“Hectic.”
Before I bite his head off, I take a deep breath and remind myself it’s not his fault I iced him out over the last several months.
At that thought, my irritation melts away, and now I’m just sad. We used to talk for hours on the phone, and now we can’t have a simple conversation. I study his handsome face. He looks tired. “Do you like where you live?” I sit on the bench and snuggle into my shawl.
He shrugs. “It’s fine. I’m sharing a place with three other guys to save money.”
The man was a first-round draft pick, but we grew up broke, so I understand the urge to save. “You killed it last weekend. That catch in the third was amazing. Don’t internalize the loss. That’s on your quarterback, who needs a good pair of glasses.”
His brows lift. “You watched?”
“When have I ever missed a game?”
He frowns. “I didn’t know you still caught them.”
Why is this so awkward? “Of course I watch your games, Maverick. I’m still your number one fan, and I’m so proud of you. You should see the Field House.” That’s our local sports bar. “They have a whole wall dedicated to you. Not only your high school and college jerseys, but they just pinned up your Viper jersey too. You have to know that’s meaningful, since these are diehard Texans who are sucking up their Lone Star pride to put up New York memorabilia.”
“That’s cool.” He rubs his hand over his scruffy jaw. “Enough about me. I’m curious how you’ve been.”
He knows. “I’m assuming you’ve heard my news. Sorry I didn’t tell you myself, but it’s been so long since we talked, and it felt awkward.”
“I texted you last week.”
He sounds hurt, which surprises me. “I’m not sharing this with anyone over text.”
“When, uh, when are you due?”
“The end of December.”
He swallows. “Congrats, Baylee. I’m sure Sean is over the moon about having a family with you.”
I look away. “Over the moon is not how I would describe it.”
“What do you mean?”
This is why I’ve been avoiding this conversation. Because this whole situation is embarrassing. “We broke up a few months ago, and I suppose, if you want to be technical about it, he broke up with me. He gave me this song and dance about still being in love with his ex.”
“What the fuck? Are you serious?”
“And when I told him I was pregnant, he started to backtrack on the breakup, saying that maybe we could work this out, but he’s already sleeping with his ex, so…” I shrug because what else is there to say?
“Damn, Bay. I’m so sorry.”
“The worst part is now he wants partial custody of my son, but shows zero interest in what’s going on with my pregnancy.” I offered to let him come to doctor appointments, but Giselle threw a fit, and Sean decided he’d rather make his girlfriend happy. That’s all I need to know about where his loyalties lie.
“You’re having a boy?” Mav’s whole face lights up.
“Yeah.” I smile as I rub my big belly. “And he’s a kicker.”
He motions to me. “Can I see the baby bump?”
“Prepare yourself. I’m swollen everywhere.” I hold the camera away and pull back my shawl so he can see the rest of me.
“Hey, baby Reyes. Look at you, big guy.”
My throat tightens at the sweet tone in his voice. Maverick’s going to be a great father someday. He’s wonderful with Rhett’s kids. “So yeah, surprise! I got knocked up. Really looking forward to being a single mom.” I don’t know why I just spewed out those words. Some things are better left unsaid.
His eyes go soft. “Bay, I’m so sorry. Do you need anything? Rhett said you’re having a baby shower soon. Send me the link to your registry. I’ll get you whatever you want.”
