Page 20 of Worth the Shot

Jo’s eyes are screaming across the room, and Emma looks like she’s planning my wedding speech. Shayne, from the bar, gives Brennan a look that is basically a fist bump in facial expression form. It would be funny if it didn’t feel like my ribcage was actively melting.

Brennan lifts his bottle again. “To friends.”

I clink mine back. “To friends,” I echo. But my heart doesn’t feel very friendly.

I’m already in bed with my hair piled on top of my head, one sock on, one sock missing, wearing a T-shirt I could surely be lost and never found in when my phone buzzes.

Unknown Number

Hope this is the right Delaney.

A picture comes through:

Luca, the night of the bonfire, asleep on Brennan’s chest, looking like a Hallmark card designed to emotionally compromise me. I stare at it long enough that it’s embarrassing.

Me

Oh wow, starting strong. It’s me.

Brennan

Just confirming. Didn’t want to be the guy who sends baby pictures to strangers. That feels like…prison-adjacent behavior.

I snort out loud.

Me

I think that’s how rumors start.

Brennan

Oh for sure. Whole town would have me on a watch list by morning.

He waits a beat but then I watch the text bubble reappear again.

Brennan

You make it home okay?

Why does that feel like a hand on my back?

Me

Yep. Currently horizontal and aggressively avoiding laundry.

Brennan

A noble fight. I, too, am staring down the monster pile of gear currently living in my trunk.

Me

Grow up and take it inside.

Brennan

NO.

I laugh into the darkness. God help me.