My words hit their target and he takes a deep breath narrowing his eyes at me. “Well, it’s not like it matters now. I’m assuming you’re keeping it?”
Who is this man? This version of Trey shocks me with his lack of tact and complete disregard for anyone else’s feelings.
“Are you serious right now? Of course I’m keeping the baby. What happened to you, Trey? You were never like this, not until you got drafted. Then it’s like a switch flipped and the man I loved became a complete stranger.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Listen, I realize that I’ve had months to come to terms and make my decisions regarding the pregnancy and having a baby. You would’ve had that time if you’d ever called me back, but here we are and it’s a shock, I’m sure. You don’t need to make any decisions right now. You can take some time and we’ll talk about it when you’re ready.”
His eyebrows lift in surprise as he takes in my words. “Okay. Yeah, I need a few days to wrap my head around this. I’ll keep it to myself. I’m guessing you have been as well.”
“I didn’t start showing until about a month or so ago, and people think I’m not far along, so it hasn’t been an issue. Plus, I’ve only been back a few weeks and haven’t been out much.”
“I will be back in North Carolina in about a week for our series with the Hurricanes. I’ll have some time then. Can we meet?”
“That works. I hate that it’s like this, Trey.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“I know we aren’t good for each other, but I’d like to be civil.”
He scoffs before realizing I’m serious. “Civil? When you’ve clearly moved on with Jordan Mills and your family hates me? Yeah, I don’t want any part of that.”
“Fine. Let me know when you’re in town.”
“Fine.”
The chair scrapes harshly against the tile floor as Trey flies out of his seat like it’s on fire as he exits the room. He doesn’t look back at me or say a word to the four people out in the hallway as he pushes pastthem, shouldering Jordan. Ever the picture of maturity. I shouldn’t have let him get to me, but he did and now I’m boiling with anger.
“I take it that went well.” I burst out laughing at Reagan’s well-timed comment and the anger eases as my family, my best friend, and Jordan walk back in the room.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
JORDAN
When Reagan called me to say that Mack was heading to the hospital with a head wound and was in and out of consciousness, I jumped in my truck and drove ninety the entire way from Charlotte. Thankfully, we’d had an early practice, so I could get away without any issue. Seeing her in the hospital bed broke my heart. I’ve never known fear like that—thinking something horrible could’ve happened to her and the baby.
Then I sawhim. Reagan recounted their interaction in the food court before Mack’s fall, and while I know he didn’t do anything to cause her injuries, seeing his smug face after everything he did and how he’s ignored her these past months sent me straight over the edge. Thankfully, Conrad stepped in and put a stop to the brewing tension between us.
While they talked alone in her hospital room, I paced outside in the hallway, running my hands through my hair and cycling through the absolute worst-case scenarios.
“Jordan, you have to stop pacing! You’re driving me crazy.” My sister puts a hand on my shoulder, guiding me toward a vending machine, out of earshot of Mack’s parents.
“Okay, Brother, talk to me. I know you’re in your head about all of this. Give me your truth.” That stops the chaos that’s taken over and I take a deep inhale, connecting my eyes with my twin.
“What if he wants to be a family with her? What if she takes him back again? Oh my gosh, I think I’m going to puke.”
“Jordan, you’re a mess. Take a step back and let’s look at this. When you walked in, was he with her?” I shake my head, remembering him in the corner—like a coiled snake ready to strike.
“Exactly. And did she let you dote on her in front of him? After all the times he lost his mind with jealousy, do you really think she’d show you an ounce of attention or affection if she wanted to be with him?” My shoulders slump with relief as I realize I’m losing it for no reason.
“I can’t go through this again. This is our time, I know it. But he’s manipulative. Toxic.”
“Yeah, and she sees that now. She’s no longer rationalizing things and they’ve been broken up for months. Jordan, you have to put your faith in her—and in the relationship you’re building together.”
“When did you get so smart with relationship advice? I clearly remember our roles being reversed not too long ago.” She snorts, probably remembering everything she went through last year with Drew and Riggs.
