She rubbed her temples and sighed. “So, on top of that mess I’ve got going on in my personal life, and the fact that it’s against the rules to have relations with patients, you know there’s nothing going on with the stunning Ms Lacey, Lori,” Lillian explained.

  “Ever heard of doctor-patient confidentiality? You’re her doctor, she’s your patient. You don’t say a thing, neither does she and you’re both good,” Lori replied.

  Lillian chuckled, “Nice try, but I don’t think that’s how that works, Lori.”

  “I haven’t seen you like that in a long time, Doc. You’re not seriously going to pass up on that because of a little formality, are you?” Lori asked.

  “That little formality could cost me my job. So, no. I’m not going to do anything about the situation with Anna,”

  Lillian said firmly.

  “Ooh, Anna, eh? You’ve skipped the first name basis and gone straight to nicknames already,” Lori said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

  Lillian’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Unknown number calling. Her brows furrowed. Again? she thought as she declined the call.

  “Okay, that’s enough of that. Just take her blood samples and run them up to the lab,” Lillian swatted Lori away and handed her Anna’s folder.

  “Aye, aye, Doc,” Lori responded with a salute. She grabbed the folder from Lillian, placed the blood samples in her pocket and backed out of the o ce.

  “Oh, one more thing, Lori. Can you schedule Ms Lacey’s next appointment with me?” Lillian asked.

  Unknown number calling, the screen read.

  “Are you going to get that, Doc?” Lori asked. “That’s the third time you’ve declined the call,” she said.

  “It’s an unknown number. You know I don’t pick those up. It’s probably some telemarketer trying to push some sort of promotional item anyway,” Lillian said, dismissing the calls.

  “Right,” Lori replied.

  “Don’t you have somewhere to be? Blood samples to get to the lab and paperwork to file and appointments to schedule?” Lillian asked.

  Lori shook her head and smirked. “I bet you five bucks you and Anna hit it o again and that won’t be the end of it.”

  “You’ve just made yourself five dollars poorer,” Lillian chuckled.

  “Alright, it’s a deal then, Doc,” Lori said as she skipped through the doorway. Lillian sighed and rubbed her temples.

  She grabbed a post-it note and scribbled You will not owe Lori $5 on it and placed it in front of her. Lillian’s phone rang again. “Damn, these telemarketers are persistent,” she said to herself.

  She declined the call and picked up her o ce phone. The line rang. “Hey, Doc. Miss me already?” Lori answered.

  “In your dreams, Lor,” Lillian sco ed. “I’m calling to give you a heads up. This unknown number keeps calling and I can’t have that kind of interruption during appointments.

  I’m going to forward all my calls to you for the day,” she explained.

  “No problem, Doc,” Lori replied. “Oh, while I have you on the line. Natalie Bridgen called, she’s going to do a home birth with a doula and a pool,” Lori explained.

  “Great, that’s one less thing on my agenda,” Lillian chuckled. “Thank you for letting me know, Lori,” she said.

  “Just doing my job, Doc,” Lori replied. “Speaking of doing my job, I see a heavily pregnant woman coming my way and boy does she look annoyed,” she sighed.

  “Good luck,” Lillian laughed as she hung up.

  6

  Annabel’s phone buzzed as she rounded the corner of her street. She glanced at the screen, 1 unread message from Deb.

  Annabel parked her car and grabbed her phone. Hey, are you home? I’m right across the street and thought we could catch up, the text read.

  Great timing, Sis. I just parked. Where are you? I’ll come to you, she responded.

  I’m at the co ee shop next to Pink Lotus, Deb texted back.

  I’ll be there in a bit, Annabel replied. She got out of her car and made her way down the street. Annabel spotted her sister sipping on a cup of iced co ee. Her sister waved at her animatedly as she spotted Annabel. She looks healthy. Happy even, Annabel thought as she crossed the street.

  Her sister ran up to her and held her in a tight embrace.

  “Ugh, it’s been ages!” she said. Deb pulled away from her.

  “You’ve got that glow,” she chirped.

  Anna chuckled, “If you weren’t sober, I’d say you were on something.”

