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Chapter 36: Late
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Strangers Chapter 37: Missed Appointment
A week after my appointment, I got a series of text messages from a number I didn't know but promptly identified the sender upon reading them. HALE: IT'S WRONG. I KNOW IT IS, BUT I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU.HALE: PLEASE DISREGARD THAT LAST TEXTHALE: I DIDN'T MEAN TO SEND ITHALE: I MEAN, I DID, BUT I SHOULDN'T HAVE SENT IT TO YOU.HALE: DAMN IT. I MEAN, IF I HAD INTENDED TO HIT SEND-IT WAS WRITTEN FOR YOU. I SHOULDN'T HAVE SENT IT, BECAUSE IT WASN'T APPROPRIATE. HALE: AWW HELL. FUCK IT. AT THIS POINT, I COULD LOSE MY LICENSE, ANYHOW.I took note of the times and realized they spanned about two hours. I'd been at Carmella's house, who still didn't know I was pregnant. I'd left my phone in the car with the intention of coming clean-regarding the pregnancy, not Dr. Hottie-but had chickened out and left with my secret...both of them. At fourteen weeks, no one other than my father and Hale knew.I giggled to myself. Hale must've been freaked out, thinking he'd overst
Strangers Chapter 38: One Hale of a Chance
Hale sent me a couple texts before my next appointment. I didn't respond with anything other than one-word answers. His contact was obligatory, not because he gave a shit, so there was no reason to bother. Each Tuesday at nine in the morning, I got a message that asked how I felt. Apparently, he'd set a reminder on his phone, and that irritated me more than his silence. He didn't owe me anything. I'd decided to tell Kappy and Carmella about the baby the night before my next appointment. At twenty weeks, this appointment would include another ultrasound, and if I wanted to know the sex of the baby, I could. I wanted one, or both, of my friends with me. I couldn't bear the thought of doing this alone anymore. It wouldn't go well, but I had hoped my two best friends would forgive my night of indiscretion and my secret. "You're not serious. Are you, Kate?" Carmella hissed at me with a nasty scowl. I chewed on the side of my bottom lip and nodded. I hoped Kappy would come to my res
Strangers Chapter 39: Morning Sickness
After a nap, Hale insisted we go to his office for the checkup and ultrasound. I still hadn't decided if I wanted to know the gender, but he assured me he could keep it a secret. Then I decided, I didn't want him to know the gender if I didn't know it. "I think we should just skip the ultrasound if we're gonna go," I said as I twirled a piece of my hair on my finger. "Actually, let's not go and pretend like we did."He pulled me into his lap, forcing me to meet his stare. "Why don't you want to do the ultrasound?" I gave him a half-hearted shrug. "Just not up for it." My brows rose as I continued to educate him. "You're aware that women didn't have them done for centuries, right? It wasn't until recent years that they became the norm."I jumped when he poked me in the side, and a grin spread across my face. "Yes, I'm aware. They mentioned something like that in medical school." He watched my expression and quit playing games. "What's the real reason, Kate?""I'm scared. It
Strangers Chapter 40: Red Handed
The closer I got to my due date the more precarious my visits to Hale's office became. His staff had started to question why he closed the office so frequently and wondered if it was related to his mother's cancer. Luckily, she'd been in remission and rather healthy, all things considered. I'd had the pleasure of meeting her once, and it was apparent Hale hadn't kept his end of the agreement because she knew all about me. I reminded myself she had a disease many didn't outlive and gave him a pass on the breach of contract right after he kissed my ass for about three hours.All my appointments were moved to the end of the day on Fridays so he could send his staff home early and I came in an hour later. Funny, they all stopped asking questions when they got a half day off every other Friday and would get one every Friday once I hit thirty-six weeks. Nearing the end of my pregnancy, at thirty-three weeks, I had one more two-week appointment before I had to start going weekly. Hale ha
Strangers Chapter 41: OR Calamity
Days turned into a week, and I was too terrified to reach out. I had no idea what had happened that day with Beth or the outcome of her seeing us fucking-doctor and patient-in the exam room. I'd been left in the dark. Once again by myself. Still unable to reach my friends and my father keeping me at arm's length, I waited out the rest of my pregnancy in silence. Eight days after Beth's untimely interruption, the pain became so great, and the contractions so intense, I had no choice but to call Morris. I didn't think it was safe for me to drive once my water broke. At just over thirty-four weeks, I was early but not overly concerned about the safety of the baby. My father's driver showed up to escort me to the emergency room, effectively breaking me from the memories of the rocky road I had taken to get me here. We rode in silence as I thought about the fact that I didn't have anything remotely baby related. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I wondered what kind of life I'd possib
Strangers Chapter 42: La-Ti-Da
Three days in a hospital was enough to make me crazy. I was ready to get the hell out of Dodge. I finally admitted to Hale that I didn't have a car seat or an outfit for Holt to go home. He disappeared for several hours, along with my father who had arrived when promised. It was odd for the two of them to go blissfully into the day, jovial like best buddies, but I welcomed the quiet reprieve so I could take a nap.I admitted I was impressed when they returned. Neither of them bore any visible war wounds, and they toted bags of all things baby. They were both elated by the little boy who had my stunning blue eyes, my temper, and propensity for getting his way. I was enamored. Completely. My father excused himself, blaming business on his departure but assured me he'd be back to take us home. When we finally checked out of the hospital, Hale pulled around to pick us up in a Mercedes GLE63 S with a blue bow on the hood. I sat in a wheelchair with Holt in my arms when he rounded the f
