radicalducati Chapter 258
Chapter 258
Avery sat at a cozy corner table in her favorite coffee shop, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her cup. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of conversations and the clatter of cups. She checked her watch, her heart pounding with anticipation.
The door jingled, and Avery looked up to see Janice entering the café, her auburn hair pulled into a loose bun. She scanned the room, spotted Avery, and waved enthusiastically.
“Hey, Aves,” Janice said, sliding into the seat across from her. “You sounded so cryptic on the phone. What’s up?”
Avery hesitated, her palms slightly damp as she gripped her mug. “Thanks for coming. I needed to talk to someone about… something.”
Janice leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Well, you’ve got my full attention. Spill.”
Avery took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. “Jan, I… I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, Janice froze, her expression blank. Then her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened as she leaned back in her chair. “What?!”
“I’m pregnant,” Avery repeated, her words coming out faster now. “I went to the doctor this morning because I wasn’t feeling well, and they told me I’m six weeks along.”
Janice blinked, clearly processing the news. “Oh. My. God. Avery!” She grabbed her friend’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “This is huge. Are you okay? How do you feel?”
“I’m… still in shock,” Avery admitted, her voice soft. “I wasn’t expecting this at all. I mean, Ryan and I weren’t exactly planning for this right now, you know?”
Janice nodded, her face a mix of excitement and concern. “I get that. But, Aves, this is amazing news! You’re going to be a mom!”
Avery smiled faintly, though the nervous fluttering in her chest hadn’t subsided. “It is amazing. But I’m also terrified.”
Janice leaned forward, her expression softening. “What are you scared of? I know it’s overwhelming, but you’ve got this, Avery. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
“I’m scared of telling Ryan,” Avery admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Janice’s eyebrows shot up. “Why? He’s crazy about you, Aves. He’s going to be over the moon.”
“I know he’ll be happy,” Avery said quickly, fiddling with the ring on her finger. “It’s not that. It’s just… this is such a big deal. What if he’s not ready for something like this? What if it changes everything between us?”
Janice tilted her head, giving Avery a reassuring smile. “Avery, let me remind you of something. This is Ryan Hayes we’re talking about. The guy who practically worships the ground you walk on. If anyone’s going to step up and be amazing about this, it’s him.”
Avery sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “You’re probably right. I’m just overthinking everything, as usual.”
Janice smirked. “That’s what I’m here for—to talk you off the ledge. And, Aves, I’ve seen how much you two love each other. If anything, this will bring you closer.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the warmth of their coffee cups grounding them in the moment.
“So,” Janice said finally, breaking the quiet. “How are you going to tell him?”
Avery chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. “I don’t know. I was thinking about just saying it outright, but that feels… anticlimactic.”
Janice grinned, clearly enjoying the brainstorming process. “Okay, what about something cute? Like a gift? Oh, you could give him a onesie that says, ‘Future MVP’ or something!”
Avery laughed, the idea lifting her spirits. “That’s adorable, but I don’t know if I can wait that long. The next time I see him, I’m probably going to blurt it out.”
Janice nodded knowingly. “Fair enough. But make sure it’s a moment between just the two of you. This is something special.”
“I will,” Avery promised, her resolve strengthening.