Page 84 of Protect My Heart
‘Is she really pregnant?’ Brody asks, laughing. ‘Or did you guys make that up too?’
‘Why would we make that up? You saw how upset Mia was when she told me. And we didn’t know you guys were standing there. We weren’t putting on a show.’
‘Boys, this isn’t funny,’ Dad says. ‘Everyone in town is going to be asking us about this, and until we figure out how to handle it, I want you both to keep quiet. Just tell people this is a family matter and leave it at that.’
‘Like that’s going to work,’ Brody says. ‘That’ll just make people come up with their own story, which is always worse than the truth.’
‘How are we going to explain Jason going on dates the whole time his girl’s been knocked up?’ Sawyer asks.
‘You don’t,’ Dad says. ‘You keep your mouth shut. Let them make up stories about us, if that’s what they want to do. It’s not like it hasn’t been done before.’
‘Are you really living here?’ Brody asks me.
‘Just for the summer,’ I tell him.
‘Unless he comes to his senses and tells the truth,’ Dad says.
‘I’m not doing that,’ I say. ‘I told Mia I’d do this and I’m not going back on my word.’
I’m not telling him the other reason I’m doing this, which is to be with Mia. He’d tell me I’m being stupid and setting myself up for heartbreak. I probably am, but I still want to be with her.
‘How’s this going to work?’ Sawyer asks. ‘You sleeping in separate rooms?’
They all stare at me, waiting for an answer. I keep quiet.
‘Guess that’s a no,’ Brody says with a laugh. ‘So what does that mean? Are you guys dating?’
‘We’re not dating. We’re just—I don’t know what we are. Friends who are .?.?. having a baby.’
‘More like friends with benefits,’ Sawyer says, smiling at Brody.
‘Stop that,’ Mom says. ‘We shouldn’t be talking about this.’
Brody smiles back at Sawyer. ‘At least he can’t get her pregnant.’
‘Not again.’ Sawyer looks at me. ‘How the hell did that happen? Don’t you teach sex ed at school? You should know this shit.’
‘I only taught it for one semester, when the health teacher left and they couldn’t find a new one.’ I glare at Sawyer. ‘And yeah, I know how birth control works, but it’s not always a hundred percent effective.’
Mom gets up. ‘I think we’ve heard enough. Jason, when will you be moving in? I’d like to wash the bedding before you do. I’m sure it’s dusty, having gone unused for months.’
‘Mia’s graduation is next weekend so we’ll probably move in after that. And don’t worry about the bedding. I’m sure it’s fine.’
‘This whole house is dusty,’ Mom says, looking around. ‘I’m going to have to do a thorough cleaning.’
‘Mom, you don’t—’
‘Just let her be,’ Dad says as Mom goes upstairs. ‘Nothing you say is going to change her mind, especially with her future grandchild living here.’
‘Her grandchild won’t even be born until October,’ I say.
‘October?’ Sawyer says. ‘That’s her due date? Shit, I hopeshe doesn’t have the kid the same weekend as the fall festival. Nick’s got you down to drive the tractor again.’
‘If she’s due that weekend, he’s not going to be here,’ Dad says. ‘He’ll be out in Boston with Mia.’
He’s right. I hadn’t thought about that. I haven’t let myself think beyond the summer. But what happens after that? I can’t miss my baby’s birth. I’ll need to be in Boston. What if Mia has the baby early, or late? I can’t take weeks off from work, but if I don’t, I might miss the birth.
‘She’s still moving away?’ Brody asks.
