I smile. “The very same. So I have something to talk to you about. Can we go somewhere quieter?”
“Sorry, no can do, and I also don’t do repeats, so if you’re looking to jump on my pole again…” He shrugs, and I think I may have just vomited in my mouth.
“Without wanting to sound rude and inconsiderate, I don’t remember your pole at all. What I do know is that in about six months you’re going to be a father, so…”
He doubles over laughing as if what I just told him is the funniest joke on the planet, not the life-altering news it was for me. I look back at Emmy and Hayleigh. Emmy has a concerned look on her face, and Hayleigh looks like she’s approximately 3.2 seconds away from punching this guy in his dick.
“Listen, Ted or Fred, I don’t know your name, but I’m not in the mood for your games. I am pregnant, and you are the father. Now, it’s entirely up to you whether or not you want to be in this baby’s life, but I am keeping the baby.”
He looks around and laughs again. “Is this a wind-up?” When he looks at my face and sees I’m not laughing, he crosses his arms, his cheeks turning an angry red. “Listen to me, Lacey. Ifuck a lot of women, and I always bag up There’s no way you can know for sure I’m the father!”
I reel back. “Just because you have slept with more people than you care to count, doesn’t mean I have. You’re the only guy I’ve been with in well over two years, so trust me when I say, I’m pregnant and you’re the father!” I’ve given up being nice; now I’m shouting.
His eyes darken, and he grabs my elbow before shoving me off to the side of the room. His face twists in a cruel sneer as he gets ready to lay into me. His grip is tight, and I grimace just as an arm flies around his and yanks it back.
“Listen here, you little limp dick spunk nugget. You put one more fucking finger on our girl here, and you won’t be participating in any more bedroom Olympics. Do I make myself clear?” Hayleigh doesn’t miss a beat, and I swear he shrinks a little.
He nods once. “Understood.” Then he looks at me. “That isn’t my kid, and even if it were, I’m not fucking interested. Got it?” There’s a finality in his words, and part of me is relieved, but the other part, the part that always wanted a big family, well, she dies a little.
He walks away, and I place a hand on my stomach protectively, “We don’t need him, Peanut.”
“Damn straight you don’t need him.” Hayleigh links through my arm.
“It’s true, Lacey. You have both of us and six big brothers back home that are going to make fantastic uncles.” Emmy smiles as she links my other arm, and although I’m still petrified, I know I’m not alone in all of this.
Chapter 6
Cole
I have been trying to call Lacey since yesterday, but she hasn’t been answering my calls. The only reason I haven’t stormed her apartment is that I begged Emmy to let me know if she was okay. She said she was, but if I wanted to know more, I needed to speak to Lacey and not her, which I respect…kind of.
Now I have no choice but to do the very thing I dislike doing: going to the group chat.
Me
Cas, has Emmy spoken to you about Lacey and what they were doing yesterday? Lacey isn’t picking up her phone, and before I go over there, I’d like to know what I’m facing…
Cas
Aww man, come on! That’s my wife, and I’m not allowed to tell you what she tells me in confidence
Nate
*cowboy emoji*
Arch
Why have you sent a cowboy emoji?
Nate
Ya know, because he’s whipped
Arch
Cowboys don’t have whips????
Nate
