Page 23 of Afterglow

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that.” I can hear her smile through the phone. “How far along are you?”

I swallow thickly. “Six weeks,” I say, pausing before I add, “Since conception.” I glance up at Bryce and he doesn’t show an ounce of discomfort in the face of this conversation. He’s just studying me and listening intently.

“And when was the first day of your last period?” she asks casually.

I look away from Bryce as my cheeks heat. “Um, I honestly don’t really remember. The other doctor’s office asked me that too, but I’ve never been very regular. I think it’s probably been ten weeks.”

“Alright. Well, in pregnancy weeks, you’re likely around eight along, as we add about two weeks to the date of conception. How long have you been feeling sick?”

“Almost a week. That’s why I took the tests. Again, I’m not regular, so not having a period wasn’t a surprise. But I’m rarely under the weather, and to be sick multiple days in a row…” I trail off.

“How many tests did you take?”

“Six,” I admit.

“How often are you getting sick? Are you able to eat or drink anything?”

“It’s been off and on all day every day this week. I had to call out of work—which I never do. It is a bit better in the afternoon, but I’m still terribly nauseated. I’m drinking as much water as I can and have been surviving mostly on bread.”

“Right. Thank you for telling me all that. So, chances are this will get better, but sometimes morning sickness can persist or become severe, and we want to avoid you getting any more dehydrated. I’m going to give you a list of things to get at the store, and I’d really like for you to give me a call in a few days to let me know how you’re feeling.” I begin to interject, but she’s not finished. “I know you have another doctor, and you can of course call them as well, but Bryce is… Well, Bryce is a friend and I know he’ll be worried about you, and I don’t mind checking in to make sure everything is okay.”

The way her voice catches on the word friend has my senses on high alert. What is their connection? I really hope he didn’t sleep with her, considering what I’m about to ask.

“If it’s not a conflict for you, could I make an appointment with your office instead?” It’s rare I connect with someone so quick, and seeing as I randomly selected the other doctor off my insurance website, I’m not particularly attached.

She clears her throat and I hold my breath, preparing for her to say no, but she settles on, “Of course, how about I have them call you to set something up when the office opens on Monday. And if there are any issues this weekend, this is my cell number. You can call me anytime. Okay?”

That seems generous, but I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“Okay, thank you.”

“To help with the morning sickness, I want you to pick up a quality prenatal vitamin to take daily, along with Liquid IV or some other form of electrolytes—ideally one with less sugar, since that can further upset your stomach. Bland foods like crackers and bread for easy snacking. I’d also try ginger candies or maybe ginger ale.”

I catch Bryce’s eye, feeling softer toward him than I ever have. “Bryce already got me a stock of ginger ale and crackers.”

His beard twitches and his big brown eyes hold my stare.

“Of course he did,” she says with a soft chuckle. “If something sounds good to eat, eat it. Don’t worry about what it is right now. Bread is good, but try adding something to it, like peanut butter.”

“Oh come on, did he put you up to this?” I ask with an exasperated huff, but I’m smiling.

“What?” she asks.

“He brought me peanut butter too.”

“Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me either.” There’s an odd wistfulness in her tone that I can’t quite place. “You could also try eggs with toast and see how that sits. Good protein and fat but relatively easy on the stomach. Honestly, eat whatever you can, and even if you get sick, your body will have absorbed some of the nutrients. Smoothies are also a great option.”

“Okay. Hopefully I’ll feel well enough to go to the store later.”

“I can do it,” Bryce says, walking over and finally breaking his silence. “Just give me a list of everything you need.”

“It’s fine. I’ll need to get out of this house eventually,” I reply, still unsure of our dynamic.

In my ear, Dr. Davenport says, “If you feel up to it, Leanne, that’s great. If not, take advantage of that big burly man’s offer. He could do with some bossing around.” She laughs good-naturedly, and I’m desperate to know what their relationship is.

Bryce is standing close now and speaks loudly when he says, “That’s enough of that, Becca.”

“Becca?” I ask, then realize he’s speaking to Dr. Davenport.