*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ

"Okay, your turn!" 

Eric's emerald eyes sparkle back at me from behind a fan of playing cards.

"Uno!" I shout, smirking victoriously.

Eric's mouth drops open in fake shock and he laughs throwing his worthless hand of cards down on the floor between us.

He's being a really good sport given that I've beaten him for the fourth time in a row.

Taking a swig of white wine from his glass, he cuts me a suspiciously look. 

"You never told me you were so good at card games..." Eric pouts and it just makes me grin even wider.

"Well, you never asked..." I lick my lips and watch the succulent vision of Eros that was sat across from me. 

He's wearing a beige Ralph Lauren Polo sweater over some flattering black chinos. The manic jumble of hormones coursing through by hot-blooded body right now, is causing me to feel a little bit tingly with excitement at the delectable sight of him. 

Eric is what you can only describe as a very, very.... desirable man. 

I lean back on the carpet on my elbows and watch as his eyes follow my lips. They go hazy with desire as he crawls over to me, pressing his body on mine.

As much as I want to give into his seductive efforts, all I could think about throughout the card games and the pizza was......the baby.

Eric doesn't know that its not just the two of us having pizza for dinner tonight. 

Its a party of three.

I need to tell him sooner or later. Or at least pick his brains on his feelings towards kids etc.

I tried several times to broach the subject during the course of the evening but every time the words reached my mouth, they tumbled back down the hatch uncomfortably, like swallowing a bag of marbles.

I'm so distracted with my own thoughts that I barely take notice as Eric starts peeling my top down and nipping at my bare skin.

"Eric!"

He doesn't raise his head. Just growls into my chest carrying on with his own business. 

I hiss in both pain and pleasure when his hot mouth wraps around my extremely tender nipple. Pulling away quickly, I protectively shield my breasts from him because it actually really hurts.

Eric looks a little baffled by my reaction but it doesn't faze him for long. 

I offer him a faltering smile of embarrassment, not sure what to say as he makes another attempt to come at me.

"Your boobs looking bloody fantastic, Melanie!" Eric smiles against my skin, massaging my breasts again softly with one hand which doesn't feel that bad, "Did you get something done to them? Their so....." he marvels.

Eric draws back to have a better look. He narrows his eyes studying my breasts as if I'm not even there and I clear my throat loudly, feeling a bit under the microscope.

"Hey! Eyes up!"

"How can I keep my eyes up when I've got those amazing babies on display, right in front of me?"

"Babies? Who said anything about babies?" I chirp, nervously.

Eric chuckles nervously back, "Umm, you're acting a little strange, Melanie. Is everything okay?" He looks even more bemused and I blush. 

"Yes! Well no.....Prestige Press is being sued by some celebrity door-knob but its okay. My lawyer's gonna fix it!"

"Oh, well that's a relief!"

'and I'm pregnant and the kid's not yours..'

Why can't I just come out with it and say it?

A professional woman like me, should be able to handle tough situations like this a whole lot better! I mentally resolve to carry forward with my mission of mentioning kids to Eric. 

I'm worried that I'll scare him off. We've only been dating for a few months..

This is my second chance at love and I don't want to lose it.

My mouth opens..

"Any plans for the weekend?" Eric interrupts me.

"What?....ah, yes actually. Do you remember that I told you, my best friend's getting married soon?"

Eric nods.

"Well the bride, groom and the entire wedding party are heading away on some retreat for a few days."

"Cool. Where to?"

"I'm not no sure, Alyssa said it would be a surprise for all of us.."

"Sounds like fun.." Eric raises an eyebrow, "Its still so strange to me that your best friend is a guy.." he scoffs.

Eric's grating comment doesn't sit well with me.

He immediately picks up on the shift in my attitude and attempts to save face by kissing me again.

I hate when people try to question me and Ji Woo's friendship. Guys and girls can be friends. How immature was he to think that not possible?

Eric intensifies his penance by working his lips softly against mine that helps placate my annoyance. I've become a slave to my roaring hormones and its driving me mad. 

I know that everything has spun out of my control when he slides the bottoms of my silk pyjamas off.

"Eric I need to tell you something.....I ahhh...huhhh!" 

His expert tongue is already busy doing what it does best.

He looks up at me, emerald orbs blazing, "Whatever it is darling, it can wait.."

My eyes roll back and I pant breathlessly still propped up on my elbows. 

He's right. We'll talk secret pregnancies in the morning.

                                                       ***

"...You wanted to tell me something yesterday... what was it?"  Eric gives me a bright smile. Its the next day and we're sitting outside our favourite italian restaurant.  It's just down the road from my apartment so we decided to come here and share a coffee instead of having breakfast at home.

 "I'm all ears now." he says, taking the first sip.

"Um..." I'm stalling.

Say something Melanie! 

I felt differently last night. Now all the bravery has gone out of me and I'm not certain of the right words to say.

"Well...." a taxi passing by honks loudly making us both turn our heads and I'm thankful for the timely distraction. The sidewalk outside the restaurant where we're sitting is packed with other people on this cool Saturday morning.

I close my eyes, letting the aromatic smell of coffee and freshly pressed waffles envelope my senses. This is what I loved about New York City, the magnetic energy fuelled my soul. Its what constantly fed me the inspiration and drive to go after the many things that I've accomplished today.  

I look on fondly at the bustling crowds of people and yellow cabs flying by, "Mel...Melanie!" Eric's voice floats over to me.

"Y- yeah!" I turn back to him wide-eyed.

His lips are in a thin line and he is looking at me expectantly.

I blink a few times, "......I- I just wanted to ask if you'd be my plus-one at my best-friend's wedding?" I blurt out.

