I try to shrug, but fail miserably. I’m not gonna lie, knowing she was here the whole time makes me love her even more.
“Here,” Jenna says, placing a piece of paper in my hand. I bring it up to my eyes and warmth surges through me. It’s my Little One and I don’t give a shit that in that picture, she looks like an alien life form. I know she’s growing inside of Jenna and ready to make her debut. I place the picture on my chest and squeeze Jenna’s hand as the n
urse starts moving my bed.
I attempt my half-arsed smile at her. She loves me. I wink, which makes her giggle. Yeah I need to get the fuck out of this bed, and fast.
JIMMY’S been having his x-ray for over two hours. I was told they’d be right back and to stay here, but he’s been gone too long. Between my hair pulling, lip chewing and constantly looking at my watch, I’m going crazy. Everyone else is as cool as a cucumber. I’m the only one freaking out. He just woke up and now he’s gone.
Someone from the hospital is a snitch. The press is gathering outside and none of us have contacted them. I watch as they assemble in the space that was designated for them after Jimmy was shot. More fans are starting to show up too. They linger by the bus, waiting for one of the guys to come out and talk to them.
Liam and Harrison have been so accommodating to them. I told Jimmy about the acoustic show, but it’s been more than that. The guys have had catered meals sent out to them and even held a three-hour meet and greet. When I asked them why, they said if they were going to sit outside and wait for word on Jimmy, this was the least they could do. I agreed, but opted to stay inside next to my husband instead of thanking them myself. Maybe when we leave, Jimmy and I can thank them together.
“You should sit down, honey. He’ll be back soon.”
“How do you know?” I ask Brigette. When Jimmy’s dad and his ex-girlfriend showed up pregnant, I thought she was going to come unglued. But she’s held strong and kept her head held high. Whatever James did to her, it doesn’t show.
“James, what did you do?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Brigette.” I watch them, back and forth. James is smug and uncaring. I can tell by his tone. I look at the woman in the doorway. Her face flashes before my eyes. I’ve seen her so many times in the articles about the band. I was a fan of 4225 West long before I knew that Liam was Noah’s dad. I’d buy every magazine just to read the newest gossip and she’d been in there. They were engaged. I knew that.
I look back at my sleeping husband and pray that he wakes up soon. I’m not mad that she’s here, but curious. And what does James have to do with her?
Brigette doesn’t seem to want to answer James and he’s not offering up any information. I’m so confused and tired. I just want everyone to leave.
“What are you doing here?” I ask her. I wish I could remember her name, but for the life of me I can’t. Jimmy never talks about her and I don’t ask. We have exes for a reason.
“I’m here because of Jimmy.”
“He doesn’t want you here,” I put forth.
She scoffs and throws her hair over her shoulder. “Yes he does.”
I shake my head. “He doesn’t.”
“She’s right, Chelsea,” Harrison adds.
Chelsea – that’s right – either he or Liam said it before when she showed up. Chelsea. The rag mags never did say why they broke up, not that it matters anymore.
“You’re pregnant?” she asks. I want to say no shit, but I nod. It’s clear that I am. “Who’s the father?”
“Oh, for crying out loud, Chelsea. Jimmy is the father, you silly girl.” Brigette throws her hands up in the air. “Why did you bring her here James?”
“What makes you think she came with me? Jimmy’s the one who knocked her up.”
My mouth drops. Liam stands and Harrison yells out, “Bullshit.”
“Excuse me?” James says.
This is a back and forth tennis match, all taking place while my husband’s in a coma. It’s a stupid soap opera.
“Jenna, look at me.”
I do as Harrison commands.
“JD did not knock her up. She’s trying to pin it on Jimmy, but he thinks his dad is the father of her baby.”
“How does he know?” I ask, quietly lacking the confidence that I need to assert myself here.