Page 177 of The Right Move

Stevie’s chest vibrates behind my back. “You didn’t send me a daily update today.”

“Daily update, Vee—your brother doesn’t want the same things I do, and I don’t know where we go from here.”

She runs a hand over my arm soothingly. “Did he say that?”

Tears fall down my face, hitting the pillowcase. “You should’ve seen him, Stevie. He was terrified.” Sucking in a deep breath, I try to find enough oxygen to speak. “I’ve avoided bringing up the topic our entire relationship, hoping that when the time came to have it, he would be more open. But this morning, he made it evident that he never will be.”

Stevie pauses, staying silent for a stretch of time.

“I love you, but I shouldn’t be having this conversation with you,” I continue. “Ryan needs you.”

“Indy, you’re still my best friend.”

“And so is he. Will you make sure he’s okay for me? Keep an eye on him? I can’t do it right now.”

She squeezes me tighter. “Of course, I will.”

Turning around on the bed, I face her. “Are you really pregnant?”

Stevie’s ocean eyes glass over. Unable to speak, she simply nods.

“Vee…” I wrap her up in a hug. “That’s incredible. I’m so happy for you. That baby’s genetics? Dear God, they’re going to be stunning.”

Both of us laugh and cry as we hold each other. Her because she’s probably hormonal and me because well, I’m me.

She sniffles. “I was so afraid to tell you.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think, Ind? And then Ryan goes and assumes. God, I feel terrible.”

“Don’t you dare.” Pulling back to look at her, I move her curls behind her ear. “I’m so happy for you and Zanders.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course, I am! I’m going to spoil the shit out of that babe. I hope they have a big enough closet because between me and their dad, they’re going to have the most excessive wardrobe imaginable.”

A smile breaks out along her lips, and though I would never say it because I refuse to make her feel bad, knowing my best friend—the love of my life’s twin sister is about to start a family, has me longing to do it right along with her.

“Promise me that even if I’m not with Ryan, I’ll still get to be Auntie Ind.”

“You’ll always be Auntie Ind.” She offers me a sad smile. “Just talk to him, okay? When you’re ready.”

Nodding, I wipe at my wet cheeks as she does the same. “Well, aren’t we pathetic,” I laugh.

“The most pathetic.” She pulls me into a hug again. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Talk about a fantasy come to life! The two of you all wrapped up around each other in my bed? Lord, have mercy!”

I throw a pillow at the door. “Rio, get out!”

He lets the pillow smack him in his goofy face. “Someone else is here to see you.”

Stevie wears an understanding smile. “You don’t have to if you’re not ready yet.”

I look back to Rio. “I’m not. And he can’t be here. He needs to get to practice.”

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