“I suppose I’m glad, then, that it didn’t work out the way you hoped.” Darcy smiles at me from across the elevator, her hand rubbing circles on her small bump. The sight sends butterflies rampant in my stomach.
Chapter11
No Questions, Comments, Concerns
Darcy || 16 weeks pregnant, October
The smell of chlorine swirls with burning charcoal as we walk into Kodi and Maverick's backyard, carrying the cupcakes we were asked to pick up. It’s Stu, Mav’s father, sixtieth birthday today so everyone is here to celebrate. While I want to spend time with my friends and pseudo-parents, I’m feeling grumpy. I hate the way my black one-piece is sitting on my body. Tatum, on the other hand, is wearing a tank top that shows off his tattooed bicep and a pair of slutty little swim shorts—their five-inch inseam doesn’t leave much to the imagination.
Tatum stops me short of rounding the corner of the home before anyone sees us. “You alright?”
“Yes.” Clearly tuned into the fact that I’m not alright, he says nothing in response but raises a golden eyebrow. “Fine. I just feel cranky today. My mom has called like three times today, and I don’t like the way this bathing suit feels.”
His eyes roam over my body. I’ve got shorts on and an oversized shirt in my bag for later. Although I’m mostly covered, the way he’s taking me in has my heart doing cannonballs inside my rib cage.
“I think your bump is adorable. You don’t owe your mom anything but you should call her back if you’re worried.”
“Ugh, I don’t know if I want to.”
“As far as the grumpiness, anything I can do?”
“Get me a snack, anddon’tlet Dom splash me. And, thank you.”
“Done and done. Let’s do this.” In a move I wasn’t expecting he grabs my hand and leads me around the corner. I can’t tell if everyone’s eyes actually turn towards us only to get stuck on our interlocked hands, or if maybe it just feels that way. I immediately remove mine from his, smiling sheepishly. A dismayed look passes over Tatum's face, barely noticeable as he turns to grab the snacks he promised me.
Kodi, Sin, and Harley sit on the pool ledge, drinks in hand and feet in the water watching Collins, Dom, and Bella swim back and forth together. Bella’s bright pink floaties and Collins' watchful eye keeping her above water. Maverick and Nik, as always man the grill while Victoria, Dale, and Jason sit around a large plastic table set up under a white canopy tent. Grace exits the house with Stu, heading towards the pool.
“Happy birthday!” I holler at Stu, Mav’s father, as he steps down the patio, he makes his way towards me pulling me into his arms.
“Darcy, do you remember my daughter Grace and her husband, Jason, from the wedding?” Asks Stu.
“Yes, hi. Good to see you again.” They give me cordial smiles before returning to their trek to the pool. I head over to the picnic table, my last stop before I plop down beside my girls on the pool ledge.
“Hi, Momma.” I beam at Victoria, Kodi’s mom, who treats me as her adopted daughter. When we were younger she always gave me a safe space to get away from my overbearing parents. Victoria always felt like the kind of parent I longed for, someone who listened and understood my dreams—just as she does for Kodi.
“Oh, sweet girl. Look at you!” She’s up and around the table before I’ve made it three steps. Her gentle hands grasping my shoulders, she coos, “Are you feeling better? Kodi said you were having a hard time the first few weeks.”
“Much, thank you for asking.” I lean in, “Introduce me to your new man.” She blushes but guides me over to Dale who stands with an outstretched hand.
“Mom, can we have our bestie now?” Kodi turns over her shoulder, teasing her Mom.
“I suppose you can. I was just catching up with my other daughter.” Victoria rolls her eyes but shoos me away, taking her seat back by Dale, her return welcomed with a possessive arm around her.
“Hi, my loves.” I wiggle my fingers towards my friends as I take a seat, leaning my head into Sin beside me.
I’m hardly sitting for a moment before a water bottle and plate full of veggies, fruits, what looks to be a ranch, and a caramel dip appear in front of my face. “Your snack madam. Dominic has been warned about splashing purposefully.”
“Thank you.” I turn my head up to Tatum, smiling at him. A gleam of sweat on his brow, black sunglasses covering his eyes, a smirk firmly planted on his face.
Sin watches Tate walk away before whisper-shouting, “Holy fuck that man is hot. I see why you let him knock you up.”
“I didn’t let him. It was an accident.” I gently jab her in the stomach with my elbow. “He is hot though, isn’t he?” This causes all of us to giggle.
“I have to head out soon.” Harley sighs dejectedly. I don’t know what has gotten under her skin, but she seems to be withdrawn. She shows up, but lately she isn’t actively in conversation and she always leaves early.
“What? Why?” Kodi whines. I munch on a carrot stick watching this conversation take place.
“I have to study, then meet up with Benji.”
