Page 223 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

“I don’t know what to do,” I admit. “I live in his house. I work for him. I love Oliver. I think I…” I stop so hard the words practically trip over each other. “I think I’m very stupid.”

Luci reaches across the table and squeezes my wrist. “You’re not stupid.”

“I slept with my boss.”

“Frequently,” Sophie says.

I point at her. “Not helpful.”

“Sorry. Processing through facts.”

“I’m pregnant with three of his babies, and he looked like someone handed him a live grenade.”

Luci’s face softens. “He’s scared.”

“So am I.”

“I know.”

“And what if he’s only here because he feels responsible? What if he does the billionaire thing and builds a gold-plated nursery while emotionally living in another time zone?”

Sophie winces. “Specific.”

“I’ve had time to spiral.”

Before either of them can answer, the bell over the café door rings.

I don’t look up at first. Then Luci goes completely still. Sophie’s expression changes.

My stomach drops before my eyes even move.

Bryce walks into the café like the universe personally decided I hadn’t suffered enough for one week.

Celeste is beside him, pale and tense in a cream coat, her hair smooth but her face tired. Bryce, however, looks polished. Expensive coat, smug mouth, restless eyes.

“Oh, you havegotto be kidding me,” Luci says.

Bryce’s gaze flicks to her. “Luci.”

She stands so fast her chair screeches against the floor. “Nope. Absolutely not. You don’t get to say my name like we’re acquaintances at brunch.”

I grab her sleeve. “Luci.”

“No, Addy.”

Bryce sighs. “I’m not here for drama.”

“That’s wild, considering you travel with it like carry-on luggage.”

Several people turn.

Sophie slowly rises behind the table, expression pleasant in a way that means violence is being considered but not yet scheduled.

Bryce looks at me. “Addy, can we talk?”

Every muscle in my body tightens.

“No,” Luci snaps immediately.