Page 136 of The Promise Of You

“Been tryin’ to call’im. My friend says—”

“He’s right here, honey,” Mom cut him off. Ever the diplomat, trying to avoid arguments.

He skidded to a halt as he hit the kitchen. “Shit man, is it true?”

I didn’t need to answer.

“Fuck,” he added as he fell onto a chair, Mom not correcting his language—such was the situation—“did everything you could not to get attached and you’re screwed anyway.”

“Why don’t you tell us how you feel?” I snarled.

“Boys. A child is a blessing. Wait ’til you hold that little bundle of joy,” she said, looking at Dad.

Dad reached for Mom’s hand. “She’s right.”

Mom turned to me. “How is Chloe holding up?”

Hunter shoved his head in his hands, and just realizing the extent of the situation, let out a slow, “fuuuck.”

“You know her, Mom. She’s great.”

“I know she is. Doesn’t mean she wants in. It’s a lot to take in, and it’s just the beginning.”

“She’s my rock.”

“Dude,” Hunter whispered.

“If the test confirms… you know… you’ll need to bring Gisele here,” Mom said. “She needs to feel she’s part of the family.”

Part of the family? “Maybe later.”

“For the baby,” she explained. “Just always have Chloe with you, obviously.”

Hunter’s eyes widened. “Ooooh.”

“Just not right now, okay? Give it a little time.” I was pushing back, but I knew she was right.

Dad growled.

“It’ll be fine,” I said. “We’re adults. We’ll do what we need to do for the baby.”

“That’s my boy,” Mom said.

Chloe winces. “Your mom’s right, you know,” she says anyway, like I don’t see how hurt she is. “You need to go easy on Gisele, starting now. What if you’re really the father but you’ve been so difficult, she changes her mind and disappears? What if she bails out today and you never know if you were the father or not?”

That’s too much for me to consider right now. One thing after the other. “I looked up paternity tests after that,” I counter.

“Kay,” she whispers. “And?”

“Found a place in Burlington where they do the prenatal testing from a blood sample. No risk to the fetus. Takes a week to process. Made an appointment for tomorrow. That’s all I’m talking about with Jezebel today.” I get it. Maybe I’m in denial. But something was off with that woman today. If she refuses the paternity test, then I’ll have my answer. “I don’t want to talk about anything else until I know without a doubt I’m the father.”

“Can I say something?”

I pull Clover away from me just enough to look her in the eyes. “Always.” She’s my rock, and she needs to know that.

“Don’t antagonize Gisele. What if you’re such a dick to her she runs away, and you never see her or your child again?”

This again. “I’ll find her.”

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