Chapter 78

Hailey stared at the stranger, as if she had horns. She parted her lips to speak, but words failed her.

"II don't understand what you're talking about," she stammered, attempting to sound confident.

The stranger woman touched her forehead, massaging her temple. "Forgive my bluntness. What I said is a probability. Other factors could affect your taste buds. I'm speaking from experience, but a test would confirm anything."

"But if you have bugs or other symptoms, I could be wrong. I'm sorry. I just want to make sure you're okay. Can I help?"

"Thank you for your concern, but please leave," Hailey said, gesturing toward the door.

"No problem. I'd be rigid in your shoes. You're incredibly lucky to be with Cole Matthis. Anyone would want him."

"I'm in a bit of a predicament, but if Cole asks me out, I'm definitely marrying him," Hailey glared.

The stranger shrugged. "I admire you; you have nothing to worry about. Cole is trustworthy. He must truly love you."

"I wish you both the best. And if you're pregnant, you're the luckiest woman alive. You're beautiful, too. You and Cole will have beautiful babies."

"I wish you all the best," she said, turning to leave. She paused at the door, glancing back at Hailey. "Cole's worried about you," she said before departing slowly toward a table where she found Cole. He looked frantically worried. "Is she okay? Does she need me?" he asked.

"You like her a lot, don't you?"

"Not now, Natasha. You're a nurse; I thought you'd help her."

"She's fine. She's adjusting. She'll be out soon."

"Thank you, but you shouldn't have interfered with our date."

Natasha frowned. "You think I made her sick?"

"That's not the point. I was having a good time, and you interfered."

"Please don't be mad," she pouted. "What's wrong with seeing an old friend?"

"I hope you didn't say anything nasty to Hailey."

Natasha shrugged. "I was on my best behavior. I told her how lucky she is to have you."

"Really?" Cole tried to avoid glaring at her.

"She's not feeling well, and this is your conversation?"

He sighed. "I shouldn't have let you go to her. I thought you'd help."

"I didn't mean to upset you. I helped her, but I also told her I envied her. It was a genuine conversation, not spiteful."

"You shouldn't have said hi."

"So you're mad because I was nice?"

"Just leave, Natasha." Cole walked toward the bathroom.

The moment Natasha left, Hailey took a deep breath. Leaning against the marble counter, she stared in the mirror, replaying the conversation. She snapped out of it, trying to remember if she was late.

Sighing, she massaged her forehead. Remembering Cole, she washed and dried her hands and left the restroom.

She immediately bumped into Cole, who looked worried. He cupped her face, staring into her eyes. "Are you hiding something?" Hailey shook her head.

"I trust you, but I don't know what to think."

Hailey's heart pounded. "Did she tell you anything?"

"Natasha? No."

Hailey sighed inwardly. Summoning strength, she smiled, shrugged his hands off, tiptoed, and kissed him quickly.

"I'm fine. I'm just tired from work. Otherwise, I'm good."

"Are you sure? You're not mad about Natasha?"

Hailey shook her head.

"She's an ex. You have nothing to worry about. I'm sorry I let her meet you. She's in the medical field; I thought she'd help." Hailey nodded. "She told me."

"About her experience or your past relationship?"

"Both."

"Don't take it to heart. It's probably nothing."

"You mean your past relationship?"

"We never really loved each other."

"It's fine. I have you now."

"Thank you for understanding." Cole kissed her cheek.

"Still hungry? We can go home."

Hailey shook her head. "You put so much effort into this."

"It doesn't matter. Your health comes first. We can reschedule."

"No, I'm hungry. I want to enjoy this time with you."

"Okay. But tell me if you get tired."

Hailey nodded.