  Deb’s smile widened. “Six months, can you believe it?”

  she said. “Come, sit. I want to hear everything,” Deb replied.

  Annabel set her things on the ground and pulled out a chair. “You first,” she laughed. “What were you doing here?”

  Annabel asked.

  “I got a coupon for a massage and facial at the Thai place next door,” Deb answered. “Pink Lotus? I had never been before but the reviews were good. So, I thought, why not?

  And it was right next to your new place,” she explained.

  “That’s great, Sis. How are you? Are you enjoying your first week of freedom?” Annabel questioned.

  “I’m good. It’s tough, but I’m happy,” Deb replied.

  “Enough about me, catch me up on everything I missed.

  Rehab was great and all, but getting news from Dad is like pulling teeth. The man has no concept of details,” she chuckled.

  “So much has happened. I’m not sure where to start. You know I’m finally pregnant—I’m on my eighth week actually!” Annabel shared.

  “I want to know everything. Mom said you had a hard time with the IUI procedure?” Deb asked.

  “I wouldn’t say the procedure was hard. Getting inseminated was nothing—the hard part was the disappointment. I either got my period or if I thought I had missed my period and took the tests, it was usually a false alarm,” Annabel explained. Deb placed her hand over hers and stroked it gently.

  Annabel looked up and smiled at her younger sister. “The disappointment was killer. I couldn’t believe it when the tests finally came up positive. Can you believe it?” she shared, “Honestly, I thought I’d never get pregnant.”

  “Well you did it, Anna,” Deb said softly. “I’m sorry,” she sighed.

  Annabel’s brows furrowed. “What for?” she asked.

  “I wasn’t there for you while you were going through all of that.” Deb’s head dropped.

  Annabel cupped her sister’s cheek. “Hey, don’t worry about it. You were taking care of yourself. I’m glad you got sober. And you’re here now. You’re going to have your work cut out for you,” she chuckled. “I’m going to need someone to help me with my cravings, and the baby room needs work.”

  “Count me in,” Deb chirped. “What else is new?”

  “Not much, really. Did I tell you about Mel?” Annabel asked.

  Deb winced. “No, you didn’t, but I’m up to date on that front,” she answered.

  “You guys spoke about it?” Annabel sighed.

  “Of course we spoke about it. Mel picked me up from rehab and it was the first thing she mentioned,” Deb shared.

  “Sorry, Deb. I know it can’t be great having to listen to that,” Annabel replied.

  “She’s my best friend but you’re my sister. You know I’ve always got your back. Things are just going to be uncomfortable for a while but hey, what’s life without a little bit of awkwardness?” Deb chuckled. “What else have you got?” she asked.

  Annabel bounced excitedly. “Do you want to hear about my first appointment?”

  “Yes! Tell me everything,” Deb squealed.

  “Well, fun fact: my baby is the size of a blueberry right now,” Annabel began.

  “How exciting! Did you get to see it?” Deb asked.

  “I have to be honest, it looked like a little blob,” Annabel chuckled. “But I did hear the heartbeat,” she shared.

  “What was that like?” Deb cooed.

  “I can’t describe it. My heart stopped the moment I heard it. I mean, all I could see was a fuzzy grey image, but I can’t even begin to explain how much my heart swelled when the doctor found the heartbeat,” Annabel replied.

  “I wish I could have heard it,” Deb sighed.

  “Maybe I could ask Doctor Foster for a tape or something.

  I’m sure they do that,” Annabel voiced. Annabel smirked at the thought of her doctor.

  Deb gasped, “I know that look. Spill.”

  “So, my baby doctor is hot. Like older, intellectual, serious, geeky scientist, doctor hot. She’s tall and wears tailored pants and a silk button down shirt under her doctor coat. She has these super intense dark brown eyes that look into your very soul. You should have seen me; I was obviously flirting like no tomorrow. Even when I was half naked with my legs in stirrups,” she laughed.

  “Do you know if she’s into chicks?” Deb questioned.

  “She didn’t give me any indication that she wasn’t,”

  Annabel chuckled. “She blushed at all of my advances and in the end, she even threw me a line,” she said.

  Deb raised her brow. “Was it any good?”

  “She said, and I quote, you are a work of art.”

