Page 30 of Ruin The Friendship
The small seed of information I got from her in that shake of her head at the hospital makes it seem like maybe the father isn’t around, but I still have to ask.
“Okay…”
“Who’s the father?”
Lydia closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. “His name is Jude. We went on three dates at the end of summer, right when you went back to training camp. I didn’t tell you about him because I didn’t want to jinx anything. I really liked him. He told me he wanted more than a hookup, but after we slept together on the third date, he ghosted me. I was on birth control, and I thought he wore a condom, but somehow, here we are.”
“Asshole,” I mutter through gritted teeth.
I can’t believe any man would give this woman up. If I had it my way, I’d never let her go. To hear that he hurt her this way sends a jealous rage through my body. What I’d give to find out where he lives and give him a bit of alesson. Maybe Calvin would be interested in joining me. He’s always down to throw a few punches.
“And to get ahead of your next question, no, he doesn’t want to be involved. I met with him last week, and to say it didn’t go well would be putting it lightly. He made me sign a contract saying I wouldn’t go after him for money or list him on the birth certificate.”
Okay, now I really need to get a few punches in on this guy. Selfishly, I’m glad he’s out of the picture. It sounds like he doesn’t deserve anything from Lydia, but knowing he hurt her is enough to piss me off.
More than anything, I wish I were there for her during all of this. Ihateknowing that she had to do this alone.
“Fuck, Lydi.” I squeeze her a little tighter, smoothing my hands over her hair. “I’m sorry he was an asshole. You and your baby deserve better.”
“Yeah, well, it is what it is. No one else knows yet—well, besides your mom.”
“My mom knew before me?”
I shouldn’t be surprised. My mom can sense things, and she and Lydia have a close relationship.
“Your dad gave me a beer at the game, and I couldn’t drink it. Then I puked in the suite's bathroom, so yeah, she knows. I don’t know if she’s told your dad yet, but you can’t be mad at her. I told her not to tell you.” Lydia rushes to get that last part out.
“I’m not mad at her. Or you, for that matter.” I squeeze her, running my hand up and down the length of her arm. “What do you need from me?”
A shuddered laugh falls from her lips. “I don’t know. I’m scared. I want this baby, and I know I won't regret keeping it, but so much is going to change. I’m going to have to move out and findmy own place.”
“Hey, hey.” I tilt back so I can see her face and swipe some of the tears from her cheeks. “I know how scary this is, but you can always count on me. I’ll be here for you every step of the way. You’re not losing me, and I don’t know why you’re talking about moving out, because that’snothappening.”
If anything, this is making me more determined to take the step I’ve always held back from, the one that would change everything for us. It’s all I can think about now, and I might not be willing to wait any longer.
Lydia lets out a watery chuckle. “Oh, so you’re going to be totally fine with a baby screaming in the middle of the night, keeping you up and messing up your sleep schedule right around playoffs?”
“Yep. And I’ll be right there with you, helping with nightly feeds and diaper changes.” I hope she can hear how sincere I am.
She waves me off. “I’d never ask you to do that.”
“I’m still going to do it. I’m here for you. You’re my best friend, the person I trust most in this world. I’m not going to leave you high and dry.”
Lydia nods, the tears falling harder as she burrows into my chest. “Thank you.”
“There’s nothing to thank me for.” I press a kiss to the top of her head.
Everything I am is because of her, and I’m going to prove to her I’m not going anywhere. Maybe if I’m lucky, she’ll see that I want something more, that I’ve wanted more for a long time.
13
CURLY GIRL ROUTINE
LYDIA
Iglance at the kitchen sink, letting out an irritated groan. This is going to be an absolute pain in the ass, but I have to do it. My left hand twinges at the thought, but if I don’t wash my hair or do my curly routine now, my hair will be a frizzy mess for work tomorrow.
Heading over to the sink, I turn the faucet on. While I wait for it to warm up, I take my old ratty tee off, leaving me in my comfortable bralette. This thing has been a lifesaver in the last week, since my boobs have started getting super sore, along with a myriad of other pregnancy symptoms.
