Fighting For You by Megan Noelle Read Free Book Online Page A

pregnant?”
    A mixture between a snort and a laugh escaped her as she looked at me. “What the hell are you talking about?”
    “Well, it’s just - do I look bigger to you?”
    She squinted her eyes at me, more so because of the bright lighting. “No, you don’t look bigger.”
    “Thank God.” I said, breathing out a side of relief.
    “Now, you do realize you need to leave if you want me to shower.”
    “Oh yeah, sorry!”  I quickly hurried from the bathroom and into my bedroom.  I slid on a pair of jeans and a baggy hoodie that would hopefully hide my bump from the scrutinizing eyes of my Grandma.  The moment my sweatshirt was tugged into place, the doorbell rang.  My breath caught in my throat, and my nerves spiked. What the hell was my problem? It was just my Grandma!  Since when was that so terrifying!?
    Since ever—that’s when!
    With one final glance in the mirror, I prayed my bump remained unseen and I took off towards the front door.  Unfortunately, I didn’t make it before the bell buzzed again.  I swung it open and there she stood, completely decked out in winter attire with hands on her hips.  Violet hadn’t changed much in the past three months and she still had the judgmental look in her eyes, telling me immediately that I was in deep shit. 
    “Well, are you going to invite me in, Danielle?  It is freezing out here.”
    “Yes, of course. Come on in.  Sorry, I was just finishing getting dressed.” I stepped aside so she could come in.  I shut the door behind her; Violet in the room made things cold enough without adding a chilly draft to the air. 
    I watched as she slipped off her gloves, hat and scarf with ease.  “Would you like some hot tea or coffee?”
    She gave me a look that said she was impressed I asked.  The natural fighter in me wanted to argue and ask why it was always such a surprise that I knew how to be cordial.  My energy wasn’t up to par and the last thing I wanted to do was bring on unwanted attention from her, so I simply smiled.
    “No, thank you. I’m not staying long.”
    “Alright. Well, let’s sit.” I motioned to the living room furniture but didn’t move.  Something in the way her eyes held me had my feet planted in place.
    Her hands rested on her hips as she took in my appearance. The outside was hardly changed. The inside, on the other hand, would never be the same.  That didn’t stop me from nearly breaking into a sweat as her eyes passed my stomach.  I couldn’t help but wonder if I was even breathing anymore.
    “It took you that long to let me in and that was what you were putting on?” I looked down at my typical jeans and sweatshirt get-up and I shrugged.
    “I just woke up,” I answered. 
    When I opened my mouth to once again usher us into the next topic of conversation, her hand flew out to silence me.  “Is the shower running?” Her accusing tone was surely meant to show her ‘undercover’ work, as if I was hiding something I was ashamed to tell her about.
    “Yes, it is.  My friend and roommate Gabriella Martinez from New York drove with me.”
    Her arms crossed over her chest. I was half surprised she didn’t start tapping her foot in disapproval as well.
    “She couldn’t wait until after I left to shower so we could be properly introduced?”
    “Actually, she was just getting in the shower when you called.” She flicked her wrist to get a better look at her watch.
    “And it doesn’t bother you that she has been in for so long and is probably using all your hot water?”
    My arms crossed over my bump as I gave my best, sincere glare. “No, it doesn’t.  She’s my best friend and I would do anything for her.”
    Gram gave a dismissive roll of her eyes before finally taking a seat. “I was just stopping by to talk.”
    “Okay.” I thought about playing dumb and leading into this slowly.  Even I, the woman who ran from everything, couldn’t do that.  “Listen, I know you are mad.”
    Again her hand went up