“Don’t say anything, let’s party,” Eddy said. We went to the living room and they revealed the spread, cupcakes, eclairs and non-alcoholic champagne. I was overwhelmed and I didn’t think it was the pregnancy hormones. I was so grateful I had friends who were so supportive that I didn’t even have to ask them for help when I needed it.
It made me think about the secrets I had been keeping from them.
“You guys, I’ve wanted to say something for a while now and I haven’t been completely up front with you all,” I said, fingering the icing on a cupcake.
“What is it?” Missy asked. I glanced at Brenna who already knew.
“I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Eddy said.
“I knew it! I’m sorry love but I don’t know, I just knew something was different about you,” Missy said.
“Did you really know?” I asked.
“Well, I had a feeling there was a guy involved and things weren’t going well… this doesn’t… it’s Toby, isn’t it?” she said. She wasn’t accusing me or pointing the finger, but it still felt a little awkward letting go of my secret.
“Yeah. Did Easton tell you?”
“He said that he was suspicious about what happened between you two at the cabin and after that, your actions kind of gave you away,” she said.
“You had sex with Toby?” Eddy said, still incredulous.
“Yeah… and then I did it again… and again… and again after that.”
“The baby is his right? But you guys aren’t…” Missy trailed off.
“That’s why I was so anxious about saying anything. I’m the newest member of this friendship pod and I’ve totally thrown things off,” I said.
“What are things like between you. Even if you aren’t together, you’re cool, right?” Eddy asked.
“I don’t know. He’s been ghosting me,” I admitted.
“You realise I have to kill him now,” Missy said.
“Please don’t. Don’t talk about this to anyone. It’s a mess but I’m trying to get things under control.”
“He can’t refuse to parent his child, Maggie. He has to be responsible,” Brenna said.
“I don’t have any expectations of him. At this point I just want a healthy baby. Don’t talk to him and don’t talk to Easton about this either, please?”
They all grudgingly agreed, and we changed the subject.
I felt lighter than I had in weeks now that the secret wasn’t only mine to keep and my baby would have a troop of kickass aunties as support. I knew they were there for me. They had just shown that I didn’t have to be scared of their judgement and they would help me when I needed it. The issue with Paul still felt raw. I had some, if not a lot of faith that the restraining order would work. I could deal with him now that the biggest secret was out in the open.
29
Toby
How many more flutes of champagne would it take to get toasted? I had already downed two and I wasn’t there yet. Charity galas were just a fancy way for rich people to set their friends and children up with each other, and to show off their wealth while appearing like they were doing the opposite. Somebody was on the stage and I didn't know who he was or what he was talking about. I didn't care. I wrote a check for the event, but I wasn't sure which country, natural disaster, or endangered bird was being rescued.
The only reason I came to these things was that I had to. It was good for networking, it was good to be seen in certain places by certain people. With that, a lot of the time, some very beautiful women were in attendance. In the past, I would go with the intention of going home with somebody, but that was not on the agenda tonight.
There is only one thing on my mind, one person.
It was past the point of being sad. Here I was at a gathering of all the richest, most connected, and powerful people in the city and all I could think about was the woman who rejected me. I flexed my back because my tux was getting a little uncomfortable. I couldn't wait to get home. A better idea was going to Maggie's apartment and figuring out once and for all why she cut me off. The only reason I had not done it yet was because I was waiting for Calvin and his guys to get back to me.
I was about to reach for more champagne when my phone went off. Finally an excuse to ditch. I took it out and flashed a fake look of apology at the people around me at the table before quietly making my way out of the hotel ballroom.