ONE
JOSH
“You can do this,” I tell the scared-looking man staring back at me. “You will do this.”
He doesn’t look convinced, and I don’t blame him. With a sigh, I break eye contact and run a hand through my hair.
“Look.” I huff and let my hand fall to my side. “You’re going to fucking do this, because it’s the right thing to do.” I raise my gaze again. “Got it?”
I nod, and my reflection in the mirror nods back.
“Good,” I say, nodding with my reflection. “Good.”
Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I straighten my tie and square my shoulders. At least I look good. I feel ridiculous.
Turning from the mirror, I find my buddy Jesse leaning casually against the door frame.
I nearly sigh in relief.
“You came.” For the first time in weeks, something resembling optimism sparks inside. “I can’t believe you came.”
“And I can’t believe you’re going through with this.” He pushes away from the door and narrows his eyes. “Tell me again why the hell you’re doing this.”
“Because. It’s the?—”
“Right thing to do,” he finishes for me, shaking his head. “Yeah, I heard your little pep talk. I know you think it’s the right thing to do. But can you tell me why?”
“Because,” I say again, “where I come from, when you get a girl pregnant, you marry her.”
“Even if it was a one-night stand and you barely know the woman?”
“I know CeCe.” I scowl. “We went to high school together.”
“Yeah, and you haven’t seen her since.” He cocks his head to the side. “Don’t you think it’s a little interesting how many people you used to know in high school or Cub Scouts or however you were connected back in that one-stop-light town of yours have come out of the woodwork now that you’re a big-shot high roller?”
I start to tell him it’s how things are back where I’m from. People help each other. Especially when one of you has a lot to give. And ever since I made a name for myself as a professional gambler, I have a hell of a lot more to give than anyone else I know or have ever known.
I don’t tell him, though, because I already have before.
Instead, I turn to stare out at the lights of the Vegas strip. This is my home now. I love the energy and excitement. It’s the place that gave me every opportunity I have now.
That doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten where I’m from.
It doesn’t mean I don’t know that one-stop-light town of mine made me.
Jesse sighs. “Couldn’t you at least wait until after the baby comes? See if it sticks.”
“That’s not the man I am,” I say, scowling out the window. “It’s not the man you are either.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He cuffs my shoulder. “I’m on your side. I support whatever you do.”
His words are nice, but… “I’m sensing a butt.”
He chuckles and drops his hand. “But, I wouldn’t be your friend if I didn’t look out for you and your best interests.”
This is the moment when I could tell him it is in my best interest to marry CeCe. That we can have a happy life together with the family we’ve started. Even if we don’t love each other now, it could grow.
“I know,” I say instead. “I’m glad you’re here. Even if you think I’m making a mistake.”