  “What a line,” Deb responded. Annabel thought back to Doctor Foster’s beet red face. She felt her sister poke her side. “You’re so smitten. She’s that hot, eh?”

  “There’s something about her. I mean, you know I love the geeky, serious, slightly awkward ones. She’s this accomplished doctor and yet, she was so humble. She was tentative and I liked how she visibly reacted to my flirting,”

  Annabel laughed.

  “You and your incessant flirting. You’re going to have the rest of your pregnancy with this woman. Try not to torture her,” Deb laughed.

  “I can’t help myself. She brings something out in me,”

  she chuckled.

  Deb shook her head. “Lord help her,” she teased.

  “Hey, I’m a catch,” Annabel whined.

  “Yes, you are and you’re going to be a great mother to that little blueberry,” Deb said softly.

  Annabel felt her insides twist. Her face fell. A great mother? she thought to herself. “You think so?” Annabel asked.

  “Of course, Anna. I’ve got no doubt in my mind. No one does,” Deb said. She cradled her sister’s hand in hers.

  “What’s wrong?” Deb questioned.

  “I don’t know,” Annabel sighed. “I know I want this so very much, but I’m terrified,” she admitted.

  “Of what?” Deb asked.

  “Of motherhood. I’ve researched the hell out of it all, but I don’t have any actual experience of babies, childcare, anything like that,” she answered.

  “This isn’t a job interview, Anna,” Deb chuckled.

  “Stop it, I’m serious. What if I’m a bad mother? What if I’m not cut out to be a mom?” Annabel whispered.

  “Where is all of this coming from?” Deb asked.

  “I don’t know. I can’t shake the feeling,” Annabel explained.

  “Look, Sis. I know you. You’re an amazing person. You’re kind, your heart is the size of Jupiter, and you have so much love to give. Whatever you don’t know, you can learn.

  Nobody researches like you do. You will learn more about parenting than most people ever do. You will be an expert by the time that baby is born. Nobody prepares like you do.”

  Deb said. “That kid is going to be so loved, and don’t you worry, you’ve got me, Mom, and Dad to help you through any hurdles.”

  She’s right. I can do this.

  “Let’s take this one day at a time,” she heard her sister say.“Okay,” Annabel nodded. “Thanks, Sis. I think I’m going to need reminding for the next few months,” she admitted.

  “I will happily take on that responsibility,” Deb chirped.

  Annabel pulled her sister in for a hug.

  Annabel turned her head and pulled away from her sister when she heard someone clear their throat. A visibly uncomfortable teenage boy stood before them. “Hi-um, sorry to interrupt but my boss said you have to order something or you can’t sit h-here,” he stuttered.

  The two women chuckled as the young boy fidgeted nervously in front of them. “I could use a cup of green tea.

  All this co ee is giving me a ca eine rush,” Deb said. “What about you, Anna? It’s on me,” she o ered.

  “That’s so sweet of you, Deb,” Annabel cooed as she pinched her sister’s cheek.

  Deb swatted her hand away, “Alright, alright. Put the kid out of his misery and tell him what you want,” she said.

  “Do you have ginger tea?” Annabel asked.

  The boy scratched the back of his head. “Uh, do you mean ginger-flavored tea?” he asked.

  “Can you have ca eine when you’re pregnant?” Deb questioned.

  “I think so but I don’t like tea,” she said as she scrunched her nose.

  “We have fresh mint,” the boy interjected. “I could steep that in some hot water for you,” he o ered.

  “That sounds great. Thank you!” Annabel chirped.

  “One green tea and one mint tea,” the boy repeated as he walked away.

  “Oh, to be young,” Deb chuckled.

  Annabel sco ed, “Look who’s talking. You’re still young!”

  “I’m sorry,” Deb feigned shock, “Young? I may only be 29 but I have the body of an 80-year-old,” she laughed.

  “Listen closely.” She moved her knee and Annabel heard it pop.

  “Oh my god, was that your knee?” Annabel laughed.

  “Wait, wait,” she said. Annabel stood up and her knees made the same noise.

  Her sister burst into a fit of laughter. “Who would have thought we’d be comparing knee problems.”

