Surprise Delivery(46)

“Probably,” he chuckles. “But it made you laugh.”

“That it did.”

We fall into a comfortable silence as we eat, watching some television. It’s kind of become our routine – Brad usually comes over on his lunch hour to feed and hang out with me. With Sabrina working so much lately – and spending time with Dom when she’s not – the companionship is kind of nice.

We’re watching one of those cooking shows on Food Network. As I watch the contestants whipping up some really amazing looking desserts, I suddenly have the overwhelming urge for a cupcake. But I’m careful to not give voice to my desire. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Brad, it’s that he’s way more than eager to please. If I so much as mention a craving for a cupcake, he’d leap into action and scour the entire city for the best cupcakes around.

It’s sweet and I appreciate the effort he puts in, but there are times it makes me feel a little uncomfortable, to be honest. I mean, I really don’t want him doing all of that for me. There are times I say something just to be funny, or just to fill a gap in the conversation, or just because it’s a fleeting thought in my head – not because I actually mean it. But whenever I express the simplest desire for something, Brad is always right there to make sure my craving is satisfied.

Which is why I keep all of my desires to myself these days. I can’t let him get the idea that he’s my sole provider or let him get comfortable catering to my every whim. I think that’s just asking for complications and problems down the line. I fear it will give him a sense of ownership or control – something I’m actively trying to discourage to keep this relationship strictly on the platonic level.

The truth is, I enjoy Brad’s company. He actually is a nice guy and we have more in common today than I ever thought we did back in the day. Bri was right about time changing people. And though I remain a little bit wary at times, I think time has changed Brad in a positive way. Though there are no romantic feelings on my end for him, there is definitely a bond of friendship I feel for him.

“So, have you thought about what you’re going to do once your maternity leave is up?” he asks.

I groan. “I’m trying to not think about it at the moment,” I say and rub my belly. “One hurdle at a time.”

He pops a couple of fries into his mouth and chews, never taking his eyes off me. I can see his brain turning, though, and know that he’s got something brewing up there.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I was just kind of thinking that you really shouldn’t go back to that law firm,” he says. “Ever. What they put you through there is unconscionable.”

I sigh and shake my head miserably. I’d filled him in on how things are done down at the firm and he was aghast. But he said he understood my reasons for staying put and enduring – understood that I don’t have many options at this point.

“I may not have much of a choice,” I say. “They’re going to find a way to get rid of me anyway. Which means, I need to start thinking of an alternate plan. Probably sooner rather than later.”

“Well, I had a couple of ideas about that, actually.”

“I’m all ears,” I say.

“Well, what if I hired you on down at the pharmacy?” he asks. “I mean, I can’t promise you’ll make what you’re making now – at least, not right off the bat – but, it’ll be steady work and you won’t have to put up with the garbage you’re dealing with now.”

“I appreciate that, Brad,” I reply. “But I don’t know that working together would be the greatest idea.”

“Why not?” he says and shrugs. “We’re friends.”

“I know, and I value your friendship,” I say. “That’s why I don’t want to put us in a position to have to worry about anything interfering with that. Having me as an employee might put you in some tough situations, and I’d never want you to feel like you had to treat me in ways you might not treat your other employees just because I’m your friend.”

He cocks his head and seems to think about it for a moment before slowly nodding. “Yeah, maybe you’re right,” he says. “But, keep the idea in your back pocket as kind of a last resort sort of thing.”

I laugh. “I’ll do that.”

“The other idea I had was that I can pay for your classes to finish out your program,” he rushes out, then quickly holds up his hand to cut off my quick rejection. “As a loan. Just a temporary loan. You’ll pay me back for it once you start nursing.”

I sit back on the couch and let out a long breath. I have to admit; the idea is tempting. Sorely tempting. At the same time though, being indebted to anybody, let alone a man I know still has a crush on me, might not be the smartest course of action – regardless of how bad I want to finish out the program and become a nurse.

There are ten thousand reasons why it’s not a good idea, but God, it’s still tempting.

I tug on the ends of my hair. “Honestly, I really can’t ask you to do that, Brad,” I sigh. “That’s an awful lot of money.”

“Which you’ll pay back,” he says simply. “And I’m making very good money at the pharmacy, so it’s not going to be a problem for me. Besides, I’d rather see the money going to good use than sitting in a bank account collecting dust.”