Two Weeks (The Baxter Family #5)(31)

She was still on the school grounds when Cole must’ve spotted her. He slowed his Explorer and rolled down his window. “I can give you a ride.”

“No, thanks.” Elise didn’t want to talk to him. She’d been doing everything possible to avoid moments like this. She shook her head. “I’m just going to Walgreens. It’s close.”

Cole looked frustrated. “Then I’ll take you there. Coach canceled practice.”

“No.” She kept walking. This situation was her fault and she would handle it. She had no right to involve Cole Blake. Even if all she wanted was to spend every spare minute with him.

She kept her eyes straight ahead. Be strong, Elise. Cole deserves better. Come on.

But no matter how strong she told herself to be, her eyes must’ve given her away. Because Cole pulled over, parked his SUV and jogged to her.

“Elise.” He moved in front of her. Snow was sticking to his hair and jacket, and his eyes looked hurt. “What’s going on?”

“Cole, don’t.” She turned away.

“Hey. You said we were friends.” He waited until she faced him again. “You can tell me anything.”

In the days since she had first brought up her possible pregnancy, she had ignored Cole’s offers of coffee or study sessions. Sure, she had told him she wanted to be friends. But if she was pregnant, she didn’t even want that. This wasn’t his problem.

But he wouldn’t give up. And the truth was she didn’t want him to.

Elise kept hoping she’d get better, that the sick feeling would go away and she’d get her period. Then she and Cole could go back to sharing coffee or studying together. But not if she was pregnant.

She lowered her voice, as if she couldn’t bear to hear her own words. “I . . . never got my period.”

“I figured.” Cole didn’t seem shocked. “You never said anything, so I thought you were probably still worried.” His expression was rich with compassion. “I knew you’d tell me when you were ready.”

Her sigh sounded marked with fear. “I need a pregnancy test. I have the money.”

“You can . . . you can get a test at the store?” Cole clearly had no idea about these things. He had no reason to know.

“Yes. At Walgreens.”

Cole nodded. “Okay, then.” He reached for her hand. “I’ll take you.”

Again, the last thing Elise wanted was to drag Cole into this mess, but she needed a friend more than she needed her next breath. She took his hand, and followed him to his car.

Ten minutes later they were walking the aisles of Walgreens looking for the test. Elise didn’t know where to find one, and Cole was no help. Finally, Cole located a clerk. “Where would we find a pregnancy test?”

The woman was in her fifties, Elise guessed. She looked at Elise’s left hand and then at Cole’s. Her brow raised and she practically sneered the directions. “Second aisle over, halfway down on the right.” Criticism sharpened her voice. “Near the birth control.”

Elise wanted to scream at her. Cole wasn’t the father! The woman had no right to judge him. But before she could think of anything to say, Cole led her to the right spot. Elise picked out the least expensive test and they went to the check stand.

Again, Elise felt the eyes of the clerk watching her. All her life Elise had looked young for her age. Today was apparently no exception. They must’ve seemed like a couple of kids in deep trouble.

Which of course was absolutely not fair to Cole.

On their way out to the car, Elise stared at him. Who was this guy? In all the world there couldn’t be a nicer boy than Cole Blake. He helped her into the passenger seat, then hurried around to his side and slid behind the wheel.

“Cole.” Elise was still looking at him. She might never figure him out. “What if that woman goes to your church? Or what if she’s friends with your parents?”

“So.” Cole started the engine and shot her a carefree look. “You mean . . . what if people think we—”

“Yes.” She tucked the brown paper bag near her feet and stared at him again. “This isn’t your fault. And people are going to think you and I . . . that you had a part in this.”

“Elise.” A quiet laugh came from him. “Really?” He glanced at her and then back at the road. The snow was heavier now. “I don’t care what people think. You need help. So I’m helping.” His tone was warm. “Where do you want to take this test?”

She already had an answer. “The restroom at Java on Main. I’ll slip it into my purse.”

“Do you know what to do?”

“I’ll read the directions.” She picked up the brown bag and held it tight in her hands. “Wait in the car, okay?”

Cole shook his head. “I’ll go with you. At least to the bathroom door.” He turned on Main Street. The coffee shop was a few blocks down. “So you won’t be alone.”

“Please.” She could hear her voice rising. She couldn’t stand the thought of Cole Blake outside the bathroom door while she did whatever she had to do to find out if she was pregnant. “Stay in the car. That’s what I want.”

As they pulled into the coffee shop parking lot, Cole cut the engine, climbed out, opened her door, and looked at her. For a long time. “You’re sure?”