Free Outer Core by Sigal Ehrlich

Ian, answers with, “I only wish I could actually be actively pollinating.”
    Tasha opens her mouth, ready to speak, but shuts right back as I barge in. “You know what, you just stop . Just stop it right now. It’s not funny anymore. If you don’t want to be in a relationship, and you miss sleeping around so much, break it off with Josh. Otherwise, just stop with these tactless comments.”
    Silence.
    A silence charged with surprise dawns on us. Both Tasha and Ian’s heads slowly pivot my way. I wince, being on the receiving side of their stares. I swallow hard witnessing their troublesome stare exchange.
    â€œOkaaay,” Ian says, widening his stare. In succession, Tasha pulls her purse up over her shoulder, and Ian shoves his wallet into his back pocket. Their next words collide as they finally speak.
    â€œWe’re going for drinks,” Tasha.
    â€œShopping, now!” Ian.
    Not a beat passes before each of my friends grabs one of my arms and together lead me toward the front door.
    . . .
    â€œI meant what I said,” Ian says, squeezing my hand. “Before, about obsessing over this shit you’re going through.” His expression mellows. I bring the thin straw of my drink to my lips and take a sip.
    When Tasha left us earlier with so many shopping bags in her hands, I thought she’d topple over, Ian and I spontaneously decided to grab a drink together before parting ways for the night.
    â€œIt’s just,” I huff. “Not only that I have to relive this . . .” I wave my hand in the air. “Thing. This time, it’s with the rest of humanity. The tabloids can’t get enough of this story.”
    Ian’s eyes run over my fallen face. “Worst-case scenario, what would you do?” he says.
    â€œWhat are you asking exactly?”
    â€œWhat if she’s indeed pregnant with Daniel’s child?” This question, especially coming from Ian’s lips, guts me. “Would you leave him?”
    â€œNo. It would probably kill me a hundred times, but I don’t think I’ll ever leave him voluntarily.”
    Ian bobs his head, excepting my answer. “Then you should, just like I said before, keep yourself away from anything that will hurt you. Stay under the radar till it’s sorted out.”
    â€œGod Ian, I can’t even. I just wish it would all go away.”
    Ian threads his fingers with mine and leans in to press a kiss to my cheek. “Whatever it is, I’m always here for you.”
    â€œSame here. And I meant what I said earlier.” I search his eyes. “If you have any doubts, break it off with Josh.”
    His shoulders collapse as he turns to take another taste of his drink. “I don’t have any doubts about Josh. It’s the timing that sucks.”
    â€œReally?” I say. “So when you’re happy and fulfilling your dream it’s not the right time to be with him?”
    He grimaces. “That’s not what I meant, Hales.”
    â€œI’m just saying; he’s crazy about you, so don’t hurt him or yourself.”
    The patriotic tune coming from my phone breaks our tense moment. “It’s Tash,” I tell Ian, looking at the screen.
    â€œLet me,” Ian says, taking the device from my hand. “What up, Barbie?” He listens and winces. “Oh shit.” I study him as he listens to Tasha, my brows almost meeting. “Hang on, Tash, let me check with Hales.” He faces me. “Um, did you talk to your parents?”
    My parents? My head jerks back in surprise. “What about?”
    â€œGorgeous, the shit’s all over the internet.”
    Oh. Oh, crap . I flinch. I’m sure the dread expanding inside me is written all over my face.
    â€œPrecisely,” Ian says, confirming his assumption.
    I can’t help but wonder if my beloved father had already put out a hit on my beloved fiancé. Yes, he probably