nearby friends has been lauded as “incredible” and “brilliant.”
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Are you feeling any better?” Jacob asked, coming over and kissing my forehead. I was still wrapped up in the soft hotel bedding after dragging myself from the bathroom. I smiled and leaned into his kiss, enjoying the tender caress.“Much,” I promised. “I just hope I don't give you whatever stomach bug I've got.”Jacob sat on the edge of the bed. “It would be worth it,” he assured me. “Besides, I've got a cast-iron stomach. Nothing gets me.”I hoped he was right. I had woken up first thing in the morning to yet again loose my dinner. Jacob had ordered room service, but all I had managed to eat was a piece of toast and some orange juice. The juice had actually tasted better than the coffee, which again, I had only been able to get a couple of swallows down.“At least I don't have to clean the bathroom here,” I joked. Jacob laughed.“I will get you a hotel room any time you are sick,” he promised. “Or a maid.”“You spoil me,” I replied with a smile. He grinned.“That's part of how I pla
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Seven
We went straight back to my place after lunch. The entire drive over, it was all I could do to keep my hands off of him. I wanted to touch every inch of him and make sure he was still real. That this whole day wasn't just a wonderful dream where I got everything that I wanted.As soon as he parked the car, I grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs to the front door of my apartment building. For the past six weeks, we'd only been able to talk on the phone. We'd done our share of dirty talk and sexy emails, but it was never as good as the real thing. I wanted to touch him, to taste him- which was just something I couldn't do over the phone or in an email.As we walked down the hallway toward my apartment, our hands were all over each other. He walked close behind me, burying his face into my neck and grabbing my butt. I’d reach back and playfully touch the front of his slacks, where his bulge had already formed. His every touch sent my senses into overdrive.I poked my head into my a
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Six
Just five minutes after I stepped out of the shower, someone knocked on the apartment door. My hair was still wet and I was wearing only a towel. I hadn’t even had a chance to think about what clothes I wanted to wear for when Jacob got in town later that afternoon.“Lauren, can you get that?” I called out.There was no reply, so I walked over to my door and poked my head out into the living room.“Lauren?”The apartment was silent and Lauren’s bedroom door was open. She was nowhere to be found. I glanced at the clock. It was two in the afternoon and I assumed that she must have gone to the gym or for a run in the park.There was another knock on the door, this time a little louder and faster than before.“Hold on. I’m coming!” I said.Crap, who’s here right now? I hope it’s not some salesman or something. I’m going to be so pissed if I rushed for that, I thought.I ran back into my room and dropped my towel, before stepping into some jeans and a t-shirt. My wet hair fell around my fa
I Choose You Chapter Twenty-Five
I woke up in a panic and ran to my bathroom, flipping up the lid of the toilet quickly as I dropped to my knees in front of it. Then I threw up, not once but three times, one right after the other. My stomach clenched until it was all over. Once the storm had passed, I laid down on the bathroom floor for a minute. I drew in a long breath and tried to relax. The nausea was gone, but my stomach still felt tight from the throwing up.Sunlight flickered on the bathroom floor and I shut my eyes against it. All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and die. There was nothing I hated more than throwing up. It was terrible. The nausea, the retching, the smell. I wanted so badly to avoid it. I thought that maybe a sip of water could make the feeling go away, so I took a drink from the glass next to my sink. It only made it worse, though and my stomach turned again. That water was coming back up, whether I liked it or not.Dammit, I thought. I closed my eyes and willed the water to stay down. It
