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“I’m not asking her for a paternity test,” I state.
Bash sighs. “You barely know her. She lived with Lili for a couple of semestersyearsago and now?—”
“Idoknow her,” I insist. “And she wouldn’t lie to me. Not about this.”
“What if it were me? What if I told you I’d knocked up a girl?”
“I’d …” I exhale, opting for honesty. “I don’t know what the fuck I’d say now that I’m on this side of it.”
“And before? The first thing you would’ve said was to get a paternity test.”
He’s not wrong, and I hate that he’s right. But it doesn’t shake my resolve.
“It’smine, Bash. I’m sure.”
“Well …” He drains the rest of his drink. “We both know I’m not the one you’re going to have to convince.”
I hate that he’s right about that too.
Bash chuckles. “Thanks, by the way.”
“For what?” I question, confused.
My brother grins. “Are you kidding? This is the best gift you ever could have given me. A lifetimeget out of jail freecard.”
I scowl. “You’re a dick.”
“We both know where I learned it from.”
I roll my eyes, then focus on the flickering flames. A log crackles and pops, creating a cozy ambiance. The alcohol is making me feel warm and sleepy, and so is the relief of having finally told someone the truth.
“You got a photo?” Bash asks suddenly.
I glance at him. “Huh?”
“Of the baby. Have they given you a picture of it yet?”
I stare at my brother for a few seconds, then clear my throat. “Uh, yeah. They gave us a sonogram after the first ultrasound.”
Bash waits expectantly.
“You want to see it?”
“Might be your kid, but it’smyniece or nephew.”
I clear my throat again and stand. “One sec.”
The sonogram is tucked in the same spot I left it. It only takes me a few minutes to grab it and return to the living room.
Bash hasn’t moved.
I hand him the sonogram, then continue toward my seat.
“Wow, I can see the resemblance,” he jokes, squinting at the blob.
I flip him off, then reach for my phone when I feel it buzz. Stiffenwhen I read the name on the screen and hastily unlock it.
Collins:Happy Thanksgiving!