Page 57 of Loving Josy
Austin rolls his eyes but doesn’t crack a smile. “It’s nothing bad. I need to talk to you guys about something.”
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “If you’re trying to make us think you’re dying or some shit, you’re doing a shit job.”
Austin groans, dragging a hand down his face. “I’m not dying. Jesus, you two are dramatic.”
“Then spit it out,” Esteban says, gesturing with his hands. “We don’t have all night.”
Austin hesitates, his fingers tapping against the beer bottle. “Violet’s pregnant,” he finally says, the words tumbling out in a rush.
There’s a moment of stunned silence before Esteban lets out a loud laugh. “No way. Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Austin replies, his face softening for the first time tonight.
“Man, that’s awesome!” I say, leaning forward to slap him on the shoulder. “Congrats, dude.”
Austin grins, a bit sheepish now. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure how you guys would take it.”
“What’s there to take? You’re gonna be a dad,” Esteban says, still grinning like a fool. “That’s badass.”
“And chaotic as hell,” I add, smirking.
Austin chuckles, his earlier tension melting away. “Yeah, Violet’s already started making lists. You know how she is.”
I lean forward, resting my arms on the table. “You know what’s wild? Our babies are gonna be around the same age.”
Austin raises his beer with a smirk. “Built-in best friends. Just like us.”
Esteban grins and slaps the table. “You know what that means? I’m going to be the best uncle ever.”
Austin chuckles, shaking his head. “The bar’s not exactly high, but sure, go for it.” Then his grin turns sly as he turns to Esteban. “You’re the only one left, man. Now what are you gonna do?”
Esteban leans back in his chair, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Guess I gotta find me a wife soon. Don’t wanna be left behind.”
Silence falls over the table like a dropped brick. Austin and I exchange a stunned look.
“Dude, are you for real?” Austin finally asks, his tone more disbelief than anything else.
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking… ” Esteban pauses, his expression unusually serious.
I raise an eyebrow, unable to help myself. “Uh oh. There’s nothing good that comes out of Esteban thinking.”
“Fuck off,” Esteban shoots back, flipping me off without missing a beat. “But seriously. I’ve been thinking a lot lately. Even though I love my single life, looking at you guys being happy… it gives me FOMO.”
Austin barks out a laugh, and I can’t help but join him. “You? FOMO? That’s rich.”
“I’m serious,” Esteban insists, rolling his eyes but smirking anyway. “I mean, I’m not saying I’m gonna go out and propose to the next girl I meet or anything. But if the right one comes along, I won’t say no.”
I lean back, still chuckling. “Man, I never thought I’d hear those words from you. The right one, huh?”
“Hey, don’t look so shocked,” Esteban retorts, pointing a finger at me. “I’m not a total lost cause.”
Austin lifts his beer again, his expression amused. “Alright, we’ll hold you to it. But don’t come crying to us when you’re covered in baby puke and sleep deprived.”
“Please. I’d be the most badass dad ever,” Esteban declares with a grin.
“You’d better find someone who agrees with that assessment,” I tease, earning another middle finger from him.
We all laugh, the tension from earlier now a distant memory. For all the chaos we bring into each other’s lives, moments like these remind me why I wouldn’t trade these guys for anything.
