Free Duncan by Teresa Gabelman

to drop the ‘staring while she slept thing’ for now, she nodded. “Starved.”
    “Then you’re in for a treat.” Duncan grinned grabbing her clothes. “I had them washed for you. We will go get you some clothes today.”
    Pam took the clothes hugging them to her chest. “Thank you.” Rushing to the bathroom, she hurried and dressed, leaving the zipper down. Just yesterday, she could zip the jeans up almost all the way. Maybe it was because they had been washed and shrunk some. Staring at her growing stomach, she knew that wasn’t the case. She was getting noticeably bigger every day, and it worried her. She looked six months pregnant instead of three.
    “Let’s get something to eat before heading out.” Duncan reached out taking her hand when she stepped out of the bathroom.
    She took his hand but stopped him. “I really want to get this over with.” Pam searched his face, her hunger fading at what was before her today. “Could we just go?”
    “You need to eat.” He shook his head. “And I need to get you out of here without every reporter in the Cincinnati area following us.”
    “I forgot about that,” Pam moaned, allowing Duncan to lead her out of the room. Nearing the kitchen, she was glad they were stopping to eat. The smells lingering in the hallway smelled delicious.
    “It’s about time.” Sid frowned their way. “I thought you were expecting breakfast in bed, and well, that would’ve been a long disappointing wait for you.”
    Duncan grabbed a plate piling everything on it before handing it to Pam. “Here.”
    “I can’t eat all of that.” Pam’s eyes widened. “I can make my own plate, but thanks anyway.” Pam looked at the massive amount of food in front of her face trying not to gag, her stomach dipped, feeling queasy.
    “You need to eat.”
    “And I will, but if I eat all of that I’ll get sick.” Pam pushed the plate away, grabbing one of her own.
    Duncan plopped the plate on the counter with a loud clatter. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
    “I’m fine.” Pam grinned. “I just have to take it slow in the mornings. Some things make me sick, so I have to be careful what I eat.”
    Duncan frowned looking around at all the food. “Is there anything here you can eat? If not, I’ll take you somewhere else.”
    “Jesus. Calm the hell down, bro.” Sid pushed him out of the way. “Let her breathe and get her own damn food. She’s pregnant, not taking her last fucking breath. If there isn’t anything she can eat, I’ll make her something else.”
    “But…” Duncan pushed back at Sid to get closer to Pam.
    “But…” Sid mocked, then rolled his eyes. “Sit the hell down and eat,” Sid ordered.
    “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Duncan shot back with a deep growl.
    “Honestly, it’s a fucking mystery to me, ‘cause you sure as hell aren’t talking like your badass self.” Sid snorted shaking his head. “More like Nervous Nellie Nursemaid.”
    “Fuck you!” Duncan got in Sid’s face, his fists clinched.
    “Hey guys.” Pam held her empty plate to her chest, watching the scene unfold before her.
    “No.” Sid took a step forward and jabbed a finger in Duncan’s chest. “Fuck you!”
    “Guys.” Pam tried again, a little louder.
    “You got a problem?” Duncan growled.
    “Yeah, a big ugly one,” Sid growled back.
    Pam gave up with a roll of her eyes. Grabbing a slice of toast, she walked to the table and sat down just as Jared walked in.
    “What’s their problem?” Jared stopped beside her, looking at Duncan and Sid.
    “I honestly don’t know,” she replied with a shrug of her shoulder.
    Jared grinned. “Well, just ignore them. It’s been pretty intense around here lately.” He sat down across from her. “So how you doing, fatty?”
    Not in the least offended by Jared calling her fatty, she grinned. She had missed his friendship and sense of humor. “Good.” She nibbled on her toast avoiding his gaze. She