My Never: a novella by Renee Swann

“Peanut DeGaris. Original.”
    He
chuckled and brushed his lips against mine. “You’re one-of-a-kind.”
    “I
know.” I flopped into the pillows.
    He
nuzzled my neck. “I was thinking breakfast in bed ...”
    “French
toast?”
    “Mmm.”
    “And
a croissant.”
    “Don’t
think we have any,” he said.
    “Freezer.
Behind the brussel sprouts.”
    He
chuckled again. “Cheeky.”
    I
yawned. Content, my eyes fluttered closed.
    What
seemed a moment later, Troy nudged me awake. “Hey, Bad Ass, rise’n shine.”
    The
scent of butter and toast entered my nose. My eyes fluttered open.
    Troy
slid a tray onto the bed. “Apple cinnamon pancake, French toast, croissants.”
He handed me a mug.
    “You
are too good to be true.” My lips tugged into a smile as I sat up.
    “Anything
for the mother of my child.”
    I
eyed the single rose. “You are going to spoil this kid rotten, aren’t you?”
    He
shrugged a shoulder. “Don’t really spoil Ruby.”
    I
tore a croissant and smothered it in jam. “She’s going to be so excited.”
    “What’re
you doing today?”
    I
let him snitch a wedge of pancake. “I have another appointment at the doctors.
Then I’m stopping by the hotel.”
    “How’s
your mum gonna react?”
    “She’ll
be ecstatic.” I hope.
    “I’m
gonna take you shopping tomorrow.”
    My
eyebrow arched. “For what?”
    He
shrugged again. “Whatever you want.”
    “Awesome.” Bookshop here I come.
     
    That afternoon, I rode
the elevator to the sixth floor. I smoothed out my dress and raised my fist to
knock on the suite’s door.
    It
swung open. “Darling!” Mum embraced me. “Come in. Let me take your coat.” She
ripped it from my shoulders.
    “Careful.
My arms are still attached.”
    “Sorry.
I’m just excited.” She paused. “Where’s Ruby?”
    “Visiting
Lauren.”
    Her
face dropped. “You promised I’d see my granddaughter.”
    “I
do have some news.” I perched on the sofa.
    “Wine?”
    “No,
thanks.”
    Her
eyes roamed over my face and body. “You’re pregnant.”
    “Oh
God. How did you know?”
    She
shrugged a shoulder. “Took a shot.” She handed me a cola. “So, another
grandchild. Aren’t I lucky?” She chuckled.
    “Very.
Are you sure you wouldn’t be more comfortable staying with us?”
    “And
miss out on room service? Besides, you no longer have a spare room.”
    The
thought of my brand new office being turned into a baby’s room was
disheartening. “Julie’s house?”
    She
petted my shoulder. “Please, let me have another couple of days of pampering
before I make any decisions.”
    “Sure.
But give her a call when you’re ready. She would love the company.”
    “Do
you have time for some cake?” she said, “We could go down to the café.”
    “I’m
always up for dessert.” I stood.
    “Today’s
special is toffee crunch, I believe.”
    “Let’s
go.” I shrugged into my coat and followed her out.
    Five
minutes later, we were seated by the window, looking out onto the ocean.
    “A
stranger would think you have someone on the inside.” I sipped my virgin piña
colada. “So, Mum.” I leaned forward. “Are you sleeping with the manager?”
    She
smiled and tapped the side of her nose. A waiter glided over.
    “Ah,
Jimmy. Get us two slices of today’s cake,” she said.
    He
nodded and plodded over to the counter.
    “Man
of little words,” I said.
    “Makes
a damn good espresso. Too bad Troy knocked you up.”
    “Hm.”
No coffee, alcohol? This’ll be a tonne of fun.
    Mum
petted my hand. “Don’t worry, Dear. You can booze it up after the baby
is born.”
    I’m
destined to become an alcoholic like my mother was? “How long has it been since
you boozed it up ?”
    “Twenty
years. When your father died it really sobered me.”
    I
don’t blame her for her issues. But I do not want to be like her. I felt my
features harden.
    Her
hand retracted. “Did I say something wrong?”
    “Do
you recall when our house was on fire?”
    Mum’s
eyes