Page 33 of Let's Be Forever

“You’re going to kill it as a father.” I hear the smile in her voice.

That makes my stomach churn. “I don’t know. I feel like I’ve already failed.”

“Stop being so hard on yourself. You didn’t know. It’s not your fault. If Anna’s letting you meet her tomorrow, that means she’s not holding it against you. She’s logical, or did you forget?”

“I didn’t.” There’s nothing about Anna that I’ve forgotten. “I’m nervous.”

“I’m sure you are, but look at the bright side.”

“What’s that?”

“You have a baby with the most badass woman out there. She’s smart, hot, loyal. She’s the best person you could have accidentally knocked up. Maybe this is what you needed to get out of the funk you’ve been stuck in.”

“I’m not in a funk.” I don’t mean to sound defensive. “Did Marc tell you that?”

“Yes. Thank God you got traded to Boston. At least now I can get updates, even if it’s not coming directly from you.”

Thea lives in Toronto, Canada. She’s playing for the PWHL. Since moving, she’s been happier, smiling and opening up more. Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it’s more than she ever did when she lived in New York.

I roll my eyes. “I’ve been busy.”

“Busy doing what? Wallowing in your misery?” She scoffs a laugh. I hear rustling and assume she’s getting in bed. “Marc said you’ve been revirginized.” She snorts.

My brow furrows. “Why are you guys talking about who I do?”

“You’re notdoinganyone. If you were, you might not be so fucking insufferable to deal with.”

“I’ve got a lot going on and now I live just a few hours from Mom and Dad. You’d be insufferable too.”

I physically can’t bring myself to touch anyone. I thought maybe staying away from any girl who looked like Anna would help, but it didn’t. The one time I attempted to put myself out there was with Gianna, and I felt so disgusted. The mere thought of being naked with someone who isn’t Anna feels wrong.

I haven’t touched anyone since Anna. So maybe the lack of sex is causing me to feel irritated, but it’s not a big deal. My hand works just fine.

“Right,” she drawls sarcastically. “Well, just so you know…” Her voice softens. “I’m rooting for things to work out.”

“I hope so too. I really want to be in Rosie’s life.”

“No, that’s not what I’m talking about, but you know, you’re not dumb.”

“I know…” She didn’t see Anna’s face though. How she tensed when I wanted to wipe her tears away.

“Be optimistic. I am.” She sounds excited, which is so unlike her. “And when things work out, you’d better not fuck it up,” she threatens, but then the tone in her voice changes. “Anyway, do you have a picture of my niece? I can’t believe I’m an aunt.”

I forward her Marc’s screenshot of Clementine’s Instagram post.

She gasps aloud, then soft coos pierce the speaker. “Sy, she looks just like you. Those eyes, the dimples, the hair. Fuck, she’s precious.”

We go silent once more, and I’m sure she’s stuck staring at the picture too. But then it dawns on me again: I need to tell Harlow. I can already see the media losing their shit over this, spinning things around in the way they love to do.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” Thea’s voice slices through my thoughts like she knew I’d gotten lost in my head. “You’re both going to be okay.

14

ANNA

“I wishyou would stop being so quiet.”

I pull my bottom lip between my teeth, biting the inside seam and nipping at the tender skin. I only release it when a metallic taste coats the tip of my tongue.