Page 70 of Creed

She sighs. “I know, but a soda or two is just fine. He needs to calm down. If my bestie wants a fucking Dr. Pepper, I’m gonna get it for her.”

“I’ve missed you,” I tell her with an affectionate grin, shoving a bite of the cake into my mouth. I didn't care what they got for my baby shower, but whatever they chose tastes delicious.

Quinn pushes out her bottom lip with a small pout. “Are you happy? Move back with me.”

I laugh. “I’m so happy.”

She moans, resting her head on my shoulder. “I know, I can see it. They’re good to you?” Her eyes look over the backyard full of bikers.

“So good.”

My best friend sniffs. “Good, you deserve it. Such a kind heart born from the cruelest of parents.”

I’m proud I don’t flinch at the mention of them. Neither have reached out to me. I know my dad was put on paid leave while he recovers, and my mom hasn’t bothered calling me since she found out I moved back to town. I’ve only tried to call her twice about the pregnancy and then gave up. It’s not like I want them in the baby’s life anyway.

Reaching out, I take her hand in mine. “Don’t forget that life gave me you, and I wouldn’t have survived if it hadn’t.”

She sits up, wiping at her pretend tears. “I know, right? How lucky you are.”

A cleared throat has us both looking.

“You two need anything?” Nash asks, but his eyes keep falling back to Quinn.

She flicks her coiled hair off her shoulders and smiles sweetly up at him. “What are you offering, big boy?”

I nearly choke on the flush that works over his face and his neck.

“Uhh…uhm,” he stutters out.

Quinn’s nails tap on the table, and she hums under her breath. “Nothing. That’s too bad.”

She turns to me. “Time to open presents?”

I can’t speak as I watch Nash walk off with a frown, and then I turn my attention back to my best friend. “What was that?”

“It’s called flirting, Morgan.”

“No, that felt like something more.” I can’t put my finger on it just yet, but my spidey senses are tingling.

She shrugs. “The night is young, and you go to sleep when the sun is still out. We’ll see.”

Pushing her away with a laugh, I roll my eyes. “Wait until you have a kid. You’ll realize how exhausting it is.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Who says I’m having kids? Ew.”

At my pointed look, she snickers. “Obviously I’m going to be the best auntie to your little boy. But other kids? Ew.”

I shake my head. “Come on, help me up. I gotta pee and then do all these gifts.”

Steel

Uhh. You know that lady I’m supposed to follow? How close do you want me to keep eyes on her?

Gage

Wherever she goes outside of her job and house

Steel