The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2)

by Nugen Isbell, Megan

  “Why do you hate me so much?” I finally managed to get out and I knew my voice sounded timid and unsure.

  “I don’t hate you, Natalie,” she said, a snide grin on her face.

  “Then why do you hate your brother so much?”

  She set the wine glass down and stared up at me with hostile green eyes.

  “You think he’s so perfect, but he’s not. And he thinks you’re so goddamn perfect. Perfect Drew and his perfect life. It’s always been that way. He’s such an asshole.”

  I was angry now. I’d held it in for too long, listening to Drew tell me not to worry about his sister, but this was too much. She was out of line and I was done trying not to let her bother me.

  “I think you need to leave. I won’t have you insulting your brother or me.”

  I waited for her reaction, but she didn’t say anything. She continued to sit on the couch, head cocked to the side, eyeing me harshly.

  “Please go, Christina,” I said softly. I was determined to give her no more reaction from me than that. She didn’t move right away. She took a long sip of her wine and then breathed in deeply.

  “If you want me to go, I’ll go,” she finally said, standing up and taking her glass to the sink before slinging her purse over her shoulder and walking towards the door. “Drew always comes to his senses when it comes to women. You’ll be no different and I, for one, hope it comes sooner rather than later. Drew’s only concern is himself.”

  “Get out,” I whispered and then the door opened and she was gone.

  I stood in the middle of the apartment, trying not to overreact. No matter how much Drew told me not to worry about his sister, I’d concluded she was nothing but a vile, heartless witch and when I married Drew, I’d be stuck with her for the rest of my life.

  I sat down on the couch, resting my head against the back of it and sighing, trying to fight the tears that were threatening to fall. Finally, I picked up my phone, staring down at it for a few seconds as I debated whether or not to call him about his sister. My finger hovered over the send button for a few more seconds before I finally pressed it. I waited for it to ring, but it went right to voicemail, which was so unlike Drew. I debated on what to say or if I should even say anything.