Strangers Chapter 1: Duece
I've had it. "Get your hands off my ass, Dirk!" Everyone in the office stops to stare at me, my outburst having called way too much attention to the situation.Fuck, I'm not a damn piece of meat every Tom, Dick, and Harry can get their fill of. I've put up with my boss groping me every chance he gets for the last six months and no job is worth this, much less some damn minimum wage data entry gig that doesn't pay the bills. I have a Masters degree in Business Management and I'll be damned if I can find a job in this shit hole town, population nada."You crossed the line this time, Carpenter. Get your stuff. You're fired." His face is beet red, more from embarrassment than anger, but either way, my fate is sealed. I don't figure I have anything to lose at this point so I go for the jugular."I've crossed the line? Are you kidding me? I could own your ass and this company with all the shit you've pulled. You better be glad I haven't taken a notion to calling your wife or forwarding
Strangers Chapter 2:
Pulling into the convenience store, I must've left my brain on the bike. I pay for the gas and walk out, running smack into a wall. Well, technically it's someone's chest, but holy shit, he didn't freaking budge, unless you count his mammoth hand catching my elbow to steady me."Easy, sweetheart." Damn his voice is smooth.My eyes track the path from his fingers up his arm, which is covered in an intricate tribal sleeve. Continuing my perusal to his shoulders, then to his strong jawline, past his nose, right into the most haunting brown eyes I've ever seen."Shit. Excuse me. I'm sorry." I sound like an idiot, but he hasn't let go of my elbow.Suddenly, I realize I braced myself somewhere during the collision against his chest. Each one of my cells feels the heat radiating off the skin, screaming to escape the very well fitted white T-shirt this guy has on. My fingers flinch, or maybe they're trying to cop a feel. Whichever it is, he felt it and rewards me by curling up one side
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Strangers Chapter 42: La-Ti-Da
Three days in a hospital was enough to make me crazy. I was ready to get the hell out of Dodge. I finally admitted to Hale that I didn't have a car seat or an outfit for Holt to go home. He disappeared for several hours, along with my father who had arrived when promised. It was odd for the two of them to go blissfully into the day, jovial like best buddies, but I welcomed the quiet reprieve so I could take a nap.I admitted I was impressed when they returned. Neither of them bore any visible war wounds, and they toted bags of all things baby. They were both elated by the little boy who had my stunning blue eyes, my temper, and propensity for getting his way. I was enamored. Completely. My father excused himself, blaming business on his departure but assured me he'd be back to take us home. When we finally checked out of the hospital, Hale pulled around to pick us up in a Mercedes GLE63 S with a blue bow on the hood. I sat in a wheelchair with Holt in my arms when he rounded the f
Strangers Chapter 41: OR Calamity
Days turned into a week, and I was too terrified to reach out. I had no idea what had happened that day with Beth or the outcome of her seeing us fucking-doctor and patient-in the exam room. I'd been left in the dark. Once again by myself. Still unable to reach my friends and my father keeping me at arm's length, I waited out the rest of my pregnancy in silence. Eight days after Beth's untimely interruption, the pain became so great, and the contractions so intense, I had no choice but to call Morris. I didn't think it was safe for me to drive once my water broke. At just over thirty-four weeks, I was early but not overly concerned about the safety of the baby. My father's driver showed up to escort me to the emergency room, effectively breaking me from the memories of the rocky road I had taken to get me here. We rode in silence as I thought about the fact that I didn't have anything remotely baby related. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I wondered what kind of life I'd possib
Strangers Chapter 40: Red Handed
The closer I got to my due date the more precarious my visits to Hale's office became. His staff had started to question why he closed the office so frequently and wondered if it was related to his mother's cancer. Luckily, she'd been in remission and rather healthy, all things considered. I'd had the pleasure of meeting her once, and it was apparent Hale hadn't kept his end of the agreement because she knew all about me. I reminded myself she had a disease many didn't outlive and gave him a pass on the breach of contract right after he kissed my ass for about three hours.All my appointments were moved to the end of the day on Fridays so he could send his staff home early and I came in an hour later. Funny, they all stopped asking questions when they got a half day off every other Friday and would get one every Friday once I hit thirty-six weeks. Nearing the end of my pregnancy, at thirty-three weeks, I had one more two-week appointment before I had to start going weekly. Hale ha
Strangers Chapter 39: Morning Sickness
