Page 60 of Forbidden Lyrics

She left because she was in love with you but thought you only wanted her for what was between her legs, and you were too stubborn to chase after her, I want to point out, but I bite my tongue. It won’t do me any good, anyway. And if he finds out she was sleeping with a third guy and wound up pregnant, it won’t be pretty. Then again, I’m not so sure she was telling the truth on that front. The girl’s a master at deception. And right now, I’m not sure what to believe.

But it isn’t my job to fill him in. It’s Em’s. But she’s always been selfish and preferred to run from her problems instead of facing them, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she decided to keep her situation to herself. The problem is that if she doesn’t tell him, I’ll have to. And no one wants to be the messenger for that shit.

“I gotta get back to work.” He sighs. “If you see Jake, tell him we need to talk.”

I nod. “I will.”

The barstool creaks under his weight as he pushes himself up before walking out the door. Once the sound of his motorcycle ceases from the driveway, I grab my phone and send the text I’ve been avoiding. Unfortunately, it looks like time’s up.

Me: Why haven’t you told Milo yet?

Em: Why haven’t you decided to leave my sister alone yet?

I shake my head, frustrated, then crack my neck and pray for patience. How the hell Em and Dove are sisters is beyond me. Dove is sweet. Innocent. Beautiful in a classy way that’s managed to wreak havoc on my imagination any time I’m alone. And when we’re together. Honestly, she’s managed to stick inside my head since the moment we first met.

And there’s Em. Stubborn. Sexy. Tells you what she thinks without giving a shit whether or not you’ll agree with her. But she’s selfish and only thinks of herself. Doesn’t bother to ask how you’re feeling because she doesn’t care.

And right now, I want to smack her for it.

Me: This isn’t about me and Dove. This is about you and your unborn child.

Em: Exactly. MY unborn child. It has nothing to do with you or Milo, so it doesn’t matter if he knows. What are you doing with my sister?

Look at that. Maybe she does care about someone other than herself. Or maybe she doesn’t, and she’s still thinking about number one and doesn’t want things to get messy between Dove and me. Heaven forbid it might affect the precarious little lie she’s shrouded herself in.

Me: We’re strictly friends. I haven’t crossed any lines or anything, even though it’s none of your business.

Em: My sister IS my business, asshole. She’s too good for you.

Me: I’m glad we finally both agree on something. Now, answer my question. Why the hell haven’t you told Milo?

Em: There’s nothing for me to tell him. We’re through.

Me: You might be through with him, but you’re pregnant, and there’s a 33.3% chance that he’s the dad. He deserves to know.

Em: He doesn’t want to be a dad, remember? Maybe he wouldn’t WANT to know. It’s not like he cares, anyway.

Me: Doesn’t matter. I’ve already told you that if you don’t tell him, I will.

Em: Fine. But if you don’t stay away from Dove, I’ll tell her ALL the things you and I used to do to pass the time. Blackmail can go two ways, Gibson.

Me: Like I said. Dove and I are just friends. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you’d be okay dumping gasoline on your relationship with your sister simply to get out of taking responsibility for something.

Em: You think the unborn child in my stomach is me NOT taking responsibility for something? That’s rich, Gibbs. Bravo. You hit the nail on the head.

Aaaand, there’s the guilt she’s mastered tapping into.

I sigh and rub my hand over my face.

Me: I’ve already told you that I’ll take responsibility if the kid’s mine. When can we do a paternity test?

Em: And I’ve already told YOU that a paternity test won’t be necessary.

She’s so damn infuriating!

I take a deep breath, praying for patience when I know she’s hurting, and type my response.

Me: Do you need anything, Em? Regardless of whether or not I’m the father, I’m here for you.

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