“How did he seem?” Bryce asked.
I didn’t know whether to say good or not good. To be honest, I didn’t know if his expression was in fact bad. It looked it though, and it had left me feeling unsettled, like it used to months ago. “Honestly, I’m not sure. He didn’t seem overly happy for us, but he didn’t seem heartbroken either.”
“I probably should’ve told him in private, like you did for Rick.” He looked out over the room again while running his free hand through his hair in exasperation. “Shit! I wasn’t thinking.”
“Bryce, don’t worry, he’ll be around here somewhere. Go find him and talk it over,” I offered, as he seemed quite concerned.
“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea,” Lucy added. Alexander tried desperately to put Bryce’s finger in his mouth, Bryce playing a little tug of war with him. “We are going to head up to bed. Al needs a feed and a sleep. I just need a sleep. Do you mind if we stay?” She was looking at me when she asked.
“Of course not.” Why is she asking me? I’m pregnant with Bryce’s child, not ruler of his world. “Why would you ask that?”
“Because, this is your home now, not ours. We don’t want to intrude,” Nic replied.
“You’re never intruding,” Bryce answered, finally freeing his finger from Alexander’s tight grip. He kissed my cheek. “I’m going to find Gareth.”
I watched him walk away in search of his cousin. Shit, I hope Scott hasn’t returned. Shit! I hope Sam is okay. Shit! I really need to tell her about his illness. I hugged Lucy and Nic goodnight, while dreadfully contemplating how I would inform Sam of Gareth’s condition. I wondered if she were the type to take that kind of information in her stride, or whether she would run for the hills. Unfortunately, I’m thinking hill-running was more Sam’s style.
Just as I was about to turn around and mingle some more, I felt a pair of arms wrap around my shoulders, and an unmistakeable, unmelodic voice sing Creed’s “Arms Wide Open” into my ear. I laughed, turned, and gently pushed Tash back. “You’re an idiot, you know.”
“Geez, tough crowd! If you’re not a Creed fan, I could try a little Ed Sheeran.” She started singing “Small Bump”. Lil, Jade, and Steph joined in.
I looked at them all, amazed. “Shut up.”
Laughing, they all embraced me into a big group hug, congratulating me.
“Thanks, bitches. And I say that with love,” I said sarcastically, as they all pulled away from me.
“That better be your hormones speaking,” Jade playfully warned.
“Speaking of hormones...” Tash said, lowering her voice. “Remind me to never say yes to a ride in the Crow. I’m scarred for life now.”
“I’m not. That was fucking hot, Lexi!” Jade winked at me.
“What did I miss?” Steph asked.
“Lexi and Bryce were—”
“None of your business,” I interrupted, the smirk on my face betraying me. We all lowered our gazes—kind of like a Western stand off—and sipped our drinks. Hmmm this non-alcoholic rose shit ain’t all that bad.
Lil broke the stand-off. “How’d Rick take the news? Not well, I’m guessing? I saw him storm out before your announcement.”
I closed my eyes momentarily as I swallowed my drink. “No, not well at all. He thinks the baby is his.”
“Could it be?” she asked instantly.
I replied just as quickly. “No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Lil. I’m sure.”
“Well, relax then, Luv. He can think it all he likes. Don’t let it stress you out. You don’t need stress right now.”
“I know. It’s fine. I’m fine. I’m not worried about Rick. It will sort itself out. I’m a hurdler, remember.”
Tash scoffed. “How many hurdles can one jump in such a short space of time though? Fuck.” She looked concerned.
I hugged her. “Really Tashy, I’m fine. Hurdles were made to be jumped over. But, if you can’t jump them gracefully, kick the fuckers down with your foot and step over them. Either way, the hurdles are goin’ down.” I motioned for a waiter to come my way when I noticed his tray was adorned with macaroons. Pistachio macaroons. I’ll take about four of those, thank you very much. I loaded my napkin up with the delicious treats.
Jade raised an eyebrow at me.
“What? I’m eating for two, and I happen to know that baby Clark likes pistachio macaroons.”
Jade put her hands in the air. “I’m not saying anything.”
“Baby Clark?” Tash questioned.