My heart is instantly flooded with regret.

'Why couldn't I just tell him the truth?'

However, I'm surprised by the elation that illuminates Eric's striking features and he places a large, warm hand over mine, covering it gently. 

"I would love to, Melanie. This is great. I feel like we're taking the next steps in our relationship.."

I nod in agreement but on the inside, I'm wilting in shame because of my inability to be more forthcoming about my current circumstances.

I break eye contact with Eric, choosing to finish my coffee instead.

                                                          ***

An elegant country-side cottage comes clearly into view. The three hour drive to Ji Woo and Alyssa's house went by quickly. Mostly owed to the new Spotify playlist that I blasted on the way up in my car which helped to keep my spirits high, the entire ride. 

So much so, that I actually sigh in mild disappointment at having to end my music marathon with twenty or so more songs still remaining. 

I definitely couldn't risk listening to live radio and chance having my ex's latest poisonous new 'jingle' leak out of my speakers. No way.

I get out of the car and eagerly remove my suitcase from the back-seat. This retreat will last a few days so I hope that I've packed enough.

The door is open so I let myself in. Clattering in the foyer I call out, "Hello! Anyone home?"

"Noona!" a mop of silver hair pops into the foyer to greet me and I light up right away.

"Jimin!" he scoops me into a tight warm hug and I smile into the shoulder of his cashmere sweater.

"Long time no see..." we pull apart and he appraises me.

"You look great, Melanie." Jimin smiles.

"So do you!" I reply, paying particular attention to his honed and trim figure in a pair of tight skinny jeans. 

I haven't seen Jimin since our school days and it makes me pumped for this trip already. There's a few more of our old friends included in the wedding party too. Most of us haven't seen each other in years and live too far away to meet up regularly so it''ll be great to get the group together again. 

"Everyone, Mel's here!" Jimin announces loudly as we open into the sitting room area. 

My eyes look around expectantly to find the old familiar faces that I was anticipating. But nothing readies my heart for the surprise addition to our gathering that is loftily staring back at me.

"Jung...." my throat goes dry and I ignore the few other pairs of eager eyes in the room that try to greet me. 

I don't mean to be rude but I have to find Ji Woo!

As I spin right around, making an about-turn for the kitchen, Jimin gives my parting figure a confused look. 

"Mel?" 

"I'll just be a minute, sorry!"

I escape into the kitchen to find Ji Woo who's helping Alyssa with drinks.

He greets me with a smile but it falls when he apprehends my angry stare. 

Ji woo places the empty glass he was holding on the counter and approaches me caustiously.

"Now, Mel I know what you're gonna' say..."

"Damn right, you know what I'm going to say! Ji, what the hell is your brother doing here? He wasn't a part of the wedding party!"

"He is now...I must have forgotten to mention it. Since Jungkook's returned, Jimin was happy to give up his place as best man. Jungkook is my brother after all. He's family." 

My eyes widen in shock whilst Ji Woo's crease in concern.

"Calm down Melanie. I promise that everything will be fine. I'm here..."

"How? How is it gonna be fine? You just expect me to go on a trip with him after all that's happened. Forget it! I'm not coming."

I cross my arms selfishly over my chest.

Alyssa and Ji Woo exchange worried and disappointed glances.

"Do you expect me to choose between you and my brother? Especially on my wedding day?"

"Ji Woo, I didn't mean that..."

"You know how important this is to us," I look from him to Alyssa and note the hurt in their eyes. 

I don't want to be the one to cause a big drama around their wedding.

"Okay, I'll stay."

I'm left feeling defeated by the situation and scared because I don't want to be around Jungkook.

"So who else is here?" I ask grumpily, looking down at my feet.

"Well, Jenna and Rose from my graduating class in College. Ji Woo's and Jungkook's little sister has also chipped in to make the numbers even now that we've added an additional male to the bridal party. Then there's Jimin and Yoongi.....Oh and I hope you don't mind that Yoongi brought his girlfriend along on the trip too even though she won't be in the wedding..."

And that's when, a genius idea suddenly pops into my head, "That's totally cool because I was gonna' bring someone along too..."

"Really?" Ji Woo and Alyssa ask in chorus.

"Yes!" I beam, thrilled at the idea and proud of myself for thinking so quickly on my feet, "His name is Eric, don't worry....you guys will love him."

I take the full tray of drinks from Alyssa who still looks a little shocked by my announcement. 

"I'd been meaning to introduce you guys for some time now but everything's been so busy..." They both trail behind me carrying the rest of drinks out for everyone.

"Oh don't worry about it," Alyssa giggles awkwardly.

"...We even got a mini-bus hired to take us all up there.."

"Where is this trip to exactly?" I ask and the happy couple exchange excited glances.

"We rented a cabin by the Great Lake!" Alyssa squeals, "...we'll sing songs, and go fishing and go hiking..."

I turn slowly, still balancing the tray in my hands to face a guilty looking Ji Woo who has gone all pink around the ears. We both hate anything to do with the great outdoors. This must be all Alyssa's idea. 

We re-enter the sitting room where everyone is laughing and talking. A hushed silence descends on the group and I smile shyly to show that I'm fine after my abrupt exit before.

I decide to pull myself together and resolve to go through with this for my best-friend's sake.

We pass the glasses out and I'm careful to serve anyone but Jungkook.

"So when do we leave?" I ask Alyssa.

"Yeah when do we leave.....?" somebody else chimes in on my question and when I glance up, its Jungkook.

Oh, brother! Was this going to be the longest trip of my life?'

                                                 *:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ

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