Page 130 of Ruin The Friendship
“I watched the video on the article, and it kinda seemed like it was the whole video, Fletch,” I say, irritation seeping in. “Why didn’t you say something sooner? No one said youhad to step up and be her father or be with me. You could have let me do this on my own. You could have been the cool uncle, as I offered.”
Anger flares on his features. “Don’tevercall me the cool uncle again, Lydia. She’s my daughter, and something I said once at the beginning of the season means nothing compared to all my words and actions since.”
He tilts the phone toward me, tapping the screen to press play.
I shrink as he says the words that have been replaying in my mind for the last four hours. Except this time, the video continues, and a sly grin pops up on his face, like he’s thinking of something—orsomeone.
“At least not anytime soon. But never say never.”
I should have known that wasn’t the whole story. Guilt creeps in as I look up at Fletcher, his eyes red-rimmed and full of despair.
“That video was taken out of context. Did I see myself settling down so soon? Honestly, no. But there was only one person I ever wanted to have that life with, and I didn't have any hope that you felt the same. I wouldn’t change a thing about the way this evolved between us, and where our future is heading.”
He takes my hand, while the other rests on my bump. The baby kicks and rolls.
“I reacted,” I say sheepishly. “I should have stopped and thought, but it hit me so hard. First, that my mom sent those photos to the press, and then hearing you say you didn’t see yourself having kids. It made me feel like I trapped you, like the article said. Or that you were doing it out of pity. My mom sent me the link like she was proud that she made my life go up in flames, all because it’s my fifteenminutes of fame.”
I let go of his hand to swipe at my cheeks. I’m so embarrassed.
Fletcher cups my wet cheeks. “Look at me. I want this. I want our relationship, the family we’re making. She’s my child, and I’ll love her as my own, as much as I love you.”
I inhale sharply. “You do?”
Fletcher nods, tears brimming in his eyes. “Of course, I do. I’ve been telling her for weeks, but I figure it’s time I told her mama how much I love her.”
“I love you, too.” The words fall from my lips with so much sincerity, it strikes me. We’re in this together. He’s going to be by my side, and by my daughter’s side, too. She’ll have the best dad.
Fletcher leans in, kissing me deeply, pouring all his love and emotion into the kiss.
Before it goes too far, I pull back. “I need to call my mom. I’m done with our relationship.”
“That’s for the best. Do you want me here, or do you want to do it yourself?”
“I need you at my side.”
He scoots in close, and I take a deep breath as I click on the call icon by her name. It rings a few times before she picks up.
“Oh, Lydia, it’s so good to hear from you,” she gushes. “What did you think of the article?”
“I hate it,” I say forcefully. “You sent those pictures in. Pictures I wanted to stay private.”
“Well, you never told me that?—"
“I shouldn’t have had to! I guess I assumed my mother would understand that I didn’t want my private moments blasted all over the internet for the whole world to see. The article made me question my relationship with Fletcher.”
“Oh, that’s all made up. They always like to stir a little drama.”
“Why did you do it?” I ask the question that’s been gnawing at me. “What did you get out of this? Money?”
“They paid me for the photos, yes. But I think you’ll thank me eventually. This is for your benefit. The opportunities that could come from this are endless. You could get brand deals for all sorts of things. Makeup, clothes, baby items, you name it.”
“I don’t want brand deals. Why don’t you understand that I don’t want some fancy lifestyle in the spotlight? We were keeping our relationship private for a reason.” I let out a heavy breath. “I can’t do this.”
Fletcher squeezes my thigh.
“Can’t do what?” Mom asks, confusion in her voice.
“I can’t have a relationship with you if you’re going to exploit my relationship with Fletcher and not treat me with respect. You never have, and things have gotten ten times worse since I told you I was pregnant. I’ve given you too many chances at this point.”
