Gabby comes to my side of the bed, and for some reason, the image of her all disheveled and staring down at me sends heat straight to my groin.
I yank the comforter over my hips so I don’t weird her out. She’s clearly not interested in me anymore.
Nice job, douche. You’re getting exactly what you wanted.A part of me wants to punch my freshman self in the face for being such a dumbass.
I consider our earlier conversation when she mentioned following our game schedule and realize she probably follows because Ben plays.
My chubby instantly deflates when she places Poppy in my arms.
Yeah,awkward.
Having a kid is definitely going to cut into my sex life. Not that I’ve had much of one lately. I’m relieved I cut ties with Miranda when I did. Shit with her had been going downhill all semester.
What would Mira do in this situation? Would she have Gabby’s patience and understanding?
I almost laugh. Probably not.
Miranda’s still blowing up my phone, but at least she hasn’t come around in a while, which is a relief.
I look up and find Gabby staring at me with a soft look in her eyes. This girl has been so patient with me.
It shames me to consider how she’s been a really good friend to me even though I’ve been an asshole. Even if she’s doing this out of love for Poppy, I don’t know many people who would run over in their pajamas in the middle of the night to help like this. To party? For booze or drugs? For sex? Yes, yes, and yes. To help out with a kid, not on your life.
“How are you so good with babies?” I whisper over Poppy’s head. “How do you know what to do?”
She fiddles with the ends of her hair. “Had a lot of practice. My aunt had two kids while I was living with her, and she got overwhelmed easily.” She shrugs. “I just hate seeing little ones distressed.”
Gabby is going to be an amazing mother someday.
I almost open my mouth to say it, but she points to the door. “I’d better get going. You going to be okay?”
“I’m afraid to answer that question.”
We smile at each other. Her hazel eyes are so light, they’re almost golden. They’re mesmerizing.
She clears her throat. “Where’s your phone? You can call or text if you run into trouble again.”
I point to my desk, so grateful to have this woman in my corner. “You’re such a lifesaver. Thank you.”
But when she turns back to me, her smile is gone. She drops the phone in my hand and disappears so fast, I wonder if I said something wrong.
Frowning, I look down at my cell. The screen lights up with a million messages. Not unusual for a Friday night before a big game, but the top one is from Miranda. And it reads,Miss you, baby. Let’s fuck later. I know you wanna.
Damn it. That’s not what I want Gabby seeing.
But…
I pause.
It makes me wonder.
If itdidupset her, then maybe shedoescare. Maybe sheisinterested after all.
And that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
21
GABBY
