I don’t know why I’m so surprised by his reaction. I was expecting it. I knew he wouldn’t believe me; I knew he’d question if it was his; I knew he wouldn’t accept it. Hell, I couldn’t accept it for a long time. It wouldn’t be fair to think that I could ambush him with this life-changing piece of information and he would just go along with it.
The second I see the sign for the restrooms, I crash through the door, a loud sob ripping through the air and turning every set of eyes on me. I don’t look, though, I can’t. I just…I need to be alone. Preferably not in a restroom with multiple other women who are about to hear me breakdown, but beggars can’t be choosers.
As the lock slides into place, my sobs hit hard and heavy until it’s all I can to do drag in the air I need.
A knock on the door startles me, and I jump back from the door, wiping my eyes with the back of my hands.
“Hey, um…are you okay?” a soft, hesitant voice asks.
“Stupid question much?” another points out. I can’t help but smile, because that’s exactly what Sienna would say.
“I…I know, I just…is there anything we can do to help?” the first offers. “Can we go and get someone for you?”
I shake my head despite the fact that they can’t see me.
“You can tell us to go away, if you want,” the second offers.
This time, I burst out laughing.
Reaching out a trembling hand, I pull the lock back and open the door.
Familiarity flickers within me, but it’s not strong enough to focus on as I stare into two sets of sympathetic eyes.
“Hi,” the slightly more nervous one of the group says before thrusting her hand out at me. “I’m Freya, and this is Casey.”
I hesitantly slide my palm against hers, aware that this is beyond weird.
“I’m so sorry,” I mumble, my face blazing with embarrassment when I see just how much mascara is smeared across the backs of my hands.
They both step aside as I move toward the sinks.
“I’m okay. You can go,” I say absently as I grab a tissue and attempt to fix my face.
Instead, they close in behind me, their eyes burning into my back.
“What can we do to help?” the sassier one—Casey, I think—asks.
I glance up and find her eyes in the mirror. They’re soft and kind, and before I know what’s happening, words are spilling from my lips.
“Unless you’re able to go back in time to stop me from making a seriously stupid decision that has resulted in me beingimpregnated by a man who doesn’t believe the baby could be his, then I’m not sure you can help.”
“Oh wow, okay,” she mutters. “That’s?—”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to word vomit that at you. I’m just...I’m having a bad day.”
“Understandable,” Freya says.
“You really can go,” I say, turning to face them. “Warm-ups are going to start soon. You don’t want to miss those. Although if I can give you any advice, it’s to stay away from those hockey boys. They’re bad news.”
They share a look.
“Are you saying a player has gotten you pregnant?” Casey asks, concern pulling at her brows.
“I’m not a bunny, I swear. I’d never been to a game before, I didn’t…it was a mistake. I turned him down and?—”
A laugh bursts out of Casey while Freya looks back and forth between the two of us. “There was your first mistake. Never challenge a hockey player; they’re competitive as fuck. You’ll never win.”
“No, I’m learning that.”
