Page 36 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

I sigh, glancing around the room. My entire life is currently packed into two suitcases again, which feels both familiar and deeply humiliating.

“This is insane,” I say. “He’s my boss, Luci. My boss. And we…”

I stop because even saying it out loud feels illegal.

“You had sex with him in a plane bathroom,” she finishes helpfully.

“Thank you for that,” I mutter. “Really needed to hear it phrased in that way.”

“You’re welcome. I’m here for clarity.”

I press my lips together, staring at my reflection in the mirror across the room. I’ve actually made an effort today. Hair down in soft waves, light makeup, jeans that fit properly, a cardigan that says approachable but not desperate.

“I just… I don’t know how I’m supposed to act,” I admit. “Like, do I pretend it never happened? Do I acknowledge it? Do I?—”

“You pretend it never happened,” Luci says immediately. “Obviously.”

“Obviously.”

“Unless he brings it up.”

I roll my eyes. “Right.”

“Then you pretend you don’t remember.”

I blink. “That feels aggressive.”

“Addy,” she says, deadpan, “you need this job.”

“I know.”

“You need housing.”

I nod. “I know.”

“You need stability.”

“Iknow.”

“And most importantly,” she adds, pointing dramatically at the screen, “you need to never, ever let Bryce Biggs think he ruined your life.”

I straighten slightly, my chest settling into place.

“I’m not going back,” I say quietly.

“I know you’re not.”

“I’m staying here. I’m making this work.”

“You are,” she agrees. Then her expression shifts, softening just a little. “And for what it’s worth… I think this could actually be good for you.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Living with a man who already knows what I look like mid-crisis?”

“Yes,” she says firmly. “Because you won’t be pretending with him. You already embarrassed yourself. The worst has happened.”

I pause. “That's disturbingly comforting.”

“Exactly.”