  “Call me, please,” I said softly and then hung up the phone. I suddenly wasn’t feeling very good as my stomach started churning as a million crazy thoughts ran through my mind.

  ~~~

  The phone ringing startled me. I’d fallen asleep on the couch, waiting for him to call me and when I opened my eyes, I could see it was him. The nausea I’d been feeling since Christina’s visit got worse as I prepared to speak to him, not quite knowing what to say to him.

  “Hello?” I said softly.

  “Natalie,” he greeted me. “Sorry I missed your call earlier.”

  “Where were you?” I asked.

  “I went to lunch and then had a long teleconference in my hotel room with the office back in New York. How was your day? You sounded distraught on your message.”

  “Your sister paid me a visit,” I told him and I could feel the line grow quiet. “Christina, just to clarify.”

  “Are you okay?” he asked protectively.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “What’d she do?”

  “I don’t want to relive it, but I’m done with…” I said, but he cut me off.

  “Done? What do mean done?” he interrupted quickly.

  “I don’t need this from her. I don’t understand why she hates me so much or why she hates you enough to be so terrible?”

  “Natalie,” he said, pausing for a few seconds. “Please don’t worry about her.”

  “Don’t tell me not to worry! Stop saying that to me!” I shouted into the phone. “I’ve done nothing to deserve this except love you,” I said, my voice cracking, a tear I’d been fighting, finally falling. He was quiet for a few long moments and then I heard his voice again, softer this time.

  “I’ll take care of this. She won’t treat you like this again,” he assured me, but I wasn’t going to hold my breath on that one.

  “I’m tired of this,” I said, finally giving up as my voice cracked.

  “It’ll be all right,” he whispered and I closed my eyes, imagining him here, stroking my cheek as he looked in my eyes to comfort me. “Please try and understand. She’s just…she doesn’t mean it,” he stammered.

  “Are you defending what she did?” I asked quietly.

  “No. Not at all,” he said quickly.

  The tears started flowing freely now as I hung my head. Why was I so emotional all of a sudden? He loved me. I knew he loved me, so why was I making such a big deal about this?

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I’ve just got so much on my mind and she caught me completely off guard tonight.”

  “Please don’t apologize,” he said in that calming voice he always used when I was upset, the one he knew would settle me down. “This is hard, Natalie. Being away from each other is hard and emotions are high. I love my sister, but I love you more and I will not allow her to speak to the woman I’m going to spend the rest of my life with with any form of disrespect.”

  “Thank you,” I said softly and it was quiet for a few seconds as I tried to imagine what it would be like if he was here, sitting beside me, taking my hand and reassuring me that everything would be okay.

  “I wish I was there to tell you everything will be okay. I wish I could touch you,” he told me and I felt myself smile.

  “Me too.”

  “Soon, baby. I promise.”

  “I hope so,” I said and we both knew how true we needed his words to be.

  Twenty-Six

  I’d been tired the past few weeks and I hadn’t been feeling the best. I chalked it up to long hours at work so when the weekend came, I was ready to relax and try and regain some energy before doing it all again next week. Just as I was getting ready to leave for the weekend, Ava popped her head in.

  “Did you hear?”

  “Hear what?” I asked.

  “Kara’s big news?”

  “No. What’s going on?”

  “She’s anchoring this weekend.”

  “What?” I exclaimed. “Seriously?”

  “Yes. She just found out an hour ago.”

  “That’s great! I’m so happy for her.”

  “We’re going out for a drink to celebrate. You game?”

  “I don’t know. I was just about to head home.”

  “And do what?”

  “Sleep or watch TV. I’m exhausted.”

  “C’mon! You’ve gotta come. Just for a little bit. It’d mean a lot to Kara,” she said and I knew she was right. Kara had been so good to let me tag along with her and answer every question I had, no matter how stupid it was. This was huge for her and I should be there.

  “Okay. I’ll go.”

  “Great. Grab your stuff and meet us in the lobby.”

  “I’ll be right there,” I said, shutting down my computer as she turned and left.

  I got my purse and then headed to the lobby where Kara was already waiting along with Mitch. She was all smiles and I went over to congratulate her.

  “I’m so happy for you,” I said as we hugged.

  “I can’t believe it. I’m still reeling from this.”

  “You deserve it.”

  “Let’s just hope I don’t blow my chance.”

  “You won’t.”

  “I wish I had your faith in me. Now, let’s go get drunk before I have to sober up and focus,” she laughed and then she took my hand as we walked out.

  The bar wasn’t far from the studio and soon we’d made ourselves comfortable, ordering drinks around. I chose a Shirley Temple, which garnered curious eyebrow raises from everyone.

  “You don’t drink?” Mitch asked.

  “I do, but I’m already tired enough. One drink and I’ll probably pass out right here,” I laughed.

  “C’mon. You can’t be that tired,” Anna
chided.

  “I am. I’m exhausted lately. I can’t shake it no matter what I do.”

  “Maybe you’re pregnant,” Mitch said flatly.

  “What?” I laughed.

  “My ex-wife was wiped when she was pregnant. I had to practically drag her out of bed to do anything. No wonder we didn’t last,” he grunted, taking a long swig of his beer and I had to laugh again.

  “Yeah, well that’s pretty unlikely,” I laughed.

  “Just sayin’,” Mitch mumbled and all three of us cracked up.

  “Speaking of pregnancy, when will Drew be back?” Ava asked, raising her eyebrows up and down. The way she lusted over my fiancé made me laugh.

  “Not sure.”

  “I personally think you’re insane for not going with him,” Ava said, taking another drink.

  “I probably am, but I actually really like my job.”

  “I think we have a little Kara in the making,” she laughed.

  “I take that as a compliment,” Kara said, giving me a squeeze. “Are you going to pursue it anymore than you are?”

  “I actually applied to grad school to be just like you, Kara,” I grinned at her.

  “You did it?”

  “I did.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “I was waiting to see if I got accepted. I didn’t want to embarrass myself.”

  “You’ll get in. I have no doubt,” she said.

  “And now we have two things to celebrate,” Ava said, raising her glass. We all did the same and I hoped she was right.

