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He dismisses me, returning to his house hunting, and a growl of frustration slips from deep in my chest.
“What’s the matter?” He chuckles. “Not up for some friendly competition?”
“No, it’s not about you.” Not a complete lie. “I’m pissed she’s leaving again.”
He lowers the phone and faces me. “Speaking of which, did you know she’ll be in New York City for a month?”
“What?” I choke.
A month? I just got her back. With time away, she may reconsider ourfriendship. She may consider this asshole a better choice.
“That’s what she told me, anyhow.”
The hint of uncertainty in his words bolsters my confidence and lessens my panic—some.
“She’s preparing for Winter Fashion Week.” I discovered this by stalking her IG, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I didn’t expect her to continue her grueling schedule, considering the baby.”
“What’s our plan then?”
“Ourplan?” I ask, brows raised. “I doubt either of us can change her mind. Believe me, I’ve been there. She insists on being independent.”
He cocks his head to the side. “Did you support her independence? Or did you ignore her needs and throw a tantrum?” His accusation hits home. “See, you think she works for money. She works forsecurity.”
What’s the difference? I have no clue, and that irritates me. “Have I ever told you how much I hate you?”
He narrows his eyes. “I’m being serious.”
“So am I.” I shake off my discomfort and gesture with my hand. “But let’s move on. What are you talking about?”
“You have this huge platform. You’re practically a celebrity in LA. Did you use your status to create opportunities for her? Have you even posted a single picture of her on your social media? Or did you hide her and worsen her insecurities?”
“I don’t run my social media.” I have one private account, and that’s for stalking Aurora.
He gives me his “Do you think I’m an idiot?” expression.
“Fine. I didn’t want my father to know I was serious about her.”
Unimpressed, he proceeds to stare at me.
I clench my jaw and sigh. “I didn’t want to draw attention to her. I wanted to keep her to myself. Her career is my worst nightmare. Fuck, is that what you needed to hear?”
It’s as if he has the narrative to our relationship, and I’ve been the clueless character unable to see the product of my actions. I’m only scratching the surface of my mistakes, and here I thought I was doing well by working on my anger and addiction.
In reality, I’ve only reached the bare minimum of boyfriend material.
“Just making sure we’re on the same page. Aurora’s an overthinker. She worries, especially about caring for her grandmother and now a baby. She’s independent out of necessity. She doesn’t trusteitherof us and can’t take the risk of failure. Do you know what it’s like to be hungry or homeless? Or responsible for another human being?”
All I can do is sulk at how blind I’ve been and resent him for pointing out my shortcomings.
“That’s what I thought,” he continues. “Now, let’s brainstorm ways to support her. I want to see her and my kid, not have them travel the fucking country.”
I focus on his last sentence, unable to shake the suspicion he has an ulterior motive. “Why are you doing this?”
He lowers his voice. “Everyone assumes you’re the father. No one thinks it’s me. They associate Aurora with you. If people find out I’m the father, we all lose. I’ll lose the respect of my team, you’ll face constant harassment on the ice, and people will talk shit about her getting pregnant while escorting.”
My cheeks burn with anger. “I don’t give a fuck what people say.”
“You might not, but she will, especially if she’s worried about her career. I’m trying to help you here. Set your ego aside for a minute and think about it. If Aurora is dating you, it’s a win-win situation. She’s a supermodel with a pro-athlete boyfriend. No agency is letting her go, pregnant or otherwise. Everyone will want a piece of her.”