Shit, she thought she was the selfish one, but it’s me. Maybe I am more like my dad than I realize.
I lose my appetite at the thought.
No, I can’t compare myself to that asshole. I will not be him.Ever.
It would be really great if he stopped haunting my head so I can think.
Before walking back into Mia’s place, I swing by my car to grab the overnight bag I had completely forgotten about. Not entirely sure when, but I’m going to have to stop by my apartment to get more clothes…hell, at some point I probably should stay there, but the idea only really sounds appealing if Mia comes with me.
I don’t know how I’m going to survive away games.
Back in her apartment, I find her sitting on her couch, writing frantically on a notebook. Her hair is pulled up in a ponytail as she blows up at her bangs.
“Hey, I’m back.”
Mia doesn’t lift her head, doesn’t pause, or mumble a hello. She’s completely lost in whatever she’s writing in her notebook. Setting our breakfast down on her counter, I go over to the back of the couch and lightly brush her bangs to the side.
“Mia.”
She lets out a small squeal, and she jerks back. “Shit, you scared me.”
“I’m sorry.” I chuckle. “What are you so entranced with?”
Setting her notebook down with a huff, she turns to me, hooking her arm over the couch. “I made a list.”
I snort a laugh. “Always a good place to start. What’s on your list?”
“It’s more of a brain dump than an order of importance, so don’t let it freak you out…”
“Mia, I think we’re both freaked out enough already. I’d rather have a freak out with a list than one without.”
A glint comes to Mia’s eyes. “That’s what I was thinking. Okay, so we have to make an appointment at my OB/GYN. I was going to ask Wyla if there were any baby or pregnancy books she recommends or an app. I’ll take both, really. Tell our parents, friends, etcetera, then?—”
“Wait.” That loss of appetite feeling I had has quickly shifted into a gut punch. The idea of explaining this to her parents is one thing…I can’t imagine they’ll be too fond of me at first, but I can fix that. But there’s no way in hell we’re tellingmyparents about this. “Just your parents, and we’ll tell the team.”
Mia raises an eyebrow. “Okay, um, that’s fine. Do you want to tell your parents later or?—”
“Never,” I clip before I can stop myself. Hell could freeze over. Pigs flying and the apocalypse could start. I never want my child to be around them. The very thought has this rage bubbling, but the look on Mia’s face has me calming down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”
Rounding the couch, I lift her legs and pull her in my lap. “I haven’t had anything to do with my parents for a very long time. We can talk about that another day, but trust me when I say that them not being a part of our child’s life is a good thing.”
Mia swallows hard. I know she wants to know the story, but I can’t. Not right now at least. “Okay, I trust you.”
“Thank you.” Grabbing her chin gently, I pull her in and place a small kiss on her forehead. “On another note, you can have your matcha and lemon poppy seed muffins.”
Her shoulders drop down from her ears. “Oh, thank god.”
“Let me get ‘em for you.” Getting back up, I deliver her stuff when Jett texts me that they’re walking up to the building.
I don’t know if calling them was the right move, but I don’t know who else to talk to who could potentially give us some peace of mind. Mia would figure it out, I’m sure of it, but I want to do this with her. I want to help, but I don’t know how.
I take the elevator down and meet them at the lobby door. Jett hits my shoulder. “How’s the father-to-be?”
My stomach turns in knots. “Don’t.”
“I told him not to say that,” Wyla adds quickly with a sympathetic smile.
“What?” Jett looks between us. “Oh, come on, Adam, this really isn’t that bad. You love kids.”
