Page 107 of Miss Understanding

I waved him off when he pushed one in front of me. “I’m good.”

“You’ll need this for what I’m about to tell you.” He paused, before blurting out, “She’s pregnant.”

“I know.” Funny how calm I was in saying it. Yet he’d just reminded me how badly I’d botched things. I threw back the shot after all.

He threw back his own. “Guess it keeps me from having to break the news, then. You okay with it?”

No. Not at all. And yet knowing she was carrying my child brought out a fierce protective side. “Getting there. How did you come by the information?”

“She talked to my lead bartender about other positions that might be available at the club after she starts showing.”

I was already shaking my head. “She can’t work at the club period. I don’t care what job you think to give her.”

He shrugged, sipping his bourbon. “I may be an asshole, but even I’m not so bad as to turn away a pregnant woman from work if she wants it. You sure it’s yours?”

The murderous glare I gave him had him throwing his hands up in surrender. “You and I live in different worlds, my friend, but I’m glad you don’t have any doubts.”

“I fucked up, but I plan on fixing it.”

“If a smooth talker like you can’t fix it, I don’t suppose there’s hope for the rest of our species. Hell, if anything, having a baby sort of implies you’re in it with her, no matter what. Guess it’s a good thing you’d want to be together.”

“What if I’m a shitty father?” I hadn’t realized I’d verbalized the comment out loud until Chance’s brow lifted.

Much to my surprise, he answered. “Shitty fathers don’t worry about being shitty fathers, you feel me?”

His words were simple and succinct. Also true if I thought about it. “I feel you. In any case, I appreciate you wanting to tell me.”

“Glad I wasn’t the first. By the way, her roommate’s last night is tonight. After work they’re having a going-away breakfast at a local diner. You may want to wait until after to talk to your girl.”

Once again, I appreciated the information. But it wasn’t lost on me that Chance knew more about Kendall’s plans than I did. But hopefully, that was about to change.

* * *

It was in my best interest to go home and shower, shave, and better prepare myself for talking to Kendall. I found myself practicing what I’d say. Having my counterarguments ready. It was the only way I could quell my anxiety, preparing as if this was the trial of my life. How long would breakfast take? Would she be home by now? An unanswered text message and two calls later, I finally realized I should be using the time to my advantage.

I had a plan; now I hoped it would actually work.

By late afternoon, I had everything in place and decided to drive to her apartment. I was relieved to see her car in the lot. I was also nervous. Jesus, was I nervous.

After knocking on her apartment door, I waited with bated breath for her to answer. As soon as she did, opening the door to reveal herself in shorts and a tank top, her hair piled high in a messy bun, every prepared thought went out of my mind.

“Hi,” I greeted, drinking her in.

Her eyes were sleepy, her voice rough. “Hello.”

“Do you think we could talk in private? Maybe go back to my place?” It’s where I had something set up I couldn’t wait to show her.

“I already took Chloe to the airport. You can come in here.”

She moved aside, letting me into her studio apartment. It occurred to me my first plan, to get her back to my place, had already failed. Now that I was in her apartment, I was even more at a loss regarding how to proceed. At least she started the conversation.

“How was the trip home?” She took a seat at the small table for two.

“I, um, it was difficult.” I took the other chair. “My father had a video will. We all watched it.”

Her face softened with sympathy. “That must’ve been tough.”

Leave it to her to think about me even now. “It was. But it was also closure.”