NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Lip was momentarily confused.
"Afraid? What am I supposed to be afraid of?"
"Afraid of making some girl pregnant!" Veronica said bluntly.
Lip didn't expect her to jump to that conclusion.
"Veronica, don't worry about that. Just tell me—when are women most likely to get pregnant?"
Veronica raised an eyebrow but relented. "Alright, but you better think this through carefully," she warned, then began explaining.
She outlined the basics: women of childbearing age typically ovulate once a month, releasing a mature egg that enters the fallopian tube and can survive for about 12 to 24 hours. Pregnancy is most likely if they have sex during the "ovulation period," which is roughly five days before and four days after ovulation. For women with a regular 28–30 day cycle, ovulation typically happens around day 14 after menstruation begins.
"If you want to be more precise," she added, "you can use ovulation test strips from a pharmacy. When the result is positive, it means ovulation will occur in the next 24 to 48 hours."
"Got it. Thanks," Lip replied, nodding.
But Veronica wasn't letting him off so easily. After staring at him for a moment, she called out loudly, "Fiona, come here!"
Lip froze, sensing trouble. This was about to cross into Fiona's territory—never a safe place.
"Coming!" Fiona's voice came from the kitchen. She walked in, drying her hands.
"What's up?"
"This brat," Veronica began, pointing at Lip, "was just asking me when women are most likely to get pregnant!"
"What?!" Fiona's eyes widened in horror. "Lip! Do you even know what kind of mess this family is already in?!"
"Stop! Stop! Don't jump to conclusions, okay?" Lip raised his hands in surrender.
"That better be all it is," Fiona snapped, crossing her arms. "And let me make this clear—the Gallaghers do NOT need any more kids right now!"
"Okay, okay. I get it," Lip muttered, pretending to give in.
Suddenly, there was a loud, rapid knock at the back door.
The three of them turned toward the sound.
Carl ran to open it but found no one there.
Fiona stepped outside and noticed a man standing by a truck parked on the street. He was bald with a pronounced Mediterranean complexion, leaning against the rear axle.
"Should I bring it to the front door or the back door?" he called out.
"What?" Fiona asked, confused.
"The Samsung washing machine—where should I put it?"
"Washing machine? I didn't order one."
"Gallagher, 2119. Paid in full," the man confirmed, holding up a delivery form.
Fiona frowned but said, "Alright, bring it in through the back door."
"What's going on?" Veronica asked as the man carried the washing machine inside.
"I have no idea who bought this," Fiona replied, following the delivery guy in. "Lip, was this you?"
Everyone turned to Lip.
"Me?" Lip shook his head. "I've been wanting to replace that ancient thing, but I didn't buy it."
The delivery man placed the machine in the kitchen and turned to Fiona. "Ma'am, there's something inside. You might want to take a look."
Fiona opened the washing machine and pulled out a large bouquet of roses with a note attached. She brought the flowers to her nose, smiling in surprise.
Veronica grabbed the note and read it aloud. "Who's this 'Steve' guy?"
Fiona shrugged, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Someone I met at Purgatory Bar the other night."
"Wait—is he the handsome guy whose wound I patched up?"
"Yep."
"Girl, you've finally landed someone good!" Veronica exclaimed, clearly thrilled.
"Maybe," Fiona replied coyly, grinning from ear to ear.
"Alright, spill it—what's going on with you two?" Veronica pressed, her curiosity in full force.
Fiona started to answer, but Lip's phone interrupted with a loud, raspy ringtone:
"And I say, hey, hey, hey, hey… I said hey, what's going on?"
Lip quickly checked his phone and silenced the alarm.
"Sorry, I've got to go pick up Karen. Be back soon!" he called, waving as he headed out the door.
"Who's Karen?" Veronica asked, puzzled. "I swear, I've missed so many family dramas lately."
"She's probably Lip's girlfriend," Fiona explained.
"Wow!" Veronica exclaimed. "Lip's completely different these days."
"I know," Fiona agreed, watching him go.
"And that ringtone!" Veronica added. "'What's Up' by 4 Non Blondes—rock, smoky vocals, total queen vibes. It suits him!"
"Really?" Fiona laughed.
But her attention drifted back to the bouquet in her hands, her smile growing even brighter.