  ~~~

  We only stayed at the bar an hour, which I was grateful for. I was glad I’d gone out to celebrate with Kara, but I was looking forward to my night of vegging out and relaxing and if I was going to spend my night on the couch, I needed to have staples for a lonely night on hand.

  I got off the subway early. There weren’t stores around our apartment, unless Gucci or Dolce & Cabana counted and once I entered the market I often went to, I browsed the aisles, filling my basket with cookies, ice cream and chips. I glanced down at the contents and shook my head. I never ate like this, but it didn’t stop me and I continued to wander the aisles.

  I heard Mitch’s voice in my head and I was curious. I knew it was a ludicrous notion, but I looked at the calendar and realized my period was a couple of days late, but nothing overly concerning. I decided to pick up a pregnancy test anyway to silence the bit of doubt Mitch had planted in my brain. I grabbed one I’d seen on TV and tossed it into my basket before heading to the checkout line.

  I was home soon after and emptied the contents of my shopping bag into the cupboards and the freezer before my eyes settled on the pregnancy test. I picked it up and headed to the bathroom. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my night until I got the little nagging feeling out of my head.

  I’d never seen a pregnancy test, but as my eyes skimmed over the directions. It seemed simple enough. Pee on the stick and wait and that’s what I did, setting the timer on the stove while I opened a box of Cheez-Its and started snacking as I turned on the TV, queuing up Netflix and browsing for what I’d watch until I heard the timer start to beep. I turned it off and went back to the bathroom, staring down at the little stick on the counter and I swear I felt my heart stop as I was greeted with two lines. Pregnant.

  I couldn’t breathe. I felt my knees buckling and I stumbled backwards, leaning against the wall as my shaking hands came to my mouth. It’d never even crossed my mind. I’d taken the test as a joke. I’d never expected this. I’d told myself this couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible, but according to the test, it was possible and it was happening and I didn’t know what in the hell I was going to do.

  Twenty-Seven

  I eventually left the bathroom, but only to walk numbly to the bedroom. I changed out of my work clothes, my movements slow and robotic and then I sat on the bed, lifting up my shirt and staring down at my stomach. I couldn’t be that far along. It had to have happened when he was home for the engagement party, but I didn’t know how. I never missed my birth control pill. Never. Somehow it had happened though and I rested my hand on my stomach, trying to comprehend that inside was a little baby. Part me. Part Drew.

  The phone started ringing, but I continued to sit on the bed, ignoring it. I knew it had to be Drew, but I couldn’t talk to him yet. This wasn’t something I wanted to tell him over the phone, but I couldn’t keep it from him either. Still, I wasn’t ready. The phone continued to ring and I continued to ignore it.

  The intercom buzzed a few minutes later. I ignored it too, but then I heard a deep voice ring through the apartment.

  “Miss Vasser? It’s Charlie,” the doorman’s voice said. “Mr. Saben phoned and wanted me to check that you’re all right. Is everything okay, miss?”

  I didn’t need the police showing up because I knew that’s what Drew would do if he didn’t know I was okay. I quickly rushed down the hall to the intercom.

  “Yes, Charlie. I’m fine. I must’ve missed his call. I’ll phone him right away. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, miss.”

  It was quiet then and I looked down at my bag that was still lying where I’d dropped it. Nervously, I reached inside and immediately saw the missed calls and voicemails from Drew. I didn’t bother listening to them though. Instead, I found his name in my contacts and hit send. It only rang once when he picked up.

  “Natalie. Where have you been?” he answered quickly and I could hear the worry in his voice.

