Page 59 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

What the hell is he hiding?

And why does it feel like he just proved every one of my worst fears?

14

ALESSIO

When I woke up in her room, my fingers itched to reach for her, but she wasn’t there.

I went to get some water, and maybe get an excuse to see her, touch her again.

But I didn’t get that lucky.

And then that phone call…

So now, I stare at the ceiling, stretched out on the couch, the faint scent of Sophie clinging to my skin like a secret I’m not ready to share.

Her laughter from last night replays in my mind, unguarded and real, curling low in my gut. It shouldn’t mean this much, but it does.

She didn’t slam the door. Didn’t leave angry. But she didn’t stay, either.

I drag a hand over my face.

Maybe this was a mistake. Or maybe… maybe this is the first time something actually matters.

I grab my phone off the armrest, ignoring the explosion of unread texts by investors, PR reps, social media buzz. All noise.

Instead, I scroll to a photo I snapped days ago.

Sophie laughing in the kitchen, hair a mess, wearing one of those oversized T-shirts that should be illegal. No makeup. No filter. Just her.

My thumb hovers over the screen, like it might bring her closer.

A text pops up.

Luciana:

Heard about the interview. Look at you, almost adulting.

I snort and type back,

Need a favor. Where’s Mom’s favorite pastry shop in the city?

Luciana:

What girl are you trying to impress???

Don’t ask.

Luciana:

Uh-huh. How bad is it? Flowers or full-on groveling?

Somewhere in between. Cannoli and repentance.

Luciana:

Dramatic, even for you.

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