Page 85 of Seein’ Red

I weave my way through tables, cursing my brother for putting the bathroom on the far side of the bar. I’m sure that’s what made the most sense, since Pour Decisions taproom is the front part of the storeroom for Southern Brothers. He and Brandt converted the second level of the storeroom to a loft style apartment a few years ago when they took over this space, building their new brewery about a hundred yards behind this old warehouse. It’s their dream come true.

Right now, my dream come true would be a closer bathroom.

“Where are you off to so fast?” Milo asks, appearing out of nowhere and standing in my way.

Gahh! Can’t a girl just make it to the bathroom?

“Out of my way. Don’t mess with the pregnant lady who has to pee!”

I shove him out of the way, ignoring his chuckle.

“Already playing that card, huh?”

I stop right at the bathroom door, spinning around to look at him. Milo quirks an eyebrow back at me, just as surprised as I am by my sudden halt.

“That’s the first time I’ve said it out loud,” I say, my voice wistful. Okay, the second. But the first time to someone other than Nash, which makes it different. Makes it real. Guess I’ve come to terms with it a little more than I realized.

Milo simply nods. He might be an epic sass-hole at times, but he’s also always been easy to talk to and understanding.

“I’m happy for you. I’ll be less happy if I have to witness the first time you pee yourself though.”

And there’s my older brother.

I flip him the bird as I push the bathroom door open with my backside. It slams behind me as I rush into the stall, so ready for the relief that comes when I really have to go.

Ahhhhh, that’s better…

My whole body eases, everything really right with the world now. Although, Nash makes a good point. If this is what the next nine months are going to be like, it’s going to get interesting. I draw the line at a travel bucket though.

Finishing up, I glance down, my eyes landing on the last thing I expect.

My period.

I blink hard, my mind furiously trying to keep up with what I’m seeing. Because this doesn't make sense. It's not possible.

Unless…maybe it is?

No, it’s not. I’m twelve days late. That means you’re pregnant, doesn’t it? Even if the one test wasn’t completely clear. And the other ended up in the toilet. All my symptoms have been pregnancy related not period related.

Or so I let myself believe. The mild cramping and such that I’ve been ignoring for the last couple of days, assuming it was the pregnancy, could have been Aunt Flow announcing her upcoming arrival.

Twisting, I grab a tampon out of the hospitality basket on the back of the toilet, never more thankful that I insisted such a thing was necessary. Milo told me I was crazy when I showed up with them for the grand opening, but clearly I knew what I was talking about. I’m not the first—and certainly won’t be the last—woman on this planet subject to a sneak attack from her period.

Only, this was more than just a sneak attack. This was an all-out assault.

I finish righting myself, sucking in a deep breath, trying to make it all make sense. My brain is still whirring at the speed of light as I wash my hands. I simply can’t wrap my head around this. It’s all wrong.

Because, it has to be.

I had morning sickness. I spent those days throwing up. Sure, I haven’t puked since. My stomach has been like a rock the last few days. But, nothing else could have caused that. Nothing else in my life has been different. Still all my normal habits, routines, and medications.

Except the antibiotic.

No, no. That's crazy. Antibiotics mess with birth control effectiveness; they don’t make you late. No one has ever heard of an antibiotic making someone late. Horror stories about ineffective birth control and surprise pregnancies? Sure. Those are right there in the warning labels on the prescription. But not making you late.

The bathroom door whips open, Brenna Rawlins walking in. I smile politely at her, something that takes way more effort than it should. I like Brenna. She was a couple of years behind me in school, but usually around Hayes family functions since she’s Brandt’s little sister. She’s sweet and funny, and in the process of finishing up…

“Brenna!” I exclaim, whipping around.