AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I may have overstretched that idea slightly. Back in January I came face-to-face with Andrew. That was the guy I told you about at my cousin’s wedding. Andrew is the guy who screwed me over, and well, things weren’t as black and white as I thought they were when I was nineteen. There was a lot about life I didn’t understand,” I mumble. “What I’m trying to say is since then I’ve opened myself up to the idea of love.”
“Is there a special someone?” Eden asks wide-eyed.
“OMG is it Evan?” Willow chimes.
“I said I’m open to the idea. Not that I’m in love,” I restate. As I say the words, I wonder if maybe it’s a lie. Am I in love with Evan? Ellie’s gaze once again cuts to mine. I feel terrible about leaving the girls in the dark about my pregnancy, but it’s for the best right now.
“Damn, Patty, I have to say. I never thought I’d hear you say those words,” Willow says.
“I know, but I grew up with parents who were so in love and had so much to offer. I realized by closing myself off to something like that I was selling myself short.”
“Hear! Hear!” Rosie toasts, and she lifts her glass of sangria. I’m glad I didn’t have a chance to order yet, so I clink the glass of water the server placed in front of me.
The rest of lunch goes by with our usual banter until I get an idea. Connor needs a nanny. It may not be a love match but maybe it could solve her money issues and give her a place to stay temporarily. I make a note to mention the situation to her after lunch since Connor has had a really hard time getting by since his injury, and Sydney has been spending a lot of time with Skylar.
After lunch I hug my friends and head home. The entire car ride I think about Evan as I try to figure out if I love him.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
Evan
I’m texting Patty, but she doesn’t answer. I’m here outside her parents’ building. I was hoping we could go up together. I’ve been a mess all day over missing the ultrasound. This is my first child and it feels like I’ve just missed one of their milestones. Now I’m dressed in slacks and a dress shirt, even though I have a feeling the dinner is casual, because I want to make a good impression on Coach and his wife. It’s not like we’ve never met before or like I haven’t been over for dinner. It’s just now I happen to be the father of their future grandchild. I want so much more with their daughter than just a coparenting relationship. I’ve never met a girlfriend’s parents before because there was no one who was important enough. It makes me realize how superficial my relationship with Evie was.
With Patty not answering, I figure she is already upstairs in their apartment. I take the flowers and chocolates I bought for both Patty and Mrs. Sanders, along with the salted caramel cupcakes with a chocolate base and head upstairs, wondering if all this is overkill. My nerves are on edge and I’ve managed to break out in a sweat.
By the time I reach their floor and the elevator door opens, I’m a mess. What will Coach say? Patty said he just wants her to be happy, but is he going to ream my ass for first sleeping with his daughter and then impregnating her?
The door opens and Mrs. Sanders comes up to the door. She’s wearing a pair of yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt like Patty likes to wear.
“Hi, Mrs. Sanders,” I greet with a smile. My hands are full of flowers, chocolate, and cupcakes.
“Hi, Evan, please call me Flynn, really,” she insists.
“These are for you.” I pass her one set of chocolates and flowers. “The other is for Patty and the cupcakes are for dessert.”
“This all looks amazing,” Flynn says.
“Is Patty here yet?” I ask looking past her.
“She’s on her way. I can take the ones for Patty too and lay them out in the kitchen,” she offers.
“Thanks, the cupcakes need to be in a fridge for the frosting,” I suggest, and I pass them to her.
“Come on in and make yourself comfortable. Myles should be down in a minute,” she invites.
“Thanks,” I say.
I wait a few seconds and Coach is coming down the stairs. “Hi, Evan,” he greets.
“Hi, sir.” I shake his hand.
“Call me Myles when we aren’t at the arena,” he urges.
“Sure, Myles,” I say nervously.
“Come have a seat. I’m glad Patty is running a little late, I was hoping we could have a talk,” he says, and he motions for me to follow him to their long dining room table. He sits in the chair at the head of the table and motions for me to take a seat on the chair to his left. To say I’m close to shitting myself is an understatement. Coach is scary on a good day. With everything that’s gone down, I’m freaking out.
“Look, Coach, I’m really sorry about how things have played out, but I promise I really care for Patty. I want to be there for her and the baby. I wanted to be there today for her ultrasound, but she wouldn’t let me,” I mutter, speaking too fast.
