Page 73 of Let's Be Forever

Whether it’s people who hate me or those who have a strange parasocial relationship with me, they’re talking shit on my behalf or just because they despise me.

The news has garnered so much attention that I have the paparazzi outside the arena, waiting for practice to end so they can ask me questions.

The media taking interest would have happened regardless, but not to this magnitude. And it’s all thanks to my parents who have yet to make a statement.

I already did, first thing this morning before practice. If it had been up to me, I would have told everyone to fuck off, but Harlow didn’t agree with that response, so I wrote something more appropriate that my agent approved of.

She also told me that everything is being handled on her end, making sure if Rosie’s picture is taken, her face won’t be shown. And lastly, she reminded me to breathe, to stay away from social media, and that she’s proud of me.

I have to admit it felt good hearing that. My parents rarely shared genuine words of support, and when they did, it was to maintain their image for their friends and peers.

“Okay, so who is this girl? Did you really date her in college, or did they make that up?” Callan asks as we stretch on the ice before practice.

I roll my eyes. Since I arrived at the arena, my teammates have bombarded me with endless questions. I ignored them until I couldn’t anymore.

“No, they didn’t make it up. She was my girlfriend, but?—”

“Wait, wait, wait…” Joey cuts me off. “Was? What the hell happened?”

“Did she cheat on you?” Andy, another teammate, questions as we switch from one leg to another.

“You kept reading the article?” Matias pins him with a look, shaking his head at him disapprovingly. “I told you not to…but did she?” he asks.

I roll my eyes again, thinking,Jesus Christ, it’s going to be a long practice. “No, she didn’t cheat.”

“Did you?” Callan cocks a brow.

No one stops what they’re doing, but their stretching slows, eyes laser-focused on me.

“No one cheated.” I’d cut my dick off before ever doing that to Anna. The moment I laid eyes on her, there was no one else. “I…”

“Damn…” Someone whistles.

“And the kid? When did this happen?”

“Jesus Christ, what is this, twenty questions?” Marc abruptly stops stretching. “Leave him alone. He just found out he’s a father and?—”

“Holy shit, so they weren’t lying. You didn’t know?” Joey gapes at me, as do the rest of my teammates. “That’s fucking insane.”

“Okay, now you need to tell us what the hell happened. Because holy shit. If I found out I was a father, I’d be shitting myself.” Callan sounds horrified at the idea.

I know he has no desire for kids, so I get it, but I also don’t. Before Anna, I didn’t either, but when she came into my life, we talked about it, especially after she had that scare.

Coach Adler claps his hands, forcing our attention to him. “We’re not doing this gossip bullshit. It was already enough getting hassled as I was coming in. I don’t want to hear it, and I know Sylas doesn’t either.”

I give him a nod, grateful for intervening. I don’t mind talking to them, but I want to practice without having to hear the endless questions and see curious glances thrown my way.

“I know it’s not the same but Abby, my wife, had a cryptic pregnancy. We didn’t know she was pregnant until she gave birth,” Matias mentions quietly as the guys continue to stretch and talk amongst themselves. “I know it’s overwhelming at first, but it’ll get easier-ish with time. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve only been a father for three years and I’m still figuring it out myself but I can help.” He smiles proudly.

I’d vaguely seen something about it, but I hadn’t kept up with the news because I usually don’t and I’d been injured.

“Yeah, thanks.” I continue to stretch but pause as a question settles at the tip of my tongue. “How do you know if you’re being a good father? Actually, never mind, that’s a stupid?—”

He laughs, and mirth shines in his eyes. “It’d be stupid not to ask yourself that question. Being a parent is a lot of work, but it’s rewarding. Be mentally and physically present, don’t make promises you can’t keep because they remember everything, and just…enjoy all the moments. They grow up fast, too fast. One moment, I was holding my eight-pound baby, then I blinked and now she’s a thirty-one-pound toddler.”

Matias is only two years older than me, but I’m not surprised by his answer and how genuine he sounds. Marc has stated time and time again how humble he is, and I’m glad I’m getting to see it.

“Thanks, Matias.” I offer him a small smile.