  “I’m sorry. My battery must’ve died,” I lied. “I didn’t realize until Charlie called up to check on me.”

  “Your battery wasn’t dead. Had that been the case, it would’ve gone straight to voicemail. It didn’t.” I could hear the suspicion in his voice and I hated that I’d lied to him. I didn’t want him to worry. I wanted to tell him on my terms. I needed some time to figure it out, but it appeared I wasn’t going to get that time.

  “I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I was busy and I didn’t know how…” I said, my voice cracking and then fading off, unable to go on.

  “Baby…what’s wrong?” he asked, but I couldn’t answer, I just started crying. I hoped he couldn’t hear me, but I knew he had. “Natalie. You’re scaring me. What’s going on? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I managed to whisper. “But…I don’t know how…” I tried again, but I couldn’t get the words out.

  “Talk to me, Natalie!” he said, nearly shouting into the phone. “Please.”

  I took in a deep breath, wiping my face with the back of my hand and tried to compose myself.

  “I’m pregnant, Drew,” I whispered and the line went so quiet I thought he’d hung up.

  It was silent as I sat with the phone pressed to my ear and I prayed he’d say something.

  “Are you sure?” he finally said and I was surprised to hear a quiet laugh leave my throat.

  “That’s what the test says,” I answered and it was quiet again.

  “How? I thought you were on the pill,” he stammered and I could feel my heart pounding. I knew he was in shock and trying to process this just as I had.

  “I am. I don’t know how this happened, but it did,” I said, choking up again and the phone was once again silent. “I’m sorry,” I whispered after the silence became too much for me.

  “Don’t you dare apologize, Natalie,” he said and I could hear a tremor in his voice. “This is the greatest gift anyone has ever given me, so don’t you dare apologize.” I heard him sniffle and I knew he was crying too.

  “I’m scared, Drew.”

  “I know you’re scared, baby, but everything will be okay. I know this wasn’t in the plans right now, but we’ll make it work and I…I’m…” he stuttered and I heard him choking up again. “There are no words to describe how I’m feeling right now.” He paused again and I could tell he was trying to collect himself. “I’d give anything to be there right now. I’m sorry I’m not there.”

  “I wish you w
ere here too. I need you,” I said softly.

  “I’ll be home tomorrow. I’m booking a flight tonight.”

  “You don’t have to do that. I’ll be okay.”

  “Nothing could keep me from you right now. I’d leave tonight if I could, but I’m coming home tomorrow and I’m coming home for good.”

  His words caused me to jerk back.

  “For good?”

  “I’m done being 3,000 miles away from you. Things are under control here. I can fly back once a month and check on things. The hospital project is back on track and that was my biggest worry. I’m coming home.”

  I felt a lump stinging my throat when I heard his words. He was coming home. I wasn’t going to be alone as I went through this.

  “I love you, Drew.”

  “And I’ve never loved you more than I do right now, Natalie.”

  I blinked and tears spilled down my face. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

  Twenty-Eight

  I hardly slept. I laid in bed, curled under the covers, the TV humming in the background. I may have dozed off eventually, but when the first light of the morning spilled into the room, I woke up feeling exhausted and groggy. My body hurt and for a moment I forgot why I was so tense, but when my mind cleared and I remembered, my stomach was sick. I got up and took a long shower. It made me feel better, but only for a little bit.

  My phone started ringing as I was toweling off my hair. I picked it up and saw it was Drew, which surprised me since it was only five a.m. there.

  “How are you this morning?” he said when I picked up. Just hearing his voice helped ease some of my stress.

  “Better,” I said softly, which was true, even if I was still scared out of my mind.

  “I’m at the airport. I got the first flight out I could. It leaves in a half-hour and I land at one o’clock, East Coast time.”

  “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while,” I said, trying to muster up a laugh.

  “I love you, Natalie. I’m going to grab something for the plane before we start boarding.”