When a yes or no answer didn’t immediately come to mind, Kelly took a minute to ponder the question. She cared deeply for Paula and enjoyed spending time with her. She missed her on the nights they spent apart, but couldn’t say she was in love with her. Not yet, anyway.

“I could, love her I mean, given time,” Kelly said, her voice barely above a whisper.

On a heavy exhale, Nicole’s shoulders sagged as though she was carrying Kelly’s heavy load. “Well, if you break this news to her, your time might be up. Why don’t you sleep on it, wait till you have your test results, and you’ve had more than twenty-four hours to digest everything that has happened? Then, if you still feel you owe it to Paula to tell her, knowing it’s going to hurt your relationship before it helps it, tell her. If you need me to be with you when you do so, I’ll be right by your side.”

Love for her friend flooded Kelly’s heart. Fighting back tears, she jumped to her feet and pulled Nicole into a bone crushing embrace. “Thank you.”

Needing her friends more than ever, Kelly took a step back and put a hand on Nicole’s shoulders. “Call Steve, tell him to pick up some beers and come over. We can blob out and order pizza for dinner.”

Kelly held her phone up. “I’ll text Paula and make up some cock and bull story about why I can’t see her for the next few days.”

Even though Kelly made light of the situation, she dreaded the stream of text messages that were sure to follow. She could already hear them in her head.

What were you doing out on your motorcycle if you’re unwell? Why didn’t you text me sooner, or better yet, call? How long does it take someone your age to get over a hangover?

Little did Paula know, Kelly was far from hungover and if a hangover could change the events of last night, she’d gladly take one in exchange.

Kelly sank onto her crumpled sheets and tapped out a message. “Hey there. Sorry, I’m still feeling sick, think it might be something I ate, going to have an early night. Sleep tight. Xx”

The second Kelly hit send, she groaned at her poor word choice. What she’d feasted on last night had been too intoxicating to make her sick. It was the not knowing who she’d devoured that was making her ill.

When her phone vibrated Kelly jumped as though she’d been caught in the act. Taking a deep breath, she swiped the screen and read Paula’s reply.

“Fine. Ashleigh needs me right now. We’re going out for dinner.”