“Have you considered going to some other college than the local one?”
“Not really. I can’t afford it and”—she holds up her hand like a stop sign—“no, I’m not taking your money to pay for school.”
“Why not? What’s the point of making it if I can’t spend it on you?”
“Because it’s one thing to buy me roses and a teddy bear, but it’s an entirely other thing for you to pay my tuition. Do you know how much it is?”
I have some vague idea, but even if it was as much as a house, it would benefit our family in the end. I try to point that out. “Me paying for your education is like an investment. When you get out of college, you’ll get a job and you can support both of us.”
“What about our kids? I’d rather have you save for them.”
Kids? I like that she’s thinking about our future. “Point made.” What would it be like if Cherry was pregnant? I run a hand over her bare stomach, imagining it round with our baby. “What if—“
She twists in my arms, pushing her knee into a small space between my hip and the back of the car seat so she’s straddling me. “A baby? Really, Linc? You want a baby right now?”
It’s hard to think with her hot cunt so close to my dick. “Yes? I mean, okay, maybe not right this moment because you’ve got school and we’re a thousand miles apart, but I definitely want a baby with you.” I reach between us and rub my dick head against the wet opening of her pussy. She makes a sound as I push into her. “You okay, baby?” I ask, rubbing her back. She nods and drops her head to my shoulder. Slowly, I ease into her, parting her swollen tissues with my broad head. Blood pumps through me like a steady drumbeat. As long as we have each other, no distance can separate us. “One day, we’ll make a baby. You’ll be the best mom ever.”
“Not right now, though, right?”
I’ll say yes to anything she wants. “Right.”
Chapter Sixteen
Cherry
“That man of yours is really blowing up.” I take another sip of my strawberry milkshake. It’s become an addiction of mine. Luckily I get them for free here at the diner or it would be eating into my tips. I was actually a little surprised with how much I was making in tips. It’s working out way better than I thought it would. School is almost over and I could spend the summer racking up extra money. I’m not sure how the college thing is going to work with me being pregnant, but I’m going to do as much as I can. I’ll end up having the baby right in the middle of a semester which isn’t the most opportune time, but I’ll plan ahead for it.
“He’s given a whole new meaning to something going viral.” They have been all over social media and the internet. I’d been bored one night and hopped onto their Instagram. I’m not sure who is running it for them now. I didn't miss the hundreds of girls filling up their inbox. They haven't been out in California long and they are already making a name for themselves. I know Linc is only going to get busier.
“It’s crazy. You think you’ll go out to California when you graduate? I’d hate to lose you here but I know a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”
“I’ll spend the summer here. I’m thinking he might be on the road a lot. Who knows?” It wouldn't take him much to talk me into coming out there. I am missing him like crazy, but would I only end up in an empty apartment out there when I could be here working? I have no idea. I hate how many uncertainties there are. This is not a time I should be having them. I’m about to bring a baby into this world. I need to figure out what I am going to do. Either way I have to get out of my parents’ house. That’s on the top of my list. I don’t want them to have anything to do with my baby.
“You tell him you’re knocked up yet?” My head jerks up to look at Minnie. How the hell does she know? I’m not even showing yet. Not really. There is no baby bump but I’ve gained a few pounds. I didn’t think it was that noticeable. I’m not sure if it’s the baby or the fact that I can't stop stuffing my face with food at work. Everything here is so good.
“How did you know?”
“You can’t stop eating and sometimes I hear you throwing up in the bathroom.” Right. Minnie has a few kids of her own. I’m sure she knows the signs.
“No, I haven't told him yet. But I will,” I rush to say. All of this is so freaking hard. I never know if I’m doing the right thing or not by not telling him yet. There are so many big life changing things going on for us at once that I’ve struggled to make the right decision. Keeping this from him is not something I want to do, but right now it’s a necessity to keep our future on track. That doesn't help the guilt that weighs heavily on me.
“Know that I’m always here for you.” She reaches out, grabbing my hand. She gives it a squeeze. It’s nice to have someone else besides Linc to lean on.
“Thanks.”
“Whatever you decide, you always have a job here.” She stands. “I also have a trailer on our land if you’re looking for somewhere to stay. I know your parents are assholes.”
“You have a trailer?”
“Yeah, the husband had it up north for when he went hunting but we sold the land so he moved it down here. Think about it. It’s nothing fancy but it’s there.”
“That’s really sweet of you.” My eyes sting with tears.
“I didn’t tell you that so you’d cry on me. I just wanted you to know you have options. A girl always needs options.”
“Thanks.” I sniffle back the tears.
“When you’re finished eating, have Brian walk you out. It’s dark out.” Brian pops up from out of the kitchen, having heard his name. He’s Minnie’s oldest son.
“Are you hungry again?” he asks me.
“Do I eat that much?” I grab my purse and milkshake. I drop my now empty cup into the trash.
“I feel like this question is a trap.” He puts his hands up in surrender, making me laugh more. Brian is a year younger than me and goes to the high school in Smithville, the next town over.
“I’m full, I promise.”
“I’d make you something.”
“I know you would. I just want my bed.” I let out a long sigh, fishing my keys out of my bag.
“You sure? We can hit a movie,” he offers. I think Brian is convinced I don’t have any friends. I guess I don’t really have any that live here anymore. I spent all my time with Linc and the boys.
“Nah.” He follows me out the back door to walk me to my car.
“All you do is work and schoolwork. You gotta have a little bit of fun.”
“Don’t you have a date or something? I know all those girls from Smithville High come in the diner hoping to see you.”
Brian runs a hand through his hair, looking embarrassed for a second. “Not interested in them.”
I stop when I get to my car, turning to look up at him. “You know I have a boyfriend.”
“I hear you're pregnant too. I’m not going to tell anyone,” he rushes to say. He must have overheard me talking to his mom.