Page 85 of The Logic of Loyalty

You’re at Joe’s?

I turn the car around and wait at the road to turn left or right, depending on her response.

Becky

I said yup

Trevor

Okay, stay there. I’ll come get her. Are you okay?

I’m frustrated, but reluctantly amused at the same time. Becky is truly the spitfire Carter calls her. I have a feeling the moment she figures out what I’ve put Paige through these last few months, I may lose a tooth. Or worse.

Becky

Yup

Oh my fucking God.

My phone rings when I pull out onto the road. I almost ignore it, singularly focused on getting to see Paige again so soon, when the ringtone registers.

“Paige?”

“Hey … Trevor.”

“Hey, what’s going on? Are you okay?” You don’t sound okay.

“Not really. Not at all, no. I’m—I’m really tired of everything happening right now. I just want to rest, you know?”

My exhaustion clings to me like a second skin, and I’m not pregnant. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Can I do anything to help?”

Silence comes through the line, but I wait for her to speak. “There was gossip, and then Bobby …” She trails off, and to my horror, sniffles.

Squeezing the life out of the steering wheel, I keep my voice steady. “Yes? What about Bobby?” My knuckles crack under the pressure.

“He had a lot to say.”

“I’ll kick his ass.”

She releases a small sound of amusement. “Yeah. Okay, Trevor.” We’re silent while I consider her reaction.

The idea of me actually doing something is her punchline.

“I’ll take care of you, Paige. I’m working on what you asked. I swear it. I-I will be what you need of me.”

“All I ever needed was you.” It comes out soft as a whisper, but I feel it hit my chest like a battering ram. “I’m taking Becky home and babysitting. We’re at Joe’s, but I’m picking her confused-looking bum up from the sidewalk now.” She moves on like she didn’t tear me up, and I let her.

“I miss you.”

“I know.”

“I love you.”

“I have to go.” Beep. Beep. Beep.

“Goddammit!” I slam my hands down as I take the final turn to Joe’s, just in time to see Paige help Becky into her car. They’re both smiling, but not their usual glow.

Damn. Paige looks incredible. Her hair is gorgeous, and her curves are delicious in the dress she’s wearing. A small gust of wind blows it across her belly, and my heart clenches in my chest. My babies are growing. She settles into the driver’s seat, carefully checking her mirrors and blind spots. When she looks up, our eyes clash. It’s a physical blow, the pain echoing there. She breaks the connection first, pulling into the street and driving away.