After a nap, Hale insisted we go to his office for the checkup and ultrasound. I still hadn't decided if I wanted to know the gender, but he assured me he could keep it a secret. Then I decided, I didn't want him to know the gender if I didn't know it. "I think we should just skip the ultrasound if we're gonna go," I said as I twirled a piece of my hair on my finger. "Actually, let's not go and pretend like we did."He pulled me into his lap, forcing me to meet his stare. "Why don't you want to do the ultrasound?" I gave him a half-hearted shrug. "Just not up for it." My brows rose as I continued to educate him. "You're aware that women didn't have them done for centuries, right? It wasn't until recent years that they became the norm."I jumped when he poked me in the side, and a grin spread across my face. "Yes, I'm aware. They mentioned something like that in medical school." He watched my expression and quit playing games. "What's the real reason, Kate?""I'm scared. It
Strangers Chapter 38: One Hale of a Chance
Hale sent me a couple texts before my next appointment. I didn't respond with anything other than one-word answers. His contact was obligatory, not because he gave a shit, so there was no reason to bother. Each Tuesday at nine in the morning, I got a message that asked how I felt. Apparently, he'd set a reminder on his phone, and that irritated me more than his silence. He didn't owe me anything. I'd decided to tell Kappy and Carmella about the baby the night before my next appointment. At twenty weeks, this appointment would include another ultrasound, and if I wanted to know the sex of the baby, I could. I wanted one, or both, of my friends with me. I couldn't bear the thought of doing this alone anymore. It wouldn't go well, but I had hoped my two best friends would forgive my night of indiscretion and my secret. "You're not serious. Are you, Kate?" Carmella hissed at me with a nasty scowl. I chewed on the side of my bottom lip and nodded. I hoped Kappy would come to my res
Strangers Chapter 37: Missed Appointment
A week after my appointment, I got a series of text messages from a number I didn't know but promptly identified the sender upon reading them. HALE: IT'S WRONG. I KNOW IT IS, BUT I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU.HALE: PLEASE DISREGARD THAT LAST TEXTHALE: I DIDN'T MEAN TO SEND ITHALE: I MEAN, I DID, BUT I SHOULDN'T HAVE SENT IT TO YOU.HALE: DAMN IT. I MEAN, IF I HAD INTENDED TO HIT SEND-IT WAS WRITTEN FOR YOU. I SHOULDN'T HAVE SENT IT, BECAUSE IT WASN'T APPROPRIATE. HALE: AWW HELL. FUCK IT. AT THIS POINT, I COULD LOSE MY LICENSE, ANYHOW.I took note of the times and realized they spanned about two hours. I'd been at Carmella's house, who still didn't know I was pregnant. I'd left my phone in the car with the intention of coming clean-regarding the pregnancy, not Dr. Hottie-but had chickened out and left with my secret...both of them. At fourteen weeks, no one other than my father and Hale knew.I giggled to myself. Hale must've been freaked out, thinking he'd overst
Strangers Chapter 36: Late
There was a reason I shouldn't be a parent. I sucked at responsibility, and it wasn't because I was an idiot; it was because I didn't care and people always cleaned up my messes. That card Dr. Duek gave me, the one I had promptly put in my purse, never made it back out. Meaning, I'd missed my appointment. The one he closed his entire office for. Still oblivious to my faux pas when a random number displayed itself on my caller ID, I answered with the exuberance of any other day. "Hello?""Kate?" The gruff voice sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place it."Yes.""It's Hale."It took me a split second to recall who Hale was. "Hey, Hale. What's up?" For the life of me, I didn't remember giving him my number, but somehow, he had it and used it."Your appointment."Fuck. I left him to hang in silence as I dug through my purse looking for the card. I glanced at the chicken scratch on the back, noting today's date, and my watch indicated I was over an hour late. His vo
Strangers Chapter 35: The Doctor's In
Dr. Hale Duek. OBGYN. I liked his online ad, and he was farther away from my side of town than any other doctor while still being in the same city. Hopefully, I wouldn't run into anyone I knew, and photographers would lose interest as I crossed the track into a less affluent part of the community. When I pulled up to the little mill-hill home that housed his practice, I started to regret not accepting my father's offers of help. He had insisted on the non-disclosure to protect my privacy, and his own, but he'd relented on the bullshit story about artificial insemination and agreed we simply would not answer any questions regarding the details of the pregnancy. Eventually, interest would die down, and something else would take the place of my promiscuity. If I played my cards right-kept quiet and wore concealing clothing-it would be months before anyone knew I was pregnant, and a couple months after the birth, no one would be interested, anyhow. I hadn't told Carmella or Kappy and
Strangers Chapter 34: Tragedy
The only thing worse than being caught having a threesome was the press publicizing it. My father had me on total lockdown after the charade at Scene Six. I hadn't made a public appearance in close to two months. I swear to God, I believed he had sabotaged every interview I went on to keep me from getting a job and reinstating my trust fund freedom. Only the necessities were paid, and he wasn't afraid to cut those off as well. The first couple weeks hadn't really bothered me. I was as embarrassed as my father when I saw the picture that I fucking posed for on the cover of the daily paper, and my friends wouldn't shut up about my debauchery. The image that dominated the front page the next morning was, in essence, soft porn. The straps of my dress had fallen from my shoulders almost wholly exposing my breasts, and any periodical reader could now tell you the shade of my left areola along with the color of my panties. To make matters worse, I'd been dancing, drinking, and sweating all
