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“If you two are—”
“Yeah, yeah,” Cole grits out, dropping back into the chair and rearranging me on his lap. I curl into his chest, meeting Remi’s amused gaze.
“What?” I mouth, and she shakes her head playfully.
“So, there’s something I want to tell you all.” Cole’s grip on my waist tightens and I rest my hand over his, letting him know I’m right here.
“Whatever it is, we’ve got your back.” Ace nods.
“It’s not bad...” He stumbles over the words. “Coach called and, well, I guess there’s a college interested in me.”
“Holy shit, Cole, that’s huge.” Remi beams.
“Yeah, I mean... it might not work out. I might not be what they’re looking for...”
“Fuck that,” Conner says, “of course they’ll want you. This is a good thing, bro. Own it.”
“Yeah, but college. I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”
“You deserve this,” I say, kissing his jaw.
“Hadley is right,” Ace adds. “Donny is gone. He can’t hurt us anymore. We need to draw a line and move forward. I’ve got a good thing going with G at the auto shop, Conner is... well, he’s Con—”
“Hey, I have prospects.” Conner flips him off, but Ace ignores him, keeping focused on Cole.
“And you have football. You just need to keep your head down and stay focused.”
Remi catches my eye, and I see all the questions running through her head.
What about the baby?
Do we have a plan?
What about my future?
I avert my gaze, ignoring the trickle of dread. It’s a baby, not a life sentence.
Maybe I can go to Colton U with Conner. If I can save enough of my allowance from my parents, I might be able to make it work. Because once they find out, I have no doubt they’ll cut me off for good.
“Hey, what’s up?” Cole brushes my cheek with his nose.
“Nothing.” The lie sours on my tongue.
Cole’s future is just getting started... a baby will only hold him back.
Won’t it?
“I’m not feeling so good,” I climb off his lap, avoiding his narrowed gaze. “I think I’m going to lie down for a little bit.”
“Are you okay?” Remi asks. “Should I come with you?”
“I’ll be okay. I’ll see you all later.” Without another word
, I hurry out of the pool house and dash across the yard to the house. James and Sarah are at some luncheon today, so the house is empty as I make my way upstairs.
I reach my room and hesitate, glancing down the hall to Cole’s. Part of me wants to go in there, but I decide against it and slip into the guest room.
Suddenly, everything feels too much. It’s like I can’t breathe.
