Page 63 of Surrogate For My Best Friend’s Man 2

“She thinks they’re mine and Malik’s.”

Her eyes popped back open. “Shante!”

“I know!”

“That’s your best friend!”

“I know!”

“That girl has been buying shit for these babies!”

“I KNOW!” My voice cracked. “I know, Grandma.” I broke down. “I sit in her face knowing I’m lying to her. She talks to me about Deuce playing in her face, and the whole time I’m doing the same damn thing.”

Grandma stopped fussing. I covered my face.

“I fucked up, I lost Malik and Alisha’s gonna hate me. Deuce sitting in jail. And now I’m about to have these babies, and I don’t even know what the fuck is supposed to happen anymore.”

Grandma sat beside me again. She didn’t say anything for a minute then she rubbed my back. “You did some stupid shit.”

I laughed through my tears. “Thank you.”

“I’m telling you the truth.”

“I know.”

“Stupid as hell.”

“Grandma!”

“But…”She sighed. “…you still mine.”

I leaned against her and it made me cry even harder. After a minute, I sat up. “Grandma?”

“What?”

“You can’t tell Alisha.”

Her face changed.

“Please.” I grabbed her hand. “Please don’t tell her.”

Grandma pulled her hand away. “I ain’t telling that girl shit.”

I blinked. “You’re not?”

“Nope.”

Relief rushed through me. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” She pointed at me. “I’m not keeping this secret to protect you.”

My smile disappeared.

“That’s you and Deuce’s mess.” She shook her head. “Y’all made it. Y’all clean it up.”

I swallowed. “Grandma⁠—”

“Alisha deserves the truth, but it ain’t coming from me.” She stood up. “One of y’all better tell that girl before the babies get here.”