Page 16 of The Last Thing
“Be back soon.” Hardy looks at Brian. “I’ll grab some stuff for us too.”
Brian nods, then Hardy leaves. Once I’m sure he’s far enough away from the door, I turn to Brian.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you have feelings for Hardy?”
Brian’s eyes slowly widen, then his face falls. And then he looks horrified. “Is it obvious?”
I chuckle lightly. “I don’t know about obvious, but I’ve picked up on something. Justin has too, but he’s a romance nerd.”
“I try not to be obvious about it.” He runs a hand through his short, dark blond hair. “I’m officially the guy who falls for his straight best friend. Fucking pathetic. And the last thing I want to do is make him uncomfortable. Is there something I’m doing?”
I blink at him a few times. “No. I picked up on it a bit because I don’t know… I can read you, I guess. And it’s more of how you look or talk about him when he’s not looking or not around. But Justin questioned it because of Hardy’s reaction to you. The way he talks at you, touches you, speaks to you… there’s a tenderness there.”
Brian’s face morphs into utter confusion. Like he can’t even process the possibility.
Finally, he shakes his head. “No. That’s just Hardy.”
“That’s Hardy withyou,” I counter. “He loves and supports us all. He’s kind and easily loyal. But with you, it’s different. I’m not saying you should jump him. But don’t write it off either.”
He sighs and rests his head against the couch, silence settling between us again.
“Hey, Bri?”
He flashes his eyes open and looks at me. “Yeah?”
“I’m pregnant.”
He shifts on the couch and grabs my hand. “I was wondering why you wanted me to stay. Nice mislead with the question about Hardy.”
I laugh, though tears well in my eyes. “A truth for a truth.”
“When did you find out?”
“Couple of days ago. I’ve been… processing.”
“And what do you want to do? If you want an abortion, I’ll go with you. Pretend to be the father. My agent might kill me, but?—”
I throw both arms over my stomach.
“I want this baby. I’ve always wanted to be a mom.”
Brian reaches over and swipes a tear off my cheek. “Hal… you know we’ve all got you, right? Why didn’t you call us?”
“I love you guys, but?—”
“You needed your family.”
I nod.
“Who’s the father?”
“That guy from the bar. When Justin and Jade came down for the Metros game.”
“Have you told him?”