  Annabel sat back down. She looked at her sister and felt her heart swell. “I’ve missed you, Deb,” she said softly.

  Her sister smiled back at her. “Me too, Anna. It’s good to be back and it’s even better to feel like myself,” she shared.

  7

  T hat’s it, Lillian crossed o the last thing on her to-do list and sighed. She glanced at the clock in front of her. Shit, it’s late, she thought to herself.

  Lillian cleared her desk and gathered her things. She grabbed her bag and made her way out of her o ce. She locked the door to her o ce and threw her keys in her purse.

  The hospital wing was silent. The lights were dim. The sound of her heels clacking against the floor felt deafening.

  Lillian tried to walk as lightly as she could. She passed by the reception desk and saw Lori hunched over a stack of papers. She was fast asleep. What is she still doing here?

  Lillian peered over the counter and placed a hand on her shoulder. Lori stirred. “Lori, wake up. What are you still doing here? It’s 11pm,” Lillian asked.

  “I lost a bet,” Lori mumbled.

  “Of course you did,” Lillian chuckled.

  Lori rubbed her tired eyes. “Did you say it was 11pm?” she asked through a yawn.

  “Yup, you heard me right,” Lillian answered.

  “Great, three more hours and I can go home,” she cheered sleepily.

  “Who’d you lose to?” Lillian questioned.

  “Bitzer’s assistant,” Lori said as she rolled her eyes. “I got her shift.”

  “Do you want to reconsider our little bet?” Lillian chuckled.

  “No way. I can feel it in my gut. I’m going to be five dollars richer,” Lori exclaimed.

  “We’ll see about that,” Lillian replied. “Alright, good luck with the rest of your night. I’m heading home. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said as she walked away.

  “Oh, Doc. Wait!” Lori called out.

  Lillian turned around. “Can it wait until tomorrow?” she asked.

  “You’re going to want to hear this,” Lori said.

  She walked back to the reception desk. Lori had a curious look on her face. Lillian’s brows furrowed. What can it be? she thought to herself.

  “So, you know that unknown number that’s been calling?” Lori asked.

  “You mean the telemarketer?” Lillian replied.

  “Well, here’s the thing. It’s not telemarketers. Turns out it’s Jen,” Lori explained.

  “Jen?” Lillian questioned.

  “Yes,” Lori confirmed.

  “What does she want?” Lillian asked.

  “She wouldn’t say but she did not sound happy when I picked up. Honestly, she cussed me out,” Lori chuckled.

  “You’re kidding?” Lillian responded in disbelief.

  “Oh no, she used some colorful language and asked if I was your flavor of the week,” Lori shared.

  “No?! I’m sorry, Lori. That’s not okay. I’ll deal with it,”

  Lillian promised.

  “Don’t worry about it. I found it mildly entertaining,” she replied.

  “Thank you for letting me know,” Lillian nodded appreciatively. “Will you stop forwarding my calls and block that number?” she asked.

  “Already done, Doc,” Lori said.

  “Thank you, Lori,” Lillian sighed, “I really appreciate it.”

  “Don’t sweat it, Doc,” she replied. “Now, go home. We’ve got an early morning and five hormonal women to deal with tomorrow,” Lori said.

  Lillian groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

  “See you tomorrow, Doc,” Lori called out.

  “See you!” Lillian replied as she made her way down the hall. What am I going to do about Jen? This is absolutely crazy.

  First house hunting in my neighborhood and now this? I really need to vet these women before I decide to jump into anything, Lillian said to herself.

  She stepped into the elevator and pulled out her phone out of her bag. Lillian scrolled through her contact list and pressed on Jen’s contact. She brought the phone up to her ear, “The number you’ve dialed is currently unavailable.”

  “Seriously?” Lillian sco ed.

  “Please try again later or leave a message after the tone,” the robotic voice said.

  The line beeped and Lillian sighed, “Jen, I know you’ve been calling with an unknown number. Please stop. Your calls are interfering with my work. Whatever you think this is going to achieve, you’re wrong. I don’t know how else to explain this to you but there is nothing between us. Please stop calling me and my place of work.” Lillian shook her head and hung up.