Page 53 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

“Looks like the whole city,” he quips, pulling into the driveway where she’s sectioned off a spot just for us.

Seriously, there’s a sign and everything that reads; Parking for the Mom-to-Be ONLY.

I shake my head. She’s something else.

“You ready for this?” Luke asks me.

I smooth my hands over the skirt of my dress. It’s been months now and I still haven’t heard anything from my parents. I’m not surprised, but I am disappointed.

I flash Luke a smile. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

He taps his fingers on the steering wheel. “Do you want to sit here a minute?”

I should’ve known he’d be able to read me. “No.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I twist my lips. “There’s not much to say when I can’t understand my own feelings.”

“Try,” he coaxes.

I take a deep breath. “Obviously, I don’t expect my parents to be here or even want them here after how they acted, especially with no acknowledgment or apology, but I still feel let down for some reason. I told Rosie not to invite them and I stand by that decision, but I just wish they’d reach out.”

Luke leans over and cups my cheek. His palm is warm and rough. “It’s because you’re a good person, Bertie. You would never behave the way they did so you keep wanting to give them the benefit of doubt.”

“It’s so silly, though,” I mutter.

“No.” He shakes his head, steadfast. “It’s not silly to expect them to support you. I want you to know, though, that they don’t deserve you. You’re ten times the person they can ever be.”

I swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. “I feel like I’m beating a dead horse every time I bring them up. You’re probably sick of it.”

“It bothers you, so I wish you’d bring it up more. I want you to feel comfortable enough to talk to me about these things.”

“It’s not that I feel uncomfortable, I just think my feelings are confusing enough without trying to figure out how to voice them out loud.”

“That’s understandable, but I want you to know that you can come to me to talk about it anytime. Okay?”

“Thank you.” I swear I feel like I could cry just from the simple fact that this man is so good to me, but I dam them back. I’m not about to ruin my makeup before we even make it inside. “We better head in. I’m sure Rosie knows we’re here. It’s surprising she hasn’t popped out to drag me inside yet.”

Luke hops out and comes around to offer me his hand. Once I’m standing on the driveway he leans in and grabs my drink. “Don’t forget your emotional support Sprite.”

I take a greedy sip. “I need it right now.”

We take the stairs to the front door and before we can knock, the door swings open and a guy I haven’t met before, but recognize, opens the door.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he chants. There’s a light brown knitted hat on his head with bear ears. He notices me looking. “Oh, yeah, this.” He plucks it off and runs his fingers through his hair. “I was learning how to knit a hat for your little bambino and made it too big, so now it’s mine.” He fixes it back on his head. “A win is a win.”

“Hey, Teddy,” Luke says from my left.

I nearly break my neck turning to look at him. “You know Teddy?”

“We’ve met,” Luke explains. “We got dinner together.”

“It’s nice to see you,” Teddy says. “And we haven’t properly met but you already seem to know me?” He arches a brow in my direction.

“Oh, please, you know everyone on campus knows who you are. You only graduated a year ago.”

He presses a hand over his heart. “I’m honored to know my legacy is unforgettable.”