AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can I tell Sawyer about the baby? It’s been so hard not telling her and especially with moving. I think she’d put off looking for a house if she knew why I wanted to stay in the city.”
“I-I can’t.”
“Even if she doesn’t tell Cody?”
“You know she will. Wouldn’t you tell me something even if you were promised not to?”
“Well, probably yes.” Her shoulders drop and I frown now.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, just let me know how much longer we have to pretend you aren’t having a baby.” It comes out snippier than she intends, but I know what she means. I hate that she’s lying to Sawyer, I just don’t want Cody to know or to find out from her.
“Ri—” She cuts me off.
“Luna, I’ll seriously do anything for you. But sooner or later, I have to tell Sawyer the truth.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Itake a deep breath in, knowing I’m about to walk into a multitude of questions. I have basically avoided Sawyer for the last month, at least since I popped. Riley knew why, and it isn’t like Sawyer and I were hanging out drinking before this anyway. She probably assumed I was avoiding her because of him. Which is partly true. But I am here for my best friend, because Riley all but begged me to come and I couldn’t say no to her. Sawyer is turning thirty, which Riley has insisted is a big deal and worth celebrating. That’s how I ended up outside their apartment, a small wrapped gift box in my hands, knocking on their door.
I can hear the commotion of a party through the tan door. There is a low vibration from music playing and the chatter of people talking. Riley had said it would be a small event but now that was seeming unlikely. She had also promised Cody wouldn’t be there, providing no details, and I didn’t ask. Not that I’m not curious, it just isn’t my business anymore. So the surprise on my face is more than evident when the door opens and I’m face to face with no other than Cody. He’s the same but different, his once shaggy hair has now been trimmed to a short look. He’s dressed fancier than normal and I can’t tell if that’s because of the party or his new attire.
“Luna?” He says my name with a certain familiarity and confusion. Of course it’s me, why wouldn’t I be at my best friends girlfriend’s birthday party.
“Hi, Cody,” I smile weakly. He glances at me but his eyes are stuck on my stomach. I’m sure a multitude of questions are running through his head.
“Luna! You’re here!” Riley interrupts our silence and pulls me in the apartment. My large belly brushes against Cody, and I can feel his eyes on my back as she pulls me past everyone to her room.
“I’m so sorry! I texted and called, but I guess your phone was off, I didn’t know he was coming but somehow he found out and now he’s here and I’m so sorry. I understand if you need to go.” Riley looks panicked.
I’m silent as I take it all in. I had a plan. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again, and now that I have… does it change anything? No. He had still left, without even a text or phone call. I am feeling too many things at once. My heart starts to race, I try to steady my breathing and put a hand on my belly. The baby kicks where I touch and I almost laugh.
“It’s okay, it was bound to happen at some point,” I reassure Riley.
“Really?” She looks unconvinced. I don’t blame her, I am trying to convince myself too.
“I mean, it is what it is. I’m already here, I can stay.”
“What are you going to do about…” Her eyes trail to my stomach.
“I don’t know.” I had never planned on lying to him, not telling him sure.But lying to his face?He doesn’t deserve that.
“Riley?” Sawyer calls through the bedroom door.
“Coming, babe!” she calls back and looks at me. I just nod and she gives my arm a light squeeze, a small smile, and heads back to the party.
I contemplate what to do next. I could jump out the window? I glance at the fire escape. Not very likely in my current state. I could wait out the party in here? Maybe take a nap in their bed, with all those pillows, it does look comfy and I’m sure Riley would eventually bring me some snacks. No, I need to face this head on. Who knows, maybe it won’t be as bad as I imagined.
I open the door after giving myself ten minutes of breathing, only to find Cody on the other side. His left arm raised in a fist, about to knock on the door.
“Hi.” His eyes are surprised again.
“Hi,” I repeat.
“Can we talk?”
“Uh.”
