Bending the Rules: Breaking the Rules #2 (11 page)

Adrian

I heard Morgan say goodbye to her mother last night and
almost laughed when Lana said something had come up and she would need to
cancel brunch for this morning. I figured she would be a little too under the
weather to venture out of her bedroom after the amount of gin that woman
consumed, but it turns out that something is me. Shortly after I got home from
dropping Morgan off last night, I received a text from Lana saying to meet her
at the club for brunch this morning. Maybe she knew she would need a little
hair of the dog after all.

I walk into the club and immediately spot Lana perched at
her usual table that provides the most optimal people watching, nursing her
Bloody Mary. She stands as I walk to the table to greet her, giving her a soft
kiss on the cheek.

“You don’t look nearly as rough as I feel today. Getting
older really is a bitch isn’t it, darling?” Lana asks as we settle into our
seats.

“I think you look beautiful, Lana, I wouldn’t have guessed
you are under the weather today,” I lie.

“You’re sweet. Last night was wonderful, thank you for
including us. How did things go with Morgan when you dropped her off?” I’ve
never met a woman that was comfortable discussing her daughter’s sex life with
a potential boyfriend or husband before. Is this what it’s like when females
get together and gossip?

“It went pretty well. She seemed a little taken aback when I
got out of the cab with her. I don’t think she was comfortable with extending
our date past her apartment door. I switched gears a bit, and offered to walk
her to her door and if she was so inclined, to come in for a few moments to
talk.”

“Okay, so how did your ‘talk’ go?” Lana asks with air
quotes.

“Nothing happened, Lana. We really did talk. I told Morgan
how I feel about her, and asked her if she would consider dating me.”

“Dating you? Adrian, this isn’t high school. A girl wants
her man to take control of the situation. She wants to be told what she needs,
and then have those needs provided for. Order for her when you go out to eat.
Suggest what she wears or how she does her hair, but do it in a way where she
still feels like she is making her own decisions. Make her convince herself
that you are the one she wants before she even realizes it.”

“What she wants is a future with Drake Baylor. She made it
very clear that although she is trying to open herself to the possibility of a
future together with me, a piece of her heart will always belong to Drake. She
told me that point blank and added that I need to decide whether or not I’m
okay with that before I try to pursue her again.”

“I know my daughter loves Drake, but had no idea the
feelings go that deeply. I’ll talk to her and convince her that Drake isn’t
coming back. Not soon, anyway. It will work out, Adrian. Trust me on this one.
When do you see her again?” Lana asks.

“I’m taking her on a date Tuesday. I told her it wouldn’t be
anything over the top, just a nice dinner with me. I told her I’d be a
gentleman, but would be kissing her at the end of the night.”

“Good. Plant the seed for intimacy. When you see her at work
tomorrow, don’t go overboard by talking about your plans so much that you’ll
make her nervous. Do something simple like leaving a single stargazer lily on
her desk with a note that you can’t wait to give her that kiss but for now a
flower will have to do. Something sweet and a little cheesy, but not too much.”

“That’s a great idea, thanks,” I say.

“You belong with my daughter, Adrian. Seeing you together
last night brought back such fond memories for Jim and me. I think your parents
would agree with that as well. Morgan is a strong woman with an independent
streak. Support her need for independence and you’ll go far,” she says before
excusing herself to the powder room.

After brunch I go to my favorite florist, taking Lana’s
advice for flowers. I take a stargazer lily home with me to give to Morgan
tomorrow, but also order a bouquet to be sent to her house Tuesday before I
pick her up for our date. I have a lot of convincing to do Tuesday night, so
starting with a beautiful bouquet of flowers is just what I’ll need to start
chipping away at Morgan’s closely guarded heart.

Morgan

It is a good thing my mom cancelled brunch for today because
there is no way in hell I’m getting my ass out of bed today. I only had a few
cocktails last night yet I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mack truck. My mom is
always saying that getting older is a bitch and there will come a time when a
fun night out turns into a not so fun morning, and today those statements could
not be more accurate.

I curse the gods above when a relentless knock on my door
turns into an almost emergent sounding pounding. Much like the pounding that is
going on in my head at this moment. I force myself out of bed, wishing at this
moment I owned a gun so I could shoot whoever is causing such a ruckus at my
door. Well maybe nothing to that extreme, but I’m about to make them wish they
were dead. Okay, that sounds better. I open the door to find Amanda standing
there with a bottle of champagne and an “I had the best sex of my existence”
smile plastered across her face.

“Oh my God, I love you dearly but I am in no mood for perky
this early,” I grumble, stepping aside so Amanda can come in.

“Morgie it’s almost noon. You look rough, girl. Did you have
a little too much fun last night? I hope so, you deserve to have some fun, it’s
been too long!” She squeals.

“Shhhh. Too much talking. Come whisper in my bedroom. That’s
about all I can handle,” I say as I start stalking to my bedroom.

“Wow, how much did you have to drink last night?” Amanda
asks.

“Not that much, really. Just a few glasses of champagne plus
a glass of red wine with dinner. We were dancing and I got hot so I drank a ton
of water, and Adrian came in for a little bit and I made us tea. I didn’t think
I drank enough to feel like this, that’s for sure. Maybe I’ve lost my tolerance
over the last few months.”

“Hmm. Maybe… I stopped by for a little girl-hang and thought
we could celebrate your raise with a little bubbly, but maybe we’ll save that
for another time. Would you like me to get you a little water and some pain
reliever? Have you eaten yet today?” Amanda asks.

“No I haven’t eaten, but some water and whatever you can
find in my cabinet for headaches would be great, thanks.”

Amanda returns to my bedroom a few moments later with some
water, aspirin, and even a little toast with jelly. She is really the best
friend a girl could ask for.

“You are amazing, thank you so much. I feel like a horrible
friend though. I haven’t even asked how you are doing yet,” I say.

“I’m doing really well. I actually have news for you
though.”

“Oooh scoop! I’m feeling a little better already. That could
also be the water and rapid release pain meds but either way, spill it!” I say
a little more enthusiastically.

“Well, I wasn’t sure how to broach this subject with you
because of everything you have been going through these past few months,”
Amanda starts, clearly not sure how to go about telling me her fantastic news.

“Go on, Amanda… I’m sure whatever it is, I’ll be thrilled
for you as always.”

“Do you remember when we went bowling a couple months ago
and I put my card in my bowling shoes as we left?”

“Yes, I thought that was a really cute move on your part,” I
say.

“Well, Garrett must have thought the same because he called
me right away. Like the next morning right away. He didn’t even wait the
obligatory ‘I’m going to pretend I’m not really as into you as I am’ two days.
Anyway, he asked me out and we met for coffee that afternoon.”

“Wow, Amanda, that’s awesome.”

“Awesome doesn’t even describe him, Morgan. We met for
coffee and talked all afternoon. We eventually ordered lunch, then felt silly
still hanging out at the same café all day, so we walked a few doors down and
had dinner together as well.”

“Well that’s adorable. I can totally see you doing that.”

“Morgan, I think he’s the one. We’ve been inseparable for
the past two months and I never want to be away from him. For the first time in
my life I’m truly in love,” Amanda says as a tear spills from her eye.

I lean forward and give her a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Amanda, I’m so happy for you. Garrett is a great guy. He has been so amazing
to Drake and me. I’m so glad you’ve found the guy of your dreams. Have you told
him you love him yet?”

“Not yet. I think we both know this is the real deal and are
both a little too scared to do anything that might jeopardize it. I know he
loves me though. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at me. I walk in the
room and he completely lights up. He’s very sweet and affectionate with me.
He’s been completely honest with his past and I really respect that. Everyone
makes bad decisions in their lives. I’m just proud of Garrett that he is
righting his wrongs and trying so hard to create a great life for himself. I
give him helpful suggestions here and there and he takes them and runs with it!
I think it’s his way of including me in his future as well.”

“I’m so happy for you. Really, Amanda, I don’t know what
else to say,” I say, and with a wry grin I add, “How is he in bed though?”

“Oh.My.God. Morgan, this is the best sex I’ve ever had. Not
that I’ve laid a bunch of guys, but you know. You know I like to get kinky
every once in a while, and let’s just say he’s….compatible,” Amanda says and we
both start laughing. “He doesn’t even mind doing it when it’s…you know…that
time of the month.”

“Gross, Amanda, I did not need to know that,” I say.

“Garret read somewhere that it can actually help with cramps
so we tried it last week and whatever he read was right. You should try it sometime,
Morgan, you are always complaining about how bad your cramps are,” Amanda says.

Amanda is right. I do get horrible cramps. Now that I think
about it though, I can’t remember when the last time I had cramps was. Shit,
when was my last period? I start to turn white as I think about it. Oh holy
shit, when was my last period? I’m on birth control, I get my period like
clockwork… my mind starts to race.

“Oh I’m sorry Morgie, I didn’t mean to upset you. I meant
when Drake gets back. I’m so sorry, don’t be upset.”

“I’m not upset, Amanda. I just started to miss Drake a
little bit, but no worries. I want you to tell me this stuff. That’s what BFFs
are for. I want to know you have found happiness. It means the world to me,” I
cover.

“Okay, good. Thank you for being so happy for me. I know you
are going through a lot, and Garrett is Drake’s best friend and I don’t want to
keep reminding you of him.”

“It’s okay, Amanda. It’s getting easier by the day to think
about him without completely breaking down. Of course I still miss him like
crazy and want him to come home to me but the reality is that he may never come
back. I have to start thinking about that. I will always love Drake but I have
to start giving my heart a chance to move on.”

“What are you saying, Morgan?” Amanda asks.

“I’m saying that I’ve decided to try dating Adrian. We are
going to dinner Tuesday night. I told him that my heart still belongs to Drake,
and that I’ll never get over him completely. Adrian told me he isn’t asking for
a commitment but that he is still in love with me. He asked me to agree to date
him to see if things could evolve romantically and I agreed.”

“Wow, Morgan, do you think you’re ready to move on?”

“Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to move on. In
the back of my mind I know that Drake will eventually come home to me. I’m
miserable here though, Amanda, and I’m not a miserable person. It’s time I try
to move on with my life and find a little happiness. Happiness like what you
have found.” I wink and give Amanda another big hug.

“I get that, Morgan. I want you to find happiness. I think
it’s really sweet that Adrian simply asked you to date him. He’s showing his
commitment to you, but giving you the space to come around in your own time.”

“That’s what I thought too. That’s probably the only reason
I’m even giving this whole dating thing a try. I’ve been open and honest with
him though and told him I’m not over Drake. I would never want him to get the
wrong impression, so I told him he’d know exactly where I stand along the way.
I know I can trust my heart with him and he promised me he would never leave
me, which at this point is all I want to hear. I know that makes me sound weak
but it’s how I feel,” I say with a yawn.

“You aren’t weak Morgan, you are a strong, smart, beautiful
person who I’m proud to call my best friend. We will have to toast to that
another time because you look about half asleep. I’ll see myself out. You get
some rest and call me after your date Tuesday night,” Amanda says as she makes
her way to my bedroom door.

“Will do. I’m really happy for you, Amanda. You deserve a
love like that. Please give Garrett my best next time you see him. I love you,
bestie!”

“I love you too,” Amanda says, then turns to leave. I hear
my apartment door click shut a few moments later.

As I lie in bed trying to rest I can’t stop thinking about
my missed periods. It’s nearing the end of November and I don’t think I’ve had
one since August. I think the stress and heartache I’ve been experiencing the
last three months must have thrown my body off. There is no way I could be
pregnant though, is there? It’s been months since Drake and I last had sex, and
I’ve taken my pill religiously every day since my mother could convince my
doctor to prescribe it for me.

