Chapter 181

I went to see Lena, and luckily, she was home. “What was with the late-night call? I was exhausted after surgery and didn't call back. Were you sick?” Lena asked, remembering the missed call only upon seeing me.

I kicked off my shoes and wandered across the carpet. “If I were really sick, I’d probably be dead by now.”

She wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “What’s up? Are you mad?”

“No, I know you’re busy. It was nothing, really,” I said, deciding against mentioning Hayden’s illness.

Lena wasn’t convinced. “You don’t call me in the middle of the night for nothing.”

“It was about Hayden,” I finally admitted. I didn’t want her to think it was something worse.

She handed me half her freshly made watermelon juice. “He’s a catch. If you don’t lock him down, you’ll regret it.”

My mind was still reeling from Jace. I took a sip of juice. “Jace and I are officially done.”

Lena scoffed. “Weren’t you two done forever ago?”

I stared blankly. “This time, it’s for real.”

Lena caught my mood and clinked her glass against mine. “Congrats!”

The word made me laugh. “Jace was good to me. Why are you so happy?”

“No matter how good he was to me, if he wasn’t good to you, what’s the point?” Lena said, again proving why she was my best friend.

“Come on, forget about him. Drink your juice, then we’ll grab some good food,” Lena said, raising her glass.

“I’m not in the mood,” I refused.

But Lena wasn’t taking no for an answer. She dragged me out the door. “After we eat, we’re going bar-hopping to check out some hot guys.”

Out of her white coat, Lena transformed into a full-fledged city girl. She was the perfect example of “don’t judge a book by its cover.”

She mentioned a new French restaurant, and she was taking me for foie gras. As luck would have it, the restaurant was next to the café where Tanya wanted to meet.

Before I even got out of the car, I spotted Tanya through the window. She was staring blankly, looking… lost. Honestly, she looked pathetic.

It had been two hours since she called and texted. She hadn’t been bluffing about waiting. Remembering her message about something important, my curiosity won out. Plus, I knew I wouldn’t enjoy my meal if she remained there.

I nodded toward the café. “I’m going to talk to her. You go ahead and order.”

“Go for it,” Lena said, offering no resistance. She knew Tanya was pregnant, and in Lena’s eyes, regardless of adult drama, the child didn't deserve to be involved.

When I sat down, Tanya blinked, surprised I’d actually come.

“Didn’t think you were coming,” she said sarcastically.

“I’m here for the baby’s sake,” I replied bluntly.

Tanya offered a bitter smile. “Sit down. Would you like something? Coffee or—”

“No, thanks. Just get to the point—I have dinner plans,” I interrupted.

Tanya seemed awkward, trying to appear calm and content, but her strained smile betrayed her.

“Alright, what did you want to talk about? Is this about Jace?” I asked directly.

Tanya lowered her head, glancing at her belly. After a moment, she looked up. “Keira, do Jace’s parents like kids?” She added, “Do you think they’d accept the child I’m carrying?”