Page 103 of Clear Shot

He never even gave me a chance to talk to him, to discuss options. He just accused me of something horrible and walked away—from me, our baby, and the future we planned. Like the time we spent together meant nothing.

And I’ll never forgive him.

There’s a soft knock on the door, and Claudia peeks in.

“Hey. Johan and Sloane are here, and people are going to start arriving soon.”

“Ugh. This was the worst idea ever,” I whisper.

“Your friends want to say goodbye.”

“I know.”

“Come on. I’ve talked to all the ladies and they know you’re not ready to talk about what happened with Aiden. Johan had the same talk with all the guys. There isn’t going to be any bullshit tonight.”

“Do people know I’m pregnant?”

She shakes her head. “Nope.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I stick my phone in my pocket and follow her downstairs.

Vaughn and Juliet have arrived, a big tub of cupcakes in Juliet’s hand, and I can’t help but grin. She’s a gourmet baker with a business baking custom cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.

“I made your favorite,” she calls to me with a smile. “And I printed out the recipe in case you want to make them in Slovakia!”

Tears puddle in my eyes as I hug her. I put a hand on her belly, frustrated that I won’t be here to meet the new baby.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“I wish you weren’t leaving,” she whispers back. “Are you sure you and Aiden can’t work it out?”

“I’m sure.” We hug for another few seconds and then the doorbell rings and I have more guests to talk to.

It’s a little surreal, walking around and talking to the friends I’ve made, the people who’ve become important to me.

And lying to them.

“It just didn’t work out.”

“It’s complicated.”

“You’d have to askhim…”

They’re being respectful but they’re worried—and they all want me to stay.

Juliet and Vaughn.

Jude and Chloe.

Decker and Eden.

Slava and Zoe.

Jordan, Felix, and Elias.

And then, just after eight, there’s another knock on the door and Remy and Noelle arrive. I’m flabbergasted that the team owner and his wife—whom I’ve only met a couple of times—came to say goodbye. I spent quite a bit of time with Remy during the hurricane but Noelle and their daughter were out of town.

Yet they’re here.