Page 102 of Off the Wall

“I have to get to the hospital,” I say.

“Don’t you always?” Nori’s shoulders slump and she turns toward her bedroom. “I’m going to the shop,” she says on asigh so soft, I almost can’t hear her. “I want to be there as much as I can before the place no longer exists.”

A pit opens up around my heart, almost swallowing me whole.

She shuts the door to her room.

I let myself out.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Cash

Compartmentalization.

It’s one of my greatest skills. But even after a hot shower and a change of clothes, my guts are still a molten mess of knots. By the time I arrive back at Worcester Medical Center, my mom and dad have shown up, bringing with them every pink balloon in the state. They’re wearing matching ball caps that say Grandma and Grandpa and cooing over Tilly in her bassinet. Meanwhile, I hang back against the wall.

Maybe I’m not bringing the right vibes to the celebration.

Still, I’ve been saying I want to connect with my family more, and Tilly’s giving me my chance. At the very least, I can tell my parents I’m moving when they’re too overjoyed about the baby to get upset.

I’ve already filled my heartbreak quota for today.

Cullen comes over to me, his chest puffed up under hisI’m A GirlDadT-shirt.

“Nice shirt,” I say. “And Tilly’s not screaming anymore, so you’re already winning.”

“My daughter is perfect,” he says with a grin. “And eatinglike a champ. Lauren’s got this pillow she puts around her, and her nursing bra has a little flap?—”

“Stop.” I throw a hand up. “I’m sure your wife doesn’t need me hearing the details.”

“Breastfeeding is natural,” Lauren announces from her bed. “And you might as well get used to it.”

“Thanks, but I don’t intend to watch my niece … having brunch.”

“I mean whenyou’rethe daddy.” Lauren bounces her brows. “I’m guessing you and Nori won’t be far behind us.”

My dad grunts. “Who’s Nori?”

My mom glances up from her squirming granddaughter. “I missed that, Lauren. What did you say?”

Cullen splays his hands. “Cash has a girlfriend.”

“Agorgeousgirlfriend,” Lauren chimes in.

“I donothave a girlfriend.”

“Now, hold on there, brother.” Cullen cocks his head. “Last night, you seemed like a man in love.”

My mother yelps. “Cash is in love?”

“Who’s Nori?” my dad asks again.

I frown at Cullen and Lauren. “Last night, you two were busy having a baby. You’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.”

“We’re referring tobeforeTilly came.” Lauren folds her arms above her still-swollen belly. “You must’ve watched that video a million times. And the expression on your face …”

“Yep.” Cullen nods. “Pure mushy, gushy love.”

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