“I don’t think Ben would’ve slept with you had he not had feelings for you. Right now I imagine he is trying to figure out your future, the two of you. What is best and right for not only you, but the baby growing inside you. He’ll call or better yet, come by, if you give him time to think. You know Ben well enough, he’ll do the right thing and if he doesn’t love you yet, he will fall in love with you soon. I don’t doubt that at all. You’re easy to love sweetheart.”
Jamie sank down onto her bed and sighed as her shoulders sagged. “What if he hates me forever?”
That idea was ludicrous. “Hate you? Because he chose to have sex with you, without using protection? That wasn’t your fault, excuse me, but there were two people present that night.”
Jamie lifted her head and her eyes were so sad it broke my heart to see it: “I told him I was on the pill. I have been for my irregular periods. But I knew they weren’t strong. My doctor explained that it was enough to keep my periods regular, but not a great form of protection. I knew that, and…and…I didn’t take my pill that night. I can tell myself a million times it was an accident and I forgot. But deep down, I don’t think that it was. I think I meant for this to happen.”
If she had meant for this to happen it had been a fleeting fantasy. Now she was faced with reality. I didn’t think Jamie premeditated trapping Ben as a father. However, if she had, then Jamie’s future may be exactly what she wanted.
“Doesn’t matter now. You’re going to have a baby. And you’re going to be an excellent mother. That kid is a lucky egg.”
A small smile touched her lips and I hoped I was right. For all three of the people included.
Chapter Nine
I hadn’t planned on going to the barn dance but after a week of leaving work to check on Jamie and lift her spirits I figured she needed me there. Ben hadn’t asked her to go, although he had finally called her and they had met late one evening to talk about things in his truck. He hadn’t made any promises yet, but he had mentioned marriage.
Jamie needed to pretend as if life were normal. Being the good friend that I was I had momma alter my nicest dress that she made for last year’s dance. My breasts were bigger and my hips flared more. I couldn’t tell, but it had happened. She also added a satin belt that tied in a pretty bow. I was asked by four different boys to go and I’d turned them all down in a row. If it weren’t for Jamie, I wouldn’t be going. I didn’t really want to dance with any boys from Moulton, Alabama.
Momma was pleased I was going. She didn’t understand why Jamie was my date, but she seemed positive about the fact I’d be there with local boys, preening and showing themselves. I picked up the blueberry cobbler she had just finished baking and put it on the cake plate that set in the center of the display. I would smell it for the next eight hours. Good thing blueberry cobbler wasn’t one of my favorites. I’d also had momma’s several times at home. It wouldn’t be torture, just agony.
The doorbell chimed, the door then opened, and Mr. Expensive was there. I had questions: why are you here? Do you work nearby? What is your name? But I didn’t ask a one. That would be flirting and momma would hear me. I glanced back to make sure the kitchen door was closed. I wanted momma to stay back there, instead of coming out here and being rude.
“Good morning,” I said with a smile, reassuring myself that the door was shut and that momma was safely busy.
“Good morning,” he replied with a grin. He had impressive straight white teeth. I’d never seen teeth so perfect.
“You must be working nearby. We don’t normally get out of towners repeating their business this soon.” I said it without asking a question.
He smirked. “Actually no, I don’t. But after my first visit I keep getting drawn back here. Regularly.”
I wanted to think that comment was meant for me. But I’d had my momma’s baking and knew it was meant for the treats. “My momma can have that affect.”
He stopped on the other side of the counter and studied me for a moment. I wanted to fidget and fix my hair. Make sure my breath was clean and that nothing was out of place. He seemed so polished and perfect. Was he finding all my flaws?
“I’m sure your mother brings in tons of people with her talented baking. However, I was referring to you.”
I wanted to respond, but what do I say, flirting wasn’t my habit, something I practiced daily. Now I wished I had practiced more. It could be helpful at a time like this.
“I’ve made you nervous. Surely you get attention from the men in this town on a regular basis?”
Men, no, not men, I wouldn’t call the boys here men. They were still drinking beer and swimming in the lake and none of them had a goal to be more than Moulton offered.
“Honestly, other than work here and at home, I don’t go out much.”
Now I sounded completely boring.
“Your mother’s smart. If she let you out you’d be married within the year.”
I laughed. My momma would love for me to be married. I shook my head. “No, that’s not it. I just don’t want this life. I plan to get out of Moulton, out of Alabama for good. I want to see the world. Not marry a farmer and have a bunch of babies just like everyone else.”
He smiled and bit his lip. Not one I’d seen before. People around here always mocked me, grinning with spite and arrogance. As if I was dreaming too big. His smile was more appreciative.
“What’s your number one?” he asked.