Free TROUBLE, A New Adult Romance Novel (The Rebel Series) by Elle Casey Page A

enough for them, now they’re threatening to take the place apart.   I try to get my legs under me so I can stand.   It’s terribly awkward with my belly in the way, but with the help of the counter I’m gripping with all my strength and the door on my other side, I make it.
    “I’m up.”   I put my foot in front of the door to keep it from opening up anymore.   “But don’t come in.”
    “I need to.”
    “No.   You need to go away.   I’m coming out.   Just give me a minute.”
    He turns his head and looks at the shower.   Then he looks back at me, his earlier expression of concern now replaced by one of anger.   “Why are those pills over there?   Did you take any?”
    “No,” I say, relieved to be telling the truth about that.   “I didn’t.   Just go.”   I push the door a little, not wanting to hurt him but needing to be alone.   It’s bad enough he’s seen this much of me.   I need to try and fix myself before I come out there and face the music.
    As soon as his head withdraws and the door shuts, I start splashing water on my cheeks.   I scrub it off hard with the towel, trying to make the blotches all combine into one big, giant tomato-face.   It’s better than looking like I have a rash, which is what crying always does to me.
    I try to ignore the reflection in the mirror in front of me, but it’s impossible. My face is swollen everywhere and my eyes are so red I look like I’m on drugs.   Oh, how far I have fallen.   I believe this is what they call rock bottom .   It’s very lonely down here.   And scary.   I’m so, so tired of being alone and afraid.
    Taking a deep breath and letting it out, I attempt to push the stress out with the air.   It’s not working.   My heart feels like it’s in a knot, a lump of lead in my chest.
    I drop the towel onto the counter and put my hand on the doorknob.   I hate to think the entire Rebel Wheels family is out there waiting for me, but I suppose it’s the least I deserve.   Time to face the music.   Time to be an adult.   Time to be a mother.

CHAPTER TEN

    EVERYONE IS SITTING IN CHAIRS around the living room.   The couch has one seat left; I suppose it’s for me.   I go into the room as slowly as I can, dreading the conversation that’s about to take place.   My face is burning red with shame.   Even Rebel is there, staring at me.
    I sit down and keep my eyes glued to the table.   Mick is next to me and Quin is on his other side.   Rebel and Teagan are across from me.   Colin is on my left.   No one says anything for a little while.
    Teagan finally breaks the silence. “I’d offer you a muffin, but apparently my shit is inedible.”
    I look up sharply, expecting a fight, but she’s smiling.
    I bite my bottom lip, trying to keep the tears at bay.   She’s being way more generous than I deserve.
    “Word, sister.   You needed to hear that about your concoctions.   Nowhere to go but up, now, right?” Quin high-fives Teagan before turning to look at me.   “Honesty is a good policy when it comes to roommates and friends.   Just, next time, maybe come at it a little more from the side instead of straight on.”
    I nod, not trusting myself to speak.   I’m liable to start bawling at any second.
    “We just want to help,” says Mick.   He turns his upper body to face me more.   “You get that right?   This isn’t supposed to be an intimidation thing.”
    I nod.   “Yeah,” I say, my voice rough.   I glance up and look at Rebel’s expression.   His face is blank.   I can’t tell if he’s angry or disappointed or just completely neutral.   It intimidates the crud out of me.   Looking at Colin is just not an option right now.   I cannot handle him.   I don’t want to know what he thinks of me.   I’ve had enough pain and regret for one lifetime.
    Teagan continues.   “We are completely cool with you staying with us.   For as long as you need.   Get your feet back under you and figure out