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He sets the coffee on the counter, and his brow wrinkles.
“Did he say something to you? If he did…” Cooper’s eyes harden with the question.
“No. I mean, yes? Sort of? He apologized for last night, but he asked me not to tell Carly that he and I used to date.”
“He asked you to lie?”
“A lie of omission, yes.”
“That’s fucked. She’s going to find out.”
“Yes, but I also don’t want to be a source of drama.”
“You’re not the drama. He is. Between not telling anyone he was engaged to the pregnancy. That’s a lot to keep from everyone.”
“Maybe she wanted to tell everyone in person. She didn’t know his ex-girlfriend would be here.”
“You’re too nice for your own good sometimes, Trix.”
“I just don’t want to cause trouble. Especially not for your parents. I think they feel awkward about everything, too, and they were obviously uncomfortable last night. I doubt Rob is happy I’m here, and if his fiancée knew, I know she wouldn’t be. It puts you and Lizzy in the middle, and it’s her birthday. I think I’m going to finish the cupcakes, say happy birthday to her, and catch a flight back.”
“Lizzy wants you here and so do I.”
“I know, but I don’t want to ruin her birthday. If someone slips and says something, and Carly finds out? Where if I’m not here there’s no reason to mention me. I can give her her present and cupcakes when she gets back this afternoon and catch a ride to the airport after.”
“If you don’t want to be here, I won’t force you to stay. I don’t want you to be unhappy or feel awkward.”
“It’s awkward for you too.”
“Why?”
“You know why.” I give him a meaningful look.
“Because you like fucking me better?” he asks bluntly, and my eyes dart to the door even though I know no one is home to hear.
“I don’t think he needs to hear that.”
“Why not? I’ll tell him. I wish he’d ask. I’d fucking love to tell him.”
“He already asked about us.”
“What did you say?”
“I dodged the specifics and just said you’ve been letting me stay with you, and he knows you and I have always been friendly.”
“You don’t want him to know details then?” Cooper sounds like he doesn’t love the idea.
“I don’t want to cause any drama when your parents just found out that they’re going to be getting a grandchild and planning a wedding. It’s a family vacation, and I don’t belong here.” I don’t care if Rob knows. Honestly, I might be with Cooper on wishing he had details. I just don’t want the fall out if Rob loses his temper.
“Fuck that. You’re family to me and Lizzy. You belong here.”
“It’s fine, Coop. It’s just there’s a lot going on here, and I don’t want anything to ruin Lizzy’s birthday.”
“I don’t want to ruin her birthday either. You leaving… she wouldn’t want that. We can all be adults about everything for a few days. Don’t run off.” Cooper takes an insistent tone.
“I’m not running off.”
“You’re allowed to be upset about the engagement and the baby, Trix.”
