Page 110 of The Game Plan
“I had to keep slapping Cody’s hand or he would’ve had them gone on our flight.”
“Where is he?”
She giggles. “Surprising the football team and trying to upstage Q.”
“He’s never going to change,” Brynn says as Chloe fusses over Cleo. Cody and Brynn have a special friendship. They are the definition of platonic friendship, but Cody loves to flirt with Brynn and rile Quinton up. Thankfully, Chloe knows it’s all a ruse and goes along with it like a champ. I don’t know if I couldhandle my boyf—husbandflirting with another girl, especially a girl like Brynn.
Chloe’s eyes bounce around the room. “Where’s Lennon?”
“Napping,” Brynn groans.
“I didn’t know you two were coming, or I would’ve delayed her nap.”
Brynn rolls her eyes, but it’s all in fun. I pull down a few small plates and pour Chloe a mug of coffee. “Sorry, I don’t have any specialhoney lavender with fairy dustcoffee.”
We laugh at Chloe’s high-maintenance coffee order as we dish cinnamon rolls and take them to the living room. Brynn makes a little play area for Cleo. She spreads out a quilt and places stacking toys and activity mats for her to play with while the three of us settle onto the couch.
“Motherhood looks great on you two,” Chloe says.
“Says the girl who looks like a modern-day princess,” I argue. Chloe, being the hopeless romantic, has such a feminine style. Her honey-blonde hair hangs long, tied back on the sides with a ribbon—yes, a ribbon. Instead of the typical travel set most people wear, she’s in a pink floral dress and white tennis shoes. Effortlessly gorgeous.
Within minutes, it’s like no time has passed at all. We laugh until we cry as we reminisce about our time together at CTU and the shenanigans Cody springs on Chloe. Both of my friends are insanely loved and blissfully happy. It warms my heart while searing jealousy rips through me. I want what they have, if only I could fix my stupid brain.
It’s not long before a soft cry comes from Lennon’s room. Our laughter must’ve woken her. Leaving the room, I go to retrieve her. With a clean diaper and a fresh outfit, I take my daughter to meet her aunts.
Brynn squeals as Chloe’s eyes brighten when I hand her my daughter first. “Savvy,” Chloe gasps. “She’s perfect.”
“I know,” I whisper.
I take the seat next to her, and Brynn sits on the opposite side, brushing her fingers over Lennon’s soft head. “She has your eyes.”
“And your nose,” Chloe adds. “Does she look anything like her father?”
I nod. “She has his lips.”
“Have you heard anything from him?” Chloe asks, trailing a finger over Lennon’s nose.
“No. Although I’m terrified he’s going to appear one day.” Even though deep down, I know he’s out of the picture.
“Fuck him. He signed over his rights. There’s no reason for him to show up.”
“And his wife wouldn’t like it.”
“What?” Chloe gasps as Brynn shouts, “Shut the fuck up.”
I cringe.
“You didn’t tell us that!” Brynn scolds.
“I’m not proud of it. He was the older brother of a girl I went to high school with. I didn’t really keep up with classmates on social media; I wanted to leave my past in the past. It’s why I had no idea he was married at the time. His wife was out of town, and he was at the party, blowing off steam. When I arrived at his door to tell him about the pregnancy, he was pissed. Told me he’d meet me at a brewery and we’d take care of things.” I scoff. “As if his child were a thing. When I wouldn’ttake care of it, he said he’d have his lawyer create the paperwork and offered me a check. I told him to shove his check up his ass and left.”
“What a dick,” Chloe murmurs, and I nod.
A heaviness floats around as I think back on that horrible exchange. I never told Grant all of the details because I didn’t want to burden him with the truth. When he asked me who the father was, I told him he didn’t matter. He signed over his rights to be a part of my daughter’s life, and that’s all that matters. I’mnot particularly proud of how Lennon came to be, but I’d never regret her.
Prior to the party, I was in a dark place. Grant had hinted that I’d be his forever plus-one, and I freaked out. It hit me the night of the semi-formal how much I was in love with him, although there’s always been love between us. Everything about semi-formal felt too big, too pivotal in our relationship. I had to put space between us. I spent the final weeks of fall semester studying and avoiding anything Grant Campbell related. When I showed up at the town’s infamous New Year’s Eve party, I had one thing in mind: forget Grant Campbell.
“Well, it’s a good thing G stepped up.” Brynn breaks the silence. “But it’s time for the truth. How are you doing? And don’t give me that ‘I’m fine, just tired’ bullshit.”
