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“I’m just surprised. That’s all. I felt like I was kind of your secret or something.”
My stomach dropped. I didn’t know she felt that way, and the way she said it sounded so sad. I reached for her hands and brought them to my lips, kissing each knuckle.
“I’m sorry you felt that way, Heart. I just…I’m not used tothis.Whatever this is. I just wanted to protect us. Protect the baby.”
She nodded slowly.
“I know what the paparazzi and tabloids can do to people.”
“It’s okay. I understand,” she said softly.
“But I do want to tell my best friend about us. About the pregnancy. If you’re okay with that.”
“Of course, I am. My best friend already knows everything about you.”
Ah, yes. The bulldog from her apartment. I’d have to really try to get in her good graces when I had the chance.
When we arrived at Royal 35, I saw Freddy already seated at a booth with a raven-haired girl on his arm. He spotted Heart and me and waved us over excitedly. I could tell from his smile he had already had his usual whiskey on ice.
When Heart and I approached the table, he stood and patted me on the back before giving Heart a hug.
“Nice to see you again,” he said. “This is Virginia.”
His date stood and shook our hands firmly. She was naturally pretty and dressed in a sophisticated cream skirt suit. She was different from most of the women I had seen Freddy with. Those were usually in lingerie they tried to pass off as dresses with layers of makeup on.
We all sat at the booth, and the server came around to take our drink order.
“We will have your finest bottle of Cabernet for the table,” said Freddy, handing the server back the wine list.
“Oh, um…actually…” I started.
Heart put her hand on my arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. I looked at her and she gave a little nod, as if saying it was fine.
The server left and Freddy was already eying me suspiciously.
“What’s going on?” he asked, looking between the two of us.
“Well, I… er… we, kind of have some news,” I said nervously. “We’re having a baby.”
“Shut the fuck up,” said Freddy loudly, slapping the table excitedly.
Heart laughed beside me.
“Is he fucking with me?” Freddy asked Heart.
“Nope,” she answered, her smile so wide.
“I don’t know what to say. Congratulations!” said Freddy excitedly, pulling me in for a hug.
“Thanks, man,” I said.
“How far along are you?” asked Virginia, leaning in.
“About two months,” said Heart.
“Wow, you look amazing. I’m jealous of your glow!”
“Oh, gosh, no. I feel like a total whale…”