Page 175 of The Baby Bargain

I really need to find Ariel.

The room is packed with people I don't recognize, friends of friends, coworkers.

Forest. He shakes his head as he emerges from the crowd. "You look ridiculous." He laughs as he mixes a Moscow Mule. "Fuck, I thought he looked like an idiot on the show, but there's something about how tall you are that makes that outfit look even dumber."

"That for you?" It's Ariel's drink. But she's not drinking. Unless—

I don't have her updates anymore. Has it been long enough? Is she upstairs taking a test? Does she already know it didn't happen?

Is she celebrating two pink lines?

My chest gets heavy.

My shoulders tense.

My jaw cricks.

I need to find her. Hold her. Share her news. WhispercongratulationsorI'm sorry.

But I also need to stay away. She asked for space. She asked for coldness. Sure, it kills me, but that doesn't matter.

I'm protecting her.

"Skye," he says.

My shoulders relax.

His eyes narrow. "You okay?"

"Getting in character."

He chucklesof course. "Gotta say, that suits you."

"You've never looked more at home." I nod to the handcuffs hanging off his belt. Point to the badge on his chest.

Forest makes a perfect cop.

"Damn, finally found your alter ego." Wes bounces to the bar. He looks me up and down and bursts into laughter. "You should have fought Hunter for the right to dress as Daredevil."

"Finally, someone more moody than Chase." Forest laughs.

I shrug. It's not like I can argue. My attitude is… fuck, I don't know what it is. Only that I've been miserable the last two weeks.

I miss Ariel's warmth.

"What are you supposed to be?" I take another sip.

Wes points to his fedora and his trench coat. "Rick."

"Rick…" Is that a person I should know?

Wes motions to Quinn, who's sitting on the couch, chatting with Griffin's wife, Juliette. Quinn's linen suit is adorned with a shiny broach. Her outfit seems vaguely related to Wes's, but I've still got no clue what it is.

Now, Juliette and her Dodgers uniform. That's an easy guess.

The woman loves the boys in blue.

"We're Rick and Ilsa.Casablanca." When we don't respond, Wes rolls his eyes. "Philistines."