Page 13 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

“Have you ever been around babies?”

“No.”

I flop my head against the seat. “Me neither. I don’t even know how to change a diaper.”

Luke cups my cheeks and pulls my attention to him. “We’re going to figure this out. Together. I promise.”

Together.

It’s the way he says it that makes me believe him. I’ve never had someone look at me the way he does, and maybe that’s why he mildly terrifies me. I get the impression Luke Covey always says what he means, and means what he says, and if he’s saying he’s going to be my side through all of this then that’s what he’s going to do.

“Together,” I echo.

“Jeffrey!” I cry out when I see the man that’s always been more like a father to me than my own flesh and blood waiting outside the airport. The older man with graying hair and a thick beard opens his arms wide for me. “I’ve missed you.”

He smells familiar. Like cinnamon and peppermint.

“I’ve missed you, kid,” he says, hugging me back. “And this must be your friend.” He lets me go to extend a hand to Luke.

“Luke Covey. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Jeffrey opens the back door of the Mercedes, and I climb inside with Luke following.

“Your family has a driver?” he asks under his breath.

“Jeffrey is way more than a driver. He basically runs our entire household,” I explain, sliding the seatbelt over my body.

“Your life is so different from mine.”

“Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.” I think about the baby growing inside me, and how despite my fear I already can’t imagine being as indifferent with it as my parents have been with me. My mom has always cared more about shopping and parties and hanging out with her other rich friends and my dad’s singular focus has been how he can continue to grow the Carthwright fortune.

Jeffrey climbs behind the wheel, and we head off toward the house.

Darkness has fully descended, and I find myself stifling a yawn. Despite the only two-and-a-half-hour flight, I’m exhausted. Something tells me this is a symptom of pregnancy.

“Your parents are out for the evening and won’t be in until much later. Just in case you were hoping to see them tonight.” Jeffrey glances in the rearview mirror, no doubt trying to gauge my reaction.

I purse my lips. “Of course they are.”

Their daughter, who they barely see, says she’s coming for the weekend, and they can’t even be bothered to be home when I get there. I don’t know why I’m even upset. It’s not as if I don’t expect this.

“You should see them for breakfast.”

“Can’t wait,” I mutter.

The sad truth is, I could probably get away with not even telling them I’m pregnant. Chances are we wouldn’t cross paths anyway unless I forced it like I am now.

Luke’s hand finds mine where it rests on the middle seat between us. He twines our fingers together and gives me a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

One lone tear leaks out of the corner of my eye.

I’m not sure why I’m even upset.

They’re following their usual script. It’s me who has deviated off the page.

Luke doesn’t ask me if I’m okay and for that I’m grateful.