“Probably not, but I think we’ve already established that I watch more television. It’s amazing what you can pick up from those shows. You could always ask your sister if you want another opinion.”
“No way,” Dominic spat out. “You better not tell her, either. You caused a long laugh at my expense in front of Gwen over Kandi. Why in God’s name would you be telling Meredith about me dating a stripper?”
“Oh, stop whining,” Gage laughed. “I love your sister. She’s one of the few people who gets my sense of humor. I’m telling you, if she wasn’t already married, I’d be your brother-in-law by now.”
Dominic dropped his head back against the passenger seat. “And to think, I didn’t believe it possible for me to be more depressed today. Thanks for proving me wrong. Next time, we’re driving in separate cars.”
“You’re the one who needed to talk about your problems, dude. If you want me to keep helping you, then you could attempt to be a little more civil.” As they pulled into the parking garage of their destination, Gage parked the truck and turned to him before opening his door. “Remember, no smothering Gwen this week. Be chill. Let her come to you—for once.”
Chapter Thirteen
Gwen stared at the three pregnancy tests that she had lined up on her bathroom counter. Two were showing only one line and the other clearly said, “Not pregnant.” She felt a pang of disappointment even though she had no desire for a baby right now. Something about seeing the negative tests just seemed so final. She was already feeling a little dejected—or maybe the better word would be rejected—after not hearing from Dominic since he’d left two days earlier. It was now Thursday night, which meant after work tomorrow, she was planning to drive the two hours to visit her sister.
She wasn’t sure why, but somehow she’d seen this whole thing going differently a week ago. She imagined herself taking a pregnancy test, and then collapsing on the couch with relief when it was negative. Dominic would open a bottle of wine and they’d relax together, happy to have dodged a bullet. Then they’d have hot, crazy sex—with no condom mishap—before moving into a regular relationship.
Instead, Dominic had been out of town and hadn’t called her once. She was left to take a test alone and have the celebratory glass of wine solo, as well. She pondered calling him to let him know the good news, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Actually, she didn’t even care about the wine anymore. So, after a quick shower, Gwen was in bed by nine o’clock. As she curled her arms around the pillow that still smelled of Dominic’s musky scent, Gwen knew she had to accept the fact that he would likely leave her life before the smell of his cologne faded from her feather pillow.
* * *
As Gwen drove down her sister’s street, she took a few deep breaths to pull herself together. The last twenty-four hours had been an emotional roller coaster. With the negative pregnancy test, the arrival of her period to drive the point home this morning, and Dominic’s continued radio silence, she was well on her way to an epic pity party. She had decided last night to tell him the news when he returned, but she had since changed her mind. So, when she pulled her car to a stop, she grabbed her cell phone from her purse and quickly brought up his name. Instead of calling, she decided to send a text. It was more impersonal, and it seemed that their relationship had declined to just that level over the course of this week.
So, without any fanfare she typed, “Took test—not pregnant.” Her fingers hovered over the keys for another moment. It felt wrong to send such an abrupt message, but what was she supposed to say? Do you like me? Check yes or no. Where are you? Why haven’t you called? Yeah, those were just a few of the questions that she’d like to have answered. Instead, she quickly hit the SEND button, then proceeded to sit in the car in front of her sister’s house for an additional ten minutes, waiting for a reply.
She was getting her overnight bag from the backseat when her phone chimed. “Good deal . . . Thanks for letting me know.” Following the one sentence reply was a smiley face. In an uncharacteristic display of temper, Gwen took her phone and threw it against the oak tree in her sister’s yard where it promptly separated into a few extra pieces.
“Okay, who’s the man this time?” asked Wendy dryly as she stood staring at Gwen from the front steps.