The more I think about things though, that would explain my
long lasting flu last month. No one else in the office got sick, and it lasted
a lot longer than the usual stomach bug. Oh my God, was that morning sickness?
I’ve heard people say that their morning sickness can last all day, or only
happen at night instead of in the morning as the name describes. Oh holy shit.
I could be pregnant.

I dash out of bed and throw some clothes on. Not wanting to
scare the poor drugstore clerk, I brush my teeth and throw a little concealer
over the dark circles that have taken residence under my eyes since Drake’s
departure from my life. I grab my coat, hat and mittens and dash out the door
not wanting to lose an-other second of learning my fate. Am I about to become a
mother? If so that would make me what, three months along or so? That’s a whole
trimester. I could be a third of the way through a pregnancy and have had no
clue. I can never believe those shows about women not knowing they were
pregnant, but now I can empathize. Maybe they just had a lot going on like I
have.

I walk into the drugstore once again feeling thankful that
living in a city means you are never more than a few blocks walk away from just
about anything you need, and head right to the family planning aisle. Not sure
which one is the best, I grab about five different boxes, all promising
different ways of giving me the same answer: pregnant, or not. With child or
not. Doomed woman about to raise the child she created with the love her life
only to have him abandon her and leave her unknowingly knocked up, or not. I
head to the counter grabbing some Gatorade, pre-natal vitamins, and a Snickers
bar on the way for good measure. The clerk gives me a quick smile then avoids
eye contact with me for the rest of the transaction.

I chug the Gatorade on the way home but save the snickers
for later. I figure regardless of the result, I’m going to want a comforting
snack. I head into my bathroom and get ready to take my tests. Always the
prepared test taker, I read the directions of all five tests and determine that
I don’t actually have to pee on all of the sticks, they just need to be
submerged in urine for about five seconds. This is a relief as I’m not sure I’d
have the bladder control to make that happen! I set out five Dixie Cups on my counter
and remove the tests from their packaging. After removing the caps, I place
each stick test strip down into the cups. I then proceed to pee in just one
cup, and pour the urine into the other five. I feel sort of like a cross
between medical professional and Howard Hughes doing it this way, but I feel
like it will deliver the best results. After submerging the tests for a few
seconds, I place them in a row on the counter and wait for my fate to be
decided. The timer I set on my cell phone goes off three minutes later and I
turn to look at the little white sticks. Slowly they start to change. The first
has a clearly solid blue line, the next a smiley face, and so on until the last
one that in plain English simply states, “PREGNANT”. I don’t know what else to
do so I smile, and start crying at the same time. Holy shit….shit shit shit
shit shit. I’m going to be a mother. Shit.

I sink to my bathroom floor and start to cry. Three months
of emotions run through me as it all starts to sink in. I have felt nothing but
alone since Drake left. Drake…the father of my child. Will he ever even find
out he’s a father? I have no way to tell him. I’ll be in the delivery room
about six months from now giving birth to our child and he won’t be there. I
cry so much that I eventually fall asleep, mentally and physically exhausted.

I wake up a little later still lying on the cold tile of my
bathroom floor. I get up and go to the kitchen to make a cup of tea before I
sit on my couch, trying to figure out my next move. First things first, my baby
needs prenatal care. It’s been months and I haven’t seen a doctor. Then the
horror of the past three months of my life sets in. I’ve traveled all over the
world. I’ve eaten foods that I’m not sure a pregnant lady can eat. I know there’s
a list, but I’m not even sure what’s on it. I’ve taken medicine. I drank
alcohol. I haven’t slept well… I’m a bad mother before I even started.

The tears come again and I have no idea what to do. Should I
call someone? Who would I call? I can’t tell my parents yet, my mother would be
horrified. I don’t want to call Amanda, she doesn’t need to worry about me any
more than she already does, and she’s just finding happiness, she doesn’t
deserve to be bogged down by my drama. I can’t tell Adrian…oh shit. Adrian. I’m
supposed to go on a date with Adrian Tuesday. I can’t date him when I’m
carrying another man’s child…can I? No